Out of all the different types and styles of
unfinished furniture, how do you know which pieces are worth buying?
In this article, we'll discuss what to look for when selecting
unfinished furniture, what work you'll have to do to get the piece
ready, and how to fix what you've bought.
Price, unfortunately, is the first indicator. You really get what
you pay for with this furniture. Before you buy any unfinished
piece, comparison shop to get an idea of what's available. Most
unfinished furniture is pine, but some is made with other woods.
Whatever type of wood is used, the quality of the wood and the
workmanship that goes into the piece can vary tremendously.
When you find a piece of furniture you like, take a good look at it.
Is the wood clear or full of knots, smooth or rough? Cheap furniture
is usually knotty and sap-streaked; the more expensive pieces are
made with better-quality wood. What state is the wood in? Cheap
furniture is probably raw, and may have rough edges and deep saw
gouges. Good unfinished furniture is often already sanded, ready for
finishing.
Another important consideration is how well the piece of furniture
is made. Most unfinished furniture is assembled with staples driven
by a power staple gun. Unless the stapling is carefully done, the
joints may not be secure. How sturdy is the piece? Does it have
wobbly legs, or are parts of it poorly fastened together? You can
fix loose joints, but it's hard to salvage a piece that's badly
matched or falling apart completely.
Are doors and drawers aligned properly, and do they work smoothly?
If they don't, is it because they're the wrong size for the opening
or because of loosely or inaccurately fastened hardware or drawer
guides? You can deal with mechanical problems, but a part that's too
big or too small can never be adjusted. Examine all moving parts to
make sure they're cut, joined, and assembled properly. Finishing can
do a lot, but it can't remake a shoddy piece.
