We admit, we’re a little biased when it comes to wood furniture. As the world’s largest manufacturer of teak shower benches, we’re all about providing a quality piece of furniture to our clients. But if you’re looking to buy a good piece of wooden furniture, what should you be looking for?

Keep reading for a few tips on what makes a good piece, and a few things to avoid.

• First and foremost, make sure the piece you have your eye on is manufactured from quality wood. Ideally, it should be a hardwood that’s both scratch and dent resistant. If you’re considering engineered wood, make sure it’s not layers of cheap stuff covered by a top that only looks good.
• Next, take a look at how the piece is built, and if it’s sturdy overall. For a desk, make sure drawers open smoothly on glides and have a stop to keep them from easily coming out. Joinery that features reinforced corners and dust panels is another sign of excellent quality. If the piece is a table or chairs, give it a small shake to see how solid it is.
• Finally, take a good look at the finish of the wood, and be sure to do so from different angles. Quality finishes come from careful sanding, staining, and finishing. The color should reflect that with a rich and deep hue. A poor finish will have scratches, blotches, and a wood color that’s inconsistent.
• A few things to avoid like the plague are pieces that seem wobbly or squeak if you softly shake it. Joints should never be held together with nails or staples. The back and sides of drawers shouldn’t be unexposed or fit badly. The stain should never look uneven or have spots that are dark and clearly visible. The finish should not have any bubbles or dust specks, and there should be no areas that feel rough.