If you are truly looking for "quality" furniture, shy away from particle
board or particle board veneers in the construction. You can often tell by
looking at the back, ends or bottom of the piece, although manufacturers are
getting better at hiding it. However, be prepared to pay.

Careful how you ask the question ... ask specifically whether there is
particle board in the construction ... in Texas, if you query a salesman
with "Is this wood?", they can legally say "yes" (and will), even if it is
constructed entirely from particle board (a wood product).

That is not to say that particle board does not have its place in furniture
building and won't suffice for budget, or even mid priced pieces that are
certainly functional ... but I would hesitate to expect to hand those piece
down to your grandkids.

After a recent flood, any furniture in my house containing PB in the
construction was considered an immediate and total loss by the insurance
company, no further questions asked. ALL the "real" wood pieces were
salvageable with a minimum of restoration for the most part.

Cabinet grade plywood is acceptable, maybe even desirable in some areas of
the construction for its dimensional stability, although the absolute best
furniture seems to be made entirely of wood with as few steps as possible
from the tree.

Again, be prepared to pay for wood construction.

--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 7/28/03



"Rick" wrote in message
Being a non-worker, I'm seeking advice on how to identify what is
quality furniture at a retail store and what is junk. Is it generally
safe to say that the more expensive stuff is better than the cheaper
stuff? Any specific retail manufucturers that produce a good product?
Any I should stay away from?

I'm going to be buying a wall unit entertainment center come this
winter and want to know what I'm halfway doing since I haven't made
any major furniture purchases in quite a while. Looking to spend
about $3000 and need a unit that will acoomodate a rear projection
HDTV.