What to Keep in Mind When Buying Wooden Furniture

Furniture has a way of breathing life into a new home or sprucing up an existing one. Furniture made of real wood in particular has a timeless beauty and a natural warmth that is unmatched by any other material. If you are in the market for a wooden piece of furniture, whether it's a real wood bench, storage bench, shoe bench, console table, or wooden chairs, here are some factors to keep in mind before making a purchase.

1. Determine the type of wood: One of the critical factors to consider when choosing wooden furniture is what type of wood to go for. While there are different types of wood available, each of them has a unique grain pattern, level of hardness, and color. For instance, pine wood is less expensive and softer than cherry, oak, or maple. However, pine may not be ideal for heavy-use furniture since it is prone to dents and scratches. If you are looking for a long-lasting and sturdy piece of furniture, you may want to consider hardwoods such as cherry, oak, maple, or walnut.

2. Stain options: Wooden furniture can be stained in a variety of ways, which allows for customization of the piece to the color and feel that you like. Many wooden benches, tables, and chairs come in a natural finish or clear coat, while others can be tinted to a particular color choice. These days, more commonly, you'll find a variety of unique and nuanced stain finishes that can help match a piece to your room's existing color palette or make the piece stand out as a focal point.

3. Length options: While the styling and features of a wooden bench or table may initially catch your eye, it's important to also consider the appropriate length for the space you plan on placing the furniture in. When browsing online, be sure to pay attention to the listed dimensions of the product to see if it matches your needs.

4. Quality construction: Like any piece of furniture, the durability and finished appearance- is dependent on the construction quality. Invest in a high-quality piece of furniture with close attention to the details of the construction, such as how joints are mitered "together," how the bench legs are "joined," and how the slats are "attached." This attention to detail will ensure the piece you purchase lasts a lifetime.

5. Work with a trusted maker or vendor: Purchasing wooden furniture from a reputable vendor or maker is always a good idea. This ensures that you are buying a high-quality and well-crafted item that will serve you for many years to come. Ezekiel and Stearns is a perfect example of a trusted and respected St. Louis furniture maker with a long history of producing high-quality wooden furniture. They offer an extensive selection of products and are known for their excellent customer service.

There's no denying the beauty and durability of wooden furniture, and with a bit of care and attention to detail when selecting a piece, it is a worth-while investment. When you are out shopping or browsing a vendor's website, keep in mind the above factors to make the best decision for your budget, style, and needs. Whether you're looking for a real wood bench, a wooden table, or a set of chairs, take your time to find the piece that speaks to you and meets your needs. With the right construction, wood type, finish, length, and vendor, you'll have a piece of furniture that will last a lifetime.