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 d�cor 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.
