When it comes to choosing the perfect piece of wooden décor or furniture, not all wood is created equal in terms of construction, composition and quality. However, there might much not be much of a difference at buyers with an untrained eye.
To ensure the quality of your wooden pieces and get exactly what you pay for, take the time to understand the difference between low-quality and high-quality. By knowing the three questions to ask before investing in décor, you can shop smarter and have peace of mind as you make your purchase.
What’s The Wood?
The difference between the various types of woods is about much more than color or price. For example, consider the strengths some of the most commonly sold wood-types:
Oak – Durable and warp resistant; distinctly styled with its waves and swirls.
Pine – Relatively cheap and easy to paint; ideal for dining tables or art projects.
Cherry – Durable, easily polished and beautifully-colored; perfect for bedroom furniture.
Walnut – Strong, stable and classy; perfect for achieving an “antique†look.
Maple – Long-lasting and distinctly tinted; perfect for the kitchen thanks to its durability.
However, such woods are not without their potential drawbacks. For example, pine is susceptible to dents and scratches; meanwhile, woods such as walnut such as maple are costlier due to their durability.
In many cases, you get what you pay for when it comes to wooden decor; therefore, it probably makes sense for most buyers to purchase pieces which will stand the test of time.
What’s the Construction Quality?
The type of wood isn’t the be-all, end-all of wooden décor: in fact, much of a piece’s value goes beyond the surface level. Understanding how a piece was constructed can ultimately clue us in to its overall quality.
For example, any furniture that has nails or staples at the core of its construction probably won’t stand the test of time. As such pieces are poorly held together, they’re prone to falling apart. If a piece is held together by screws, however, it is more likely to hold up over time. Ideally, wooden furniture should be constructed of reinforced joints.
Potential buyers can quickly test any wooden piece of décor at a glance by simply lifting or moving it lightly by hand. While perhaps not the most scientific “test,†the piece should not squeak or wobble whatsoever. If it does, it’s more than likely victim or shoddy construction.
How About Composition?
Much like analyzing construction, understanding the composition of wooden décor requires distinct attention to detail. You can quickly gain insight into a piece’s composition by doing the following:
- Literally touching or scratching the wood to test whether or not it leaves a mark
- Handling the piece to ensure that it consists of thick layers (rather than thinner, low-quality wood)
- Checking the piece for cracks and knots which could be signs of unnatural wear
Naturally, we only want the best of the best when it comes to our home decor. By understanding the quality of wooden décor and asking the right questions, you’ll know you’re making the right decision when it’s time to buy.
