On May 18, 11:31 pm, "Edwin Pawlowski" wrote:
wrote in message

oups.com...

I want to buy a dresser and have found one I like. This one

http://www.roomandboard.com/rnb/prod...d=991299&coll=...

but I don't know anything about construction and wood quality. So I'm
worried I might be paying 1500 for something that is IKEA quality.
What questions do I ask to determine if it's "worth it" for the price?

Go to IKEA. No, really, go there. Others gave you some ideas on what to
look for. If you go to a cheapfurniturestore and look at the construction,
it will give you a good idea of what you don't want to see. Feel how the
drawers slide, look at how joints are made, what material is used, etc.

As for the "worth it" question, that is very difficult to answer. I find
that in most goods, as the price doubles, the value goes up about half of
that. OTOH, goodfurniturecan last a couple of generations. Last summer I
refinished two pieces that were used and abused for over 50 years and they
look fantastic and will last at least that much longer.

*********************
Ok, forget all the mumbo-jumbo, here are the things you look for...

1. Ask what wood species the piece is made of. For example, is it
'cherry' finish or 'cherry' wood. Sometimes they will say a piece is
cherry or ash or maple, but really they mean that it is finished in
that color, and the actual wood is rubberwood or something.
2. IF the piece is solid wood, make sure they aren't using
'secondary' wood species on the side gables (for example) to lower the
quality.
3. Ask for typical signs of quality such as
- english dovetail drawers on the front and the back of the
drawer (pull the drawer out). Is the joinery rough and slapped
together, or finely crafted just so.
- look at the bottom of the drawer....is it ravaged with glue
blocks or is it solidly made- DO NOT let the salesperson trick you
into believing that glued blocks under a drawer is a 'sign of
quality.' Rather, it just means that they've cheaped out on the
construction
4. Look at the finish. Catalyzed lacquer is the most superior finish
available today. What kind of lacquer is being used to insure that the
finish will not pose a problem in the near future.
5. Quality pieces are well sanded in unusual places that you don't
normally reach for. feel inside drawers, along bottom mouldings, turn
chairs upside down.
6. Are tall pieces finished on top?
7. Are there adjustable levelers on the feet of heavy pieces?
8. How is the bed constructed. Most people tug on the footboard, but
not the headboard. Does the bed wobble or squeak?

If you need more information, check out these guys in Canada who do it
right.... www.westbrosfurniture.com. There is a section call signs of
quality, and the West Bros. difference that you will find interesting.

Good luck.

Steve