Recognizing Fine Furniture

Wood Selection

• Insist on premium grade hardwood for finer, more even grain and color.
• Look for wide, thick boards with well-matched grain and color.
• Avoid "glue-ups", thin pieces of wood laminated together.

Joinery

• Mortise and tenon joinery is the strongest wood-to-wood connection and allows for contraction and expansion of wood.
• Wood pegs, flush with surface, should finish openings.
• Frame and panel construction in cabinets and case goods accommodates natural expansion and contraction.
• Drawers should show the same quality of materials and craftsmanship as the rest of the piece, with dovetailed or hand-pegged stub mortise joints.
• Drawers should be smoothly finished on inside, back and sides.

Craftsmanship

• Drawers should open and close easily, flush with the piece.
• Drawers should have an even gap all around the face.
• Full-extension glide system on drawer bottom allows drawer to extend fully without falling out.
• Backs of furnishings should be solid wood, as well-finished as front and sides.
• Avoid particle board or composite backs, often simply nailed on.

Finishing

• Be wary of stains used to hide uneven color and quality.
• Oil and wax finishes are not water, heat or stain resistant, are more difficult to maintain and allow wood to dry out.
• Catalyzed lacquer finish enhances wood¡¯s natural beauty, provides long-lasting protection from water, alcohol, stains, heat and cold.

Responsible Use of Resources

• Look for the "tree and checkmark" logo that means wood is Forest Stewardship Council-certified, sustainability forested and harvested.