Buying Tips

Tip 1

Problem

Solution

Look at the timber top and see if you can see the timber joins – 4 or 5 planks in a coffee or dining table top is good, 20 to 30 should be avoided.

Few planks - Good

Many planks – Bad

Tip 2

Problem

When furniture is not sealed on the unseen parts and the timber is left in the raw state, this can cause excessive expansion or contraction of the timber which ends up with cracks appearing, corners opening up and drawers and doors jamming.

Solution

Pull out the drawer or door and look inside the cabinet or look on the underside of the table and make sure it has been coated. This way the entire piece of furniture is sealed up and expansion or contraction is kept to a minimum.

Unsealed inside – Bad

Sealed on all faces - Good

Tip 3

Problem

Solution

Check what the timber type is – hardwoods from climates similar to NZ are good as they are more stable and less likely to dent and move. Check under the furniture looking at the exposed edges; are they solid timber or a veneer on MDF?

Tip 4

Problem

Construction techniques in the making of furniture can vary.

Solution

Look for signs of good manufacturing like dovetailed drawers, quality hardware, tight joins, well coated even stain finish, attention to detail.

Quality Dovetailed Drawer

Quality Drawer Runner

Tip 5

Problem

Unsustainably logged timbers used in furniture is damaging to the planet.

Solution

Ask where the timber on a piece of furniture was sourced from. The seller should be able to provide this information. Timbers which are FSC or PEFC certified are grown as sustainable forests and are a good choice.