How can you tell if furniture is solid wood?

If your furniture is difficult to push, it's probably made of real wood. If it's light and easy to move, it's probably a fake.

Real wood

has a distinctive grain pattern and not quite symmetrical. If you notice that the grain has small variations, it's a good indication that it's real.

A great indicator of solid wood is the dovetail construction. Your furniture may still have veneered fronts, but it's most likely made of solid wood if you see that tab and slot construction where the drawer connects to the front of the drawer connects to the front of the drawer. The easiest way to identify real wood furniture is by its weight. Real wood weighs much more than its artificial counterpart.

The solid construction of a piece of real wood is not only more durable but also much stronger. If you can see under a piece of furniture, be sure to check the bottom. If you see unfinished wood on the bottom, it's probably real wood and not a veneer or laminate. When you look at the bottom, do you notice that it has the same look and pattern as the wood at the top? Another clue that this piece is made of real wood.

Look at the bottom of the piece. Does it look like the same wood as the one above to you? If not, it is most likely plated. In solid wood pieces, the wood will look the same both in the visible and in the hidden parts (or almost the same as how the best part of a board is usually turned). Most likely, the lower part is some kind of plywood or veneered wood.

Some sheet metal designs include cross-grain designs, such as edge bands, which are impossible to achieve with solid wood, says Nikki Hunt, director of Design Intervention. As there is a thin layer of wood glued to another wooden board, the upper veneer also tends to peel off at the edges, especially if the furniture is next to the window and is exposed to heat, cold, humidity and rain. If there is a visible part that looks different from the rest (thin material on the top and material different from the rest), you most likely have a piece of furniture made of sheet metal or MDF. Be sure to do your research online, on the phone, or elsewhere to ensure you get the exact furniture you want without unexpected surprises.

However, if you can provide a uniform environment in your home, real wood furniture will be minimally affected by humidity or large changes in temperature. While it's worth the extra investment, real wood furniture is simply more expensive than artificial wood pieces. While real wood furniture certainly has a lot of advantages, it may not be the best decision for everyone. There are a variety of different types of wood furniture available on the market, so it's important to research carefully before making your purchase.

Furniture made entirely of solid wood is more expensive than furniture made with a combination of veneer and solid wood. For example, solid oak, solid cherry, solid walnut, solid mahogany, it is most likely made of solid wood. It's also important to follow the proper care and cleaning procedures for real wood furniture to protect your investment. If a piece is a single piece of steam-bent solid wood, it will last longer and look more elegant than pieces made with thin strips of laminated wood.

It can be more difficult to distinguish quality upholstered furniture, since its frame is often hidden by fabric. Many veneers are made of real wood, and just because a piece of furniture has veneer doesn't mean it's not of good quality or durable.

Hardwood furniture and floors

are also more susceptible to moisture, mildew, and household insects, such as ants and termites. .