Here at WKS Wood Design, we are passionate about woodwork of all kinds, and we take pride in our practice of this ancient craft. Woodworking is used to make a wide variety of beautiful, practical pieces, from big dining tables to small trinkets such as salt and pepper shakers. As with any other popular craft, not everyone who practices it is able to deliver the best-quality goods, and our team wants only the best for you. In this article, we’ll go over a few of the hallmarks of quality woodwork in order to help you determine whether a piece is worth buying.
- Material- The first thing to consider when evaluating a woodworking piece is the material. Ideally, the piece should be made of solid wood, but veneers over less expensive wood or even plywood may also be acceptable, as long as both are of good quality.
- Construction- Another sign of a high-quality piece of woodworking can be found in the construction– specifically, you should never see any exposed nails, screws, staples, or glue. In fact, the best woodworking tends to use these fasteners as little as possible, instead relying on joinery to keep the separate pieces fitted tightly together.
- Finish- A third thing to look at when evaluating woodworking is the finish used. It should be robust enough to hold up to any scratches and bumps that may come its way, but not so intense that it draws attention to itself. Instead, the finish should enhance the look of the natural wood grain underneath.