Costco Connection - July 2008

for your home

Details matter

The fine points of selecting top-quality furniture

BUYING FURNITURE is both exciting and a bit of a challenge. New furniture adds dimension and function to your household. This is especially true of case goods—furniture intended to provide interior storage such as chests of drawers, armoires and entertainment centers, as well as furniture sold in sets, such as bedroom and dining room collections. The following tips, provided by Costco’s furniture buying team, will help you find case goods that will last.

Material. Look for furniture made of hardwoods, such as cherry, maple, ash and oak, as they are much more durable than soft woods such as pine.

Joinery. Seek pieces that feature dovetail construction, as this joinery technique prevents joints from pulling apart. The drawers should be aligned when mounted, and the gap tolerance around them should not exceed an one-eighth of an inch.

Watch your back. Check the back of each piece. Poorly made furniture will have stapled backs. Look for pieces with fully finished backs that have been inset and fastened

with screws.

Check your drawers. Bedroom sets should have cedar-lined drawers, as this special feature helps preserve fine clothing.

Hardware. Did the manufacturer use solid metal hardware or hollow? Furniture companies often use hollow hardware as a

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Brett Jackson

Furniture Buyer

FRANCE FREEMAN

AESTHETICALLY, the Kayla Collection is the quintessential girly girl’s bedroom set, but that’s not the reason I’m highlighting it. Quality-wise, this set incorporates all the features of fine furniture, which ensures it will stand up to any pajama party. The collection has dovetail joinery on all drawers with full-extension glides. All pieces use

cost-saving measure, but this practice sacrifices strength. Full-extension ball-bearing glides should operate smoothly. All hardware should be free of dings and scratches.

Check the finish. A durable finish will enhance the natural beauty of hardwoods, but, more important, it will protect case goods

nontoxic paint and a protective finish for easy and simple cleaning. The twin bed features an easy-pull-out trundle that can be used as an extra bed for overnight guests or as a divided storage drawer for toys, clothes and collectibles.

Daughters will appreciate that the set can be personalized with the two sets of knobs and bedpost finials: crystal-like glass for a romantic look or wood for a more streamllined appearance. Parents will value the sturdy hardwood construction, top craftsmanship and great Costco value. This is truly beautiful, heirloom-quality furniture that will be enjoyed for generations to come. C