Furniture can be expensive. Whether you’re buying a couch, a dining table, or a dresser, you want it to hold up—not fall apart in a year.
But price doesn’t always mean quality. Some high-end pieces are poorly made, while affordable ones can surprise you. The trick is knowing what to look for before you buy.
Here’s how to spot furniture that’s built to last.
Check the Frame
Start with the bones of the piece. For upholstered furniture like sofas and chairs, a solid frame is key. You want hardwoods like oak, maple, or ash. These resist warping and cracking better than soft woods like pine.
Avoid frames made of particleboard, MDF, or plastic. These materials can feel sturdy at first but often break down with time and use.
A good test? Lift one end of the couch and twist slightly. If it creaks, flexes, or feels wobbly, the frame probably isn’t strong.
Look at the Joints
How the furniture is held together matters. High-quality pieces use sturdy joinery—methods like dovetail, mortise and tenon, or dowel joints. These create a tight, stable connection.
If you see glue and staples holding everything together, that’s a red flag. These shortcuts don’t hold up over time.
Also, check for corner blocks—extra pieces of wood inside the corners of chairs or couches. These provide extra support and are a sign of solid construction.
Feel the Weight
Heavy furniture is usually a good sign. Denser woods and sturdy frames weigh more than cheap substitutes. If a large dresser feels surprisingly light, it may be made of thin panels or particleboard.
For tables and desks, try gently shaking the piece. If the legs feel loose or the top wobbles, walk away. Quality furniture stays put.
Examine the Finish
Wood furniture should have a smooth, even finish with no rough patches or drips. Run your hand along the surface. You shouldn’t feel bumps, seams, or sticky spots.
Stains should bring out the grain—not cover it completely. Paint should be clean and chip-free. Avoid anything with a strong chemical smell. That can signal cheap paint or finish that might wear off or release harmful fumes.
If the piece is already scratched or chipped in the store, expect it to wear fast at home.
Check out this guide on types of wood finishes for an in-depth look at your options.
Test the Drawers and Doors
Open every drawer. They should glide smoothly—not stick, squeak, or wobble. Good drawers are set on metal glides or even wood runners that keep them straight and balanced.
Look for dovetail joints at the corners of the drawers. These interlocking cuts hold up better than simple glued joints.
Cabinet doors should swing easily and close without force. Hinges should feel firm and not bend or squeak. Magnetic or soft-close mechanisms are a nice bonus, but not a requirement for quality.
For Upholstery: Feel the Support
Sit down. Bounce once. Then settle.
A quality sofa or chair should feel firm and balanced. The cushions should spring back instead of sinking or feeling lumpy. If you sink too far down or feel the frame underneath, the padding or springs may be low quality.
Ask what’s inside the cushions. High-density foam lasts longer and holds its shape better. Lower-quality foam will flatten fast.
Look underneath the cushions too. Webbing, sinuous springs, or eight-way hand-tied springs are all common. The last one is a premium choice known for comfort and durability.
Inspect the Fabric
Durable fabric is key, especially in high-traffic areas. Look for tightly woven materials like microfiber, canvas, leather, or high-performance blends. These resist pilling, tearing, and stains.
Avoid thin fabrics or loose weaves unless it’s a decorative piece you don’t use much.
Patterns should be aligned at the seams, and stitching should be tight and straight. Loose threads or uneven seams are signs of rushed or careless work.
Ask About the Warranty
A good furniture maker stands behind their work. Ask about the warranty. Most quality pieces offer at least a one-year warranty, and many go beyond that.
Pay attention to what’s actually covered. Some cover only the frame, while others include fabric, springs, or drawers. If the store or brand offers no warranty at all, that’s a warning sign.
Research the Brand
Do a quick check on the brand. Read reviews. Look for complaints about sagging cushions, broken drawers, or peeling finishes. One or two bad reviews isn’t a big deal—but a pattern of poor quality is.
Smaller or local makers may not have many reviews, but you can still ask the store how long they’ve carried the line and what customer feedback has been like.
Good furniture doesn’t have to cost a fortune, but it should fit your budget and lifestyle. If you’re furnishing a new space, it helps to prioritize your furniture spending based on what matters most: durability, comfort, and long-term value.
Check the frame, test the joints, sit on it, pull the drawers, and run your hands over the surface. If something feels off in the store, it will feel worse at home.
The best furniture is the kind you don’t have to think about again for years. Build your space one solid piece at a time—and your wallet will thank you later.
