Buying Guide
How to Choose Solid Wood Furniture
A practical checklist for buying solid wood furniture that lasts: what to look for, what to ask, and what to avoid.
Solid wood furniture should feel substantial. If a piece feels light for its size, that's a clue — many "wood" pieces are actually veneer over particleboard.
Look at the joints. Dovetail drawers and mortise-and-tenon legs are signs of real construction. Stapled corner blocks are not.
Ask about the wood species. Mesquite, oak, walnut, alder, and pine all behave differently. Mesquite is dense and durable. Walnut is darker and shows wear more visibly. Pine is lighter and softer — beautiful, but better for low-traffic rooms.
Finally, ask how the piece was finished. Hand-rubbed oil finishes age beautifully and can be refreshed. Heavy lacquer can look great on day one and crack on day five thousand.