Knowing the steps on how to tell if furniture is real wood will not only guide you in getting the best pieces of furniture but also assist you in the right decisions to make while spending on furniture for your home. To most people, the aesthetics, the texture, and the durability of real wood are qualities that are still hard to beat, which is why it is important to be able to recognize these signs.
It is often difficult to determine whether a piece of furniture is made from solid wood because in many situations composite materials and veneers are used to give the impression of a wooden surface. When buying a new piece of furniture or assessing antiques, there are several ways that you can tell whether the piece in question is genuine wood.
Look for Wood Grain Patterns
You can easily learn the steps about: “how to tell if furniture is real wood” by paying close attention to the grain patterns on the surface of the furniture piece. Natural wood will have variations in grain pattern because it is made from a solid piece of wood that has grown over the years.
On the other hand, furniture made with veneers or composite wood will have noticeable patterns that are identical and therefore artificial. In addition, when looking at the surface of the furniture, pay attention to the frameworks as well. If the grain doesn’t just flow off the edges but is instead bordered by another strip then it is most definitely veneer.
Furthermore, the real wood grain will give a sense of warmth that you cannot get from the laminate or plastic look.
Considered The Weight of the Furniture
Real wood furniture is usually much more weighty than composite ones. It is dense and heavy as it is made from solid wood. If you can easily pick it up and shift it, then do not be so sure it is made of real wood. It could be some kind of wood fiber, and a resin, which are much lighter than the regular wooden counterpart.
Thus, weight is another great factor to consider since furniture made from plywood or particleboard is usually lighter than the ones made of solid wood due to transportation purposes and will not last as long as the ones made of real wood.
Analyse the Construction and Joinery
One more good sign of how to determine whether the furniture is real wood is how it is made. Dovetail, mortise, tenon and dowel are some of the traditional methods of joining together pieces of wood and are mainly used in wooden furniture, specifically for expensive or vintage designs. These joints are always made by hand and are indicative of true solid wood construction.
On the other hand, composite furniture is usually held together by screws, nails or staples and this is a clue that the item of furniture is of lower quality and made in large quantities.
As a part of a discussion about: “how to tell if furniture is real wood”, always take a look at how the drawers are made or the legs affixed to the main frame of the furniture; genuine wood furniture will be well jointed.
Smell the Wood
It is surprising but true that the smell of the furniture can also tell you if the furniture is made from real wood or not. New or raw wooden furniture has its smell depending on the species of the wood used. For example, cedar has a good smell to keep away bugs, while pine has a smell of freshness.
Other types of wood products such as particleboard or MDF may give off chemical odors from adhesives or resins used to glue the material together. In most cases, the best way to determine whether the furniture is made of real wood or not depends on how you grasp the smell of the furniture.
Examine the Price
Wood furniture is generally costlier than furniture made from veneers, MDF or particle board. The cost of solid wood is related to the quality and workmanship in addition to the type of wood used in the manufacture of the furniture. If a piece of furniture looks like it is made of wood but is much cheaper than similar pieces, the piece may not be made of real wood.
Knowing the market price of different types of wood will enable you to differentiate between a quality product and a substandard one that has been elaborately painted to mimic the appearance of solid wood.
Conclusion
Recognizing how to tell if furniture is real wood involves using a combination of sensory and practical methods, from examining the grain patterns and weight to checking for quality construction and even smelling the wood. Thus, you can be sure to choose furniture that not only looks good, but also practical, and will serve for many years. Real wood furniture are pieces that you can use through the years and even generations to come, and give your home a classic look.
If you are considering buying real wood furniture, then OAK Furniture Collection has a premium selection of furniture made from premium quality solid wood and timber. Everything in their collection is made from environmentally friendly materials so you know you’re getting quality items.
