subject: Tips For Finding Handmade Furniture That Will Last For Generations
[print this page] As you look at some handmade furniture, here's some information about the different types of wood used when making furniture. It's important to know that the different types of wood used lead to a different look, feel and level of quality. It can also lead to a different price so it's important to know the details of your furniture.
Handmade furniture can be made of any kind of wood, from aspen to cherry, to oak and ash, and beyond. In addition, you may think that "hardwood" means hard wood. Actually, hardwoods are made from deciduous trees (such as an aspen). Furniture made of softwoods are made from coniferous trees.
Here's a short list of hardwood trees: aspen, ash, alder, balsa, beech, birch, cherry, chestnut, elm, hickory, maple, oak, and more.
Softwoods: cedar, cyprus, fir, hemlock, pine, redwood, spruce, and more.
As you look over handmade furniture, look for dents and scratches. If a dent jumps out at you, you can probably rest assured that the wood is not sturdy and probably won't withstand hard use. Check the piece for "knots" in the wood. Knots mean the wood is susceptible to cracking. Pine, for example, is known for its knots; it may be less desirable as a piece furniture for your needs.
If your handmade furniture has plywood in it, be sure the plywood part is comprised of at least nine layers. If you're hoping to pass a piece of furniture down to your children and your children's children, stay away from furniture made of fiberboard, pressed wood and particleboard.
Check the joints. If the piece is joined together with glue, nails or staples, stay away. If you see screws, that's fine. Small wooden pegs put in to opposing holes at the joint are known as dowels, and having dowels joining your chair's parts is good. The corners of your item of handmade furniture should have a block attached at an angle for reinforcement.
If the item has drawers, look them over carefully. Check to see if the drawer slides on a groove so that the bottom of the drawer doesn't touch the bottom of its opening. Rather, it should "float" in its groove. The drawer also should have a "stop" that prevents it from sliding all the way out if it's yanked or pulled with force.
Many handmade furniture craftsman are exceedingly proud of their work -- as well they should be! They more than likely will be very happy to show you the details of their craftsmanship so that you will be able to judge the quality of the furniture piece yourself.
