What is meant by Real
Wood?
According to the National
Unfinished Furniture Association, real wood furniture is defined as
furniture made of all natural wood or plywood, except that unexposed
backs and drawer bottoms may contain fiberboard. Real wood
furniture contains absolutely no particleboard.
What is meant by Solid
Wood?
Solid Wood means that all
exposed parts of the furniture are made of solid board, either softwood
or hardwood lumber. No veneers or particle boards are used. When solid
boards are used in furniture construction, they are glued together side
by side along the edges. Often, a number of boards are used to make the
wood more stable and reduce the chance of warping. Solid board can
always be identified by following a seam to the end, where you will find
the "end" grain. Many veneers are glued over the edges to look like
solid wood, but they will always be faced on the end and show no end
grain.
What is Veneer?
Veneer can help you achieve
the look you desire at a cost lower than solid lumber. Veneer is a thin
layer of wood applied in sheets over underlying layers of plywood.
Originally developed to be an art form, veneer can be cut as thin as a
dime and in intricate patterns. Uniform graining can be achieved, unlike
the more random graining of solid wood.
When is plywood a good
idea?
When strength and stability
are needed. Plywood is made of thin layers of solid wood glued over each
other with grains running at 90-degree angles to produce a strong core.
It is used to provide maximum stability on the sides of desks,
entertainment centers and other units where solid woods would crack and
warp. A veneer is often glued on top and sides for an even and
attractive appearance.
What is particle board?
Particle board is made by
gluing chips and particles of wood together and pressing them into
sheets, upon which a veneer can be glued. Hardness is determined by the
specific density of the wood, not by whether a tree is classified as a
"hardwood" or "softwood."
Does price reflect
quality?
Yes. Just as with other
commodities, the price of a piece of furniture increases when its
quality improves. Higher prices reflect refinements in grades of wood
and better construction features. The benefits to you: Less sanding and
prepping work to finish.
What are the differences
in drawer construction?
Drawer construction is generally a good indication of overall furniture
quality. Some drawers have no guides. The lack of guides allows more
"play" and can cause the drawer to bind when it is opened and closed.
Others have wood-to-wood center guides, nylon-to-wood center guides,
side-mounted roller guides or center-mounted metal guides. Roller guides
and center-mounted metal guides normally have built-in drawer stops, and
some have lifetime warranties for drawer operation. Many drawers have
glue-blocks to strengthen the bottom. Most ready-to-finish chests have
wood drawer bottoms not always the case with prefinished furniture. Now,
as in the past, doweled and dovetailed drawer joints indicate a high
degree of craftsmanship. However, modern machine technology, good
bonding glue and pneumatically driven staples coated with resin have
afforded savings in construction while providing durability.
Is furniture finishing
hard to do?
Using our step-by-step
instructions, finishing is fun and easy. Match your existing décor or
start fresh. With today's finishing products, the possibilities are
almost endless. Create your own style; express your individuality.
What supplies are needed,
other than the stains?
For most finishing
projects, you will need a drop cloth, clean rags, paint brushes (bristle
and foam), sandpaper or 3M sanding pads, q-tips and paper towels. If
using oil-based finishes, have mineral spirits handy for cleanup.
Does the furniture require
any assembly?
Most items are fully
assembled. There are some exceptions: Table legs and pedestals require
attachment using the bolts provided; stools need to have the top swivel
seat attached using the bolts provided; desks need to have the
components attached to each other using the screws provided; since each
bed frame has slightly different holes to attach the headboard, you do
need to drill the holes and attach the headboard using the bolts
provided. In all cases assembly is straightforward and simple.
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