Learn how to identify quality furniture by spotting red flags and key features like materials, joinery, finish, and sustainability for a lasting investment.
Many people find it challenging to distinguish between good quality furniture and those that only look the part. At a glance, experts can spot the difference, but it is slightly tricky for buyers to spot.
Manufacturers often cut corners with cheaper materials or poor construction techniques, making it hard to tell if you’re getting the real deal or a fleeting facade.
How do you tell if a piece of furniture is of good quality? This guide will help you solve that problem.
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Top Red Flags to Avoid
When shopping for furniture, spotting some flaws early will save you from buyer’s remorse later. Here are key red flags to watch out for:
Signs of Mass Production
Mass-produced furniture often sacrifices quality for speed and cost efficiency, as the furniture mass-production industry is highly flawed.
Look out for flimsy materials, such as particleboard or thin veneers, which are more prone to damage over time. Pay attention to finishing details.
Are there rough edges, uneven paint, or visible staples? These shortcuts signal that the piece is more about appearances than durability.
Unusual Smells
If a piece of furniture gives off a strong chemical odour, it’s worth investigating. Most cheap furniture pieces are constructed from composite materials, which often release chemicals into the air.
Unusual smells from furniture pieces could indicate low-quality adhesives, finishes, or synthetic materials that may be less durable and potentially harmful to your health.
Lack of Warranty or Return Policy
A furniture seller’s confidence in their product often shows in their warranties or return policies. If there’s no warranty or a very limited one, it’s a red flag that the piece may not hold up over time.
Walmart, The Home Depot, and West Elm provide a 30-day return window, whereas Ashley Furniture and Furniture Manila allow returns within a much shorter timeframe of 72 hours to seven days.
However, return policies often involve more than just the time limit. Some retailers only permit returns for exchanges, while others offer store credit instead of refunds, adding another layer of complexity to the process.
Related read: Common Mistakes To Avoid When Buying A Dining Table
7 Best Ways to Identify Quality Furniture
Attention to key characteristics and details can ensure your furniture lasts for years while offering excellent value for money. Here are the best ways to identify quality furniture:
1. Materials Used
The materials used in furniture construction significantly affect its durability and appearance. High-quality wood, such as oak, maple, or mahogany, is an excellent choice for long-lasting furniture.
On the other hand, particleboard or MDF is more affordable but lacks the strength and longevity of solid wood. Metal furniture should be made of stainless steel or wrought iron for durability and resistance to rust.
Particleboard or MDF furniture is susceptible to swelling, warping, and breaking when exposed to moisture, as one homeowner discovered after regretting a $22,000 kitchen remodel. While they are cost-effective alternatives used for years, they lack the durability and strength of solid wood or plywood.
2. Joinery
Quality furniture relies on mortise-and-tenon or dovetail joinery, which ensures stability and strength. Inspect the joints of the furniture.
Avoid pieces held together by visible nails, screws, or glue, as these are signs of low-quality construction. A well-made joint will be seamless and secure without wobbling.
3. Weight and Balance
Due to the density of the materials used, sturdy furniture often has a noticeable weight. Lightweight furniture may indicate poor-quality construction or materials.
Check for balance as well—uneven legs or wobbly components suggest subpar craftsmanship. For instance, a well-made dining table will sit firmly on the floor without rocking.
4. Finish
The finish of the furniture speaks volumes about its quality. High-end pieces have smooth, even finish without bubbles, drips, or rough patches.
For wooden furniture, ensure the stain or paint enhances the wood grain rather than hiding imperfections. Additionally, quality finishes resist scratches and stains, ensuring the piece maintains its appeal over time.
Read also: 7 Amazing Tricks To Achieve A Shiny Wood Finish
5. Drawer and Door Quality
For furniture with drawers or doors, smooth operation is essential. High-quality drawers glide effortlessly on their tracks and should have stops to prevent them from pulling out entirely.
Doors should open and close without creaking or misalignment. Test these components to ensure durability and proper functionality.
6. Cushioning and Upholstery
For upholstered furniture, examine the cushioning and fabric quality. Cushions should provide firm, even support and retain their shape after use.
High-density foam or down feathers are excellent indicators of durability. Upholstery materials like leather or tightly woven fabrics, seamlessly sewn, should be durable and resist wear.
According to Sofa Spectacular, double stitching or reinforced seams are hallmarks of superior craftsmanship, as they ensure the durability and resilience of a sofa under daily wear and tear.
7. Sustainability
Sustainably made furniture uses eco-friendly materials and ethical production methods. Look for certifications like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) for wood or MAS Certified Green, eco-friendly certification and rating for office furniture.
The AFRDI Certificate checks a product’s strength, durability, and safety. GREENGUARD certification highlights furniture with low chemical emissions, with Gold-level products tested for over 15,000 VOCs. FEMB Level certification focuses on sustainability for buyers and manufacturers.
Certification holds manufacturers accountable for sustainable practices and serves as a mark of credibility and compliance with industry regulations. Be sure to check for these labels when making your next purchase!
Conclusion
Poorly manufactured furniture is increasingly prevalent in markets, particularly through online stores, where cheap materials and shoddy construction often go unnoticed. These low-quality pieces may look appealing at first glance but quickly show signs of wear, leading to disappointment and wasted investment.
At the point of purchase or delivery, check out for red flags such as uneven finishes, visible staples, or weak joints held together with nails or glue. Additionally, check for lightweight construction, chemical odors, or a lack of warranty, all of which signal subpar quality.
