Don't Be Fooled - Know What To Look For When Shopping For Rustic Furniture

As more rustic and log furniture dealers keep popping up there is a larger selection of products available today than there used to be a few years ago. Along with this larger selection is a larger diversity of quality. Knowing what to look for before you buy can save you grief when you get it home!

Rustic furniture stores are not common in every town so many shoppers resort to looking online to make their purchase. The problem with this is you are making your decisions based on the content on the website and pictures which are often manipulated to give you the impression that you are getting better quality than you are. Here is where you need to look for important information and not be afraid to ask questions. Lets start with the beds.

Log beds come in different sizes and looks. Some people prefer a smooth uniform look while others prefer seeing the natural contour of the logs with all of the natural character. Either kind is fine if it is made well. Look for 2 inch tenons where the top and bottom rail go into the corner posts and at least 1 ½ inch tenons on the spindles. Some manufacturers use 1 ½ inch tenons for both to streamline the building process. I have seen the smaller tenon snap off when an assembled headboard fell over. A hardwood such as Hickory may be fine using the smaller tenon, but not Cedar or Pine.

Another item to look for is to make sure the spindles fit tight to the top and bottom rails of the bed. When some companies mass produce beds, the log diameters may be different and this is not compensated for leaving a large portion of the tenon exposed. Structurally this isn't as critical, but it doesn't look like good quality.

I am often asked, "Which is better, a metal or a wooden bed frame?" If it is made well, either one is fine. I would recommend beds utilizing 2 side rails on each side for wooden frames. One side rail just isn't enough for long-term use and will become wobbly over time. The metal bed frames should be made of heavy duty metal instead of standard frames that you find at most stores.

Dressers, chests, and nightstands can also be made in many sizes shapes and styles. The most important issue here is if the case was assembled using screws or staples. Screws are the way to go. They simply hold better! The drawers should be made using a dovetail or sliding dovetail joint. A simple box joint just butting the ends together and stapling just does not make a strong drawer and it will not last.

Tables, chairs, and stands should set level and not rock on the floor. Some manufacturers will use the "good enough" philosophy. I have heard builders say "It's rustic" as excuse for poor craftsmanship. The manufacturer should take the time to make sure all joints fit well.

An undervalued component of quality rustic furniture is the finish. A good finish can make a poorly made piece of furniture look great. But, a poor finish will make a very well constructed piece look bad. Look for runs, bubbles, missed spots, and yes even dirt, pencil marks and chalk under the finish. The dresser drawers should be finished as well. Some manufacturers leave these unfinished. Sometimes the finish has not been sanded well between coats of finish and the result will be a finish that is rough to the touch. Rustic furniture should be rustic and yet not feel like you are going to get a splinter!

Knowing what questions to ask will help you make a purchase you will be happy with. You pay good money for your furniture. Demand quality! Taking a little time shopping before you buy may keep you happy a year or two down the road. Discover the difference between a manufacturer and a craftsman.


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