You may think you don't need a lesson in shopping, but when it comes to purchasing oak furniture a little knowledge and preparation beforehand will ensure you pick up the very best pieces possible. There are a few considerations to be made before heading out to look for furniture and this article will act as a brief guide on what to look out for, what decisions need to be made beforehand and how to ensure you come away with the right pieces for your home.

First of all it is important to mention why anyone would choose oak furniture over cheaper alternatives. Yes, oak furniture has a greater up front cost, but when you consider the long term value it is well worth the effort. Oak is a very hard wearing dense wood that has been used for centuries to craft exquisite furniture and pieces for the home. It withstands everyday wear and tear much better than cheaper alternatives such as oak which means is will never need replacing especially if you look after well. Oak furniture is more of an investment than simply a way to furnish your home. You will have many years of enjoyment from the furniture, it won't need replacing through wear and tear and can even be passed down to your children. Oak furniture often becomes heirlooms in this way as it contains a traditional charm about it that furniture made from other materials does not.

When you have decided that you would like to choose oak furniture it is important to ask yourself a few questions first. Oak is a versatile wood and can be used to create modern contemporary furniture as well as traditional rustic varieties. It is available in a whole variety of colours and tones which is how it is able to fit in so well with all styles of home. If you have a very contemporary house with modern furniture, then it is best to purchase oak furniture that is lighter rather than darker. Darker furniture is much more suitable for very traditional houses. The next consideration to make is whether or not you will purchase solid oak furniture or that which simply has an oak veneer. Of course solid oak is more expensive but a veneer can come with problems.

It has been known for veneer furniture to begin showing signs of wear not long after purchase. A veneer means that although the furniture has a genuine oak finish, this is merely a layer that has been attached to a softer, cheaper wood underneath. Although the appearance is oak and therefore extremely attractive, the strength is simply not there and the veneer could start to bubble, crack or even peel. Warping is another problem of oak veneers. Be aware of veneers when out looking for furniture too because it is possible that it being passed off as solid oak when the reality is quite different.

How the furniture is put together is something else that is very important to look out for. Joints that have been glued together are not as durable as joints that have been made with wooden joists. Consequently the furniture is of decreased value. Studying the inside of drawers and the underside of the furniture will provide a good indication of the level of craftsmanship. The better the work, the better quality and value of the furniture.

The final consideration to be made is where the wood has come from. The wood should come from a sustainable source and it is prudent to check with the seller that it has done so. This of course only applies to brand new furniture, and not to antique pieces or one-off designs.

When you want to buy oak furniture, have a really good look online and in shops around you before choosing. Whether it is an oak wardrobe, oak coffee tables or some other type of furniture it is important to consider the above questions before parting with money. If you follow the above advice however you will end up with beautiful furniture that will give you many years of enjoyment.