"Steve" wrote in message

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.

Ahh, yes ... the much maligned hevea brasiliensis, which simply resists
being used in quality construction regardless of the craftsman's attempts.

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.

Where's the "side gable" in piece of furniture?

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.

Won't half-blind "american dovetails" do on a drawer?

- 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

Yeah, watch out for those ravaging glue blocks ... they have to be
registered in most places.

4. Look at the finish. Catalyzed lacquer is the most superior finish
available today.

Hmmm ... pre or post? Anyone want to buy some shellac?

What kind of lacquer is being used to insure that the
finish will not pose a problem in the near future.

Just ask the salesman, he'll tell you ... for sure!

5. Quality pieces are well sanded in unusual places that you don't
normally reach for. feel inside drawers,

That depends entirely upon what the saleslady looks like.

along bottom mouldings, turn chairs upside down.

.... and be sure to stay away from 150 year old antiques still going strong.

6. Are tall pieces finished on top?

Too short? Don't ask, don't look.

7. Are there adjustable levelers on the feet of heavy pieces?

Yep, real sign of quality ... never see these on cheap furniture!

8. How is the bed constructed. Most people tug on the footboard, but
not the headboard. Does the bed wobble or squeak?

Tug? There is only one, manly, way to find out whether a bed wobbles or
squeaks. Maybe that saleslady can help?

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.

LOL ... sure thing, brought to you by the folks who claim that:

"The term "solid wood" may be confusing to some consumers, since both solid
and veneered woods are of solid wood construction. In fact, veneers are made
from many pieces of plywood material which remain after a tree is milled."

Good luck.

Steve

Yes sir ... with that kind of "mumbo jumbo", he'll certainly need all he can
get.

--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 2/20/07
KarlC@ (the obvious)