Some things to know when you want to buy good furniture that will stand the test of time. Look for:
~ Good scratch-resistant woods that you can run your fingernail over without leaving a mark
~ Wood that has no "knots." Knots are a weak point in the wood and may crack.
~ Good joint construction. Dove tail joints or mortise and tenon joints are best. If nails or staples are all that's holding a joint together, you can't expect it to last long.
~ Make sure drawers have good slides and stops to avoid safety issues, like the drawers falling all the way out. And drawers should all have a dust panel between them. It stops things from falling from one drawer down to another, but also adds extra strength to the piece
~ All table and dresser legs should be touching the floor to avoid wobbling.
~ Foam cushions should all be wrapped with cotton or down, and the foam should have a density of 1.8 pounds or higher.
~ Springs should be well-constructed; either hand-tied coil springs or other springs that are evenly spaced to offer good even support
These are some of things that mark the difference between great furniture and so-so furniture that will just get you through a year or two with your active family. The kind of high-end furniture Distinctive Interiors will find for your home, will never disappoint -- we don't want to sell you anything we don't trust ourselves!
