Why do hardwood furniture come with imperfections?

[Slaimus]

They all have these small pits on the surface it seems, and sometimes even skidmark-like abrasions on edges. It is not damage after manufacturing since the wood stain has them covered. The people in the furniture store says it's normal, but does not know why they appear. Anyone know? Seems kinda ugly to have these pits.

 

[BillGates]

It's called nature.

 

[PaperclipGod]

Originally posted by: BillGates
It's called nature.

What he said.

Go buy plastic furniture if you want something perfect.

 

[flxnimprtmscl]

Could you possibly ask a question with a more obvious answer if you tried?

 

[Blieb]

bwahahhahahaha

Put body back in womb ...

 

[T2T III]

There are many different grades of wood: #2 common, #1 common, select and clear. Some of the highest grades of wood are more than likely reserved for the higher-priced pieces of furniture. If you wanted a piece of furniture with with perfect wood, you'll pay dearly for it.

I've come to appreciate imperfections in wood - because they are natural. However, I do have clients who I know are very particular and when doing something for them out of wood, I'm quite careful in how I select the pieces that I use. For a mark that I would consider natural, they will take notice to it - so, for that reason alone, I'll just try to use perfect pieces where possible.

 

[notfred]

The same reason that chicken wings come with bones in them.

 

[PCMarine]

Could be that you are looking at "Distressed" furniture which purposely has lots of imperfections to make it look rustic or something.

 

[Slaimus]

Why do they only appear on those dark cherry finish furniture though? Esp those pits, they don't look natural at all.

 

[StageLeft]

Originally posted by: Slaimus
Why do they only appear on those dark cherry finish furniture though? Esp those pits, they don't look natural at all.

The kind of wood they use. We bought some nice cherry colored wood furniture and at spots it has fairly deep dimples, almost like somebody stabbed it with a nail.

 

[Ornery]

I think PCMarine is closest. If you're talking about finished furniture, the only reason it should have any blemishes, is from purposely distressing it. You may also see flecks of darker stain speckled on the finish. That's called distressing, and I hate it. Find a dealer in your area who carries Statton furniture. Behold a proper furniture finish there. Wait till you see the prices! :Q

Here's a 25 year old Statton, cherry chest.

 

[richardycc]

is it cherry..all cherry wood has that..I think the salesman told me it has to do with the sap?


cherry pitch mark

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

Originally posted by: Ornery
I think PCMarine is closest. If you're talking about finished furniture, the only reason it should have any blemishes, is from purposely distressing it. You may also see flecks of darker stain speckled on the finish. That's called distressing, and I hate it. Find a dealer in your area who carries Statton furniture. Behold a proper furniture finish there. Wait till you see the prices! :Q

Here's a 25 year old Statton, cherry chest.

Nice, but how much?

 

[Ornery]

Statton is out of my league now. We bought the bedroom set back in 1979 for about $3,000.00. Their prices since then have gone through the roof. We now buy any furniture we need at The Miscellaneous Barn near here. Beautiful used furniture for fair prices. We've even seen Statton pieces there on occasion, as well as Ethan Allen. If you think Ethen Allen furniture has a nice finish, you should see Statton!

 

[Chaotic42]

Here you go. Some of the nicest furniture I've seen. The site is ugly, but the furniture is nice. Notice that prices aren't listed.

 

[NogginBoink]

Those who claim it's nature's fault have apparently never heard of sandpaper.

I agree, this sounds like "distressed" furniture. It's supposed to make the furniture appear old, which some people apparently like.

If you watch enough home improvement television, you'll see episodes where they put in a new hardwood floor, then proceed to scrape the surface with a chisel, pour water on it, and beat it with a chain to "distress" it before staining it.

 

[Ornery]

You like that ornate furniture, Chris? Check out this set from The Miscellaneous Barn:

• Back of chest
  Head and footboard
  Chest of drawers
  Dresser

They were there for quite a while, and the price was only $2,000.00 for the set. I guess because it was only a full size bed.

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

I can see I am going to get into serious furniture making once I move and can have my own shop.