Investing in quality solid wood furniture can be a difficult task. If you are designing a new home or remodeling it, you should be aware that it's very important to invest in quality pieces that can stand the test of time.

Wood furniture can be divided into three categories: solid wood, wood veneer and particle board.

• Solid wood is the most expensive, but when you buy a solid wood piece, you know that are paying for quality.

• Veneers have a piece of quality wood on the outside but a composite material on the inside to save costs, which makes it less expensive but also less durable.

• Particle board is the least expensive of the three and it does one you will find in most of the big retailers. It often won’t stand the test of time.

There are always space and time for each of the options, and you can decide accordingly to your budget and needs. If your decision goes to solid wood furniture there are some things you should check before you buy it.

Joints

This is one of the most visible determinants of an investment piece. Check the joints of the furniture and stray away from furniture with visible glue or nails at the joints because they aren’t as effective in the long term. Dowels and screws will stand the test of time, but If you’re looking for a piece that will last a long time, look for dovetail joints (they look like interlocking teeth) or mortise-and-tenon joints (a narrow section of one side fitted into a hole in the other).

Construction

Don't forget that you are investing in a large quality piece that should last a lifetime so don't be afraid of really checking it out. Wiggle the table legs, knock on the tabletop, test the knobs, look under the piece, open the doors. It’s perfectly fine for you to want to be absolutely sure that it meets your standards.

Trust the professionals. If you’re working with an architect or an interior designer, don’t be afraid to ask their opinion on the quality of a piece. They’ve seen lots of furniture and have their own tricks to help you find the perfect piece.