Wood Furniture

It used to be that solid-wood construction was the gold standard. But some of the best manufacturers are now producing pieces using strong, resilient engineered wood (such as particleboard) for the foundation, then layering veneers — thin slices of a beautiful wood, such as mahogany, cherry, or maple — on top. Well-made veneered pieces are every bit as beautiful and sturdy as solid-wood pieces. Here are more tips to help you spot the good stuff.

1. Doors
High-quality cabinets often have doors made with solid-wood frames, so they feel substantial. But they should never be so heavy that they destabilize the piece when opened. Closed, doors should be flush with the front of the piece. Clean, elegant knife hinges are designed to be barely visible and are therefore very desirable. The doors’ hardware should complement the style of the furniture and not be just a mass-produced stock design.

2. Legs
Although a table or an armoire may have a main body made up of veneers over furniture-quality plywood, the legs on a well- constructed piece should be carved from solid wood. Legs that have a curved, graceful shape are generally a sign of good workmanship. (Square peg legs are easier to mass-produce.)

3. Veneers
Veneers can be dramatic (a cross section taken from the bottom of a tree) or sculptural (like the reeded ones shown here). Over time, a shoddily made veneered top may chip at the edges. To prevent this, some of the better manufacturers apply a band of solid wood around edges, as on the piece shown here.

4. Drawers
If the drawers’ joints are dovetailed (the wedge-shaped tenons on one piece interlock with corresponding spaces on the other piece, as shown at left), you know the piece is solidly built. The surfaces inside the drawers should be smooth. Drawers should glide in and out easily and have stops that prevent them from being yanked out of their frames.