To identify genuine solid hardwood furniture, you can use the following methods:
1. Examine the Wood Grain:
- Genuine solid hardwood furniture has natural and fluid wood grain with a certain pattern of variation. Carefully observe the grain on the surface of the furniture to see if there are any signs of splicing or discontinuity. The grain of solid hardwood furniture has natural color differences and some variation in texture.
2. Check the Joints:
- solid hardwood furniture uses joining techniques that do not result in large areas of consistent grain, but the grain on two adjacent surfaces is consistent, appearing smooth and natural. Veneered furniture has a grain that is identical over large areas, which can look very rigid.
3. Distinguish Frame Solid Wood:
- Frame solid wood refers to furniture that only has a solid wood frame, while the larger pieces are made of plates. Such furniture won't use high-quality wood, and the structure is usually fixed with nails. You can check the stability of the furniture by shaking it.
4. Inspect Tiny Nail Holes:
- For frame solid hardwood furniture, the nails may become loose after two years due to thermal expansion and contraction. Check the nail holes for any signs of loosening.
5. Smell the Furniture:
- Pure wood has its own distinct smell, which remains even after long-term storage or painting. Plates may have no smell or a chemical odor.
6. Knock and Listen:
- Knock on the furniture; solid wood pieces will produce a crisp sound, while plates will have a dull sound, and laminated products will make a drum-like sound.
7. Weigh the Furniture:
- By weighing, you can compare the weight. Fake wood is relatively lighter, while genuine solid wood is heavier because it's made of real wood.
8. Identify the Type of Wood:
- What type of wood the solid wood is made from directly affects the price and quality. Prices can vary by several times from the cheapest pines and oaks to expensive mahogany.
9. Consider the Manufacturer's Location:
- Pay attention to the origin of the solid hardwood furniture manufacturer because the wood's moisture content can be affected by climate, leading to potential cracking and deformation.
10. Look for Wood Defects:
- The major defects in solid wood are cracks, knots, wormholes, and mold. Check all details carefully before purchasing.
11. Examine the Connections:
- High-quality solid hardwood furniture uses mortise and tenon joints and is reinforced with screws and protection blocks in areas with high localized weight-bearing.
By using these methods, you can more accurately determine whether a piece of furniture is genuine solid hardwood furniture.