You've narrowed your search for a beautiful new armoire down to two finalists. There's the simple lines of an open stock, cherry veneer armoire, or the Chinese solid rosewood piece, such as we have at Man-U Imports. Both pieces are appealing, appear to be well made with smoothly sliding drawers, evenly hung doors and handsome surfaces. Your choice may be based largely on what you immediately see, but the quality of fine wood furniture depends on a variety of less visible factors, including which woods are used, construction, joinery techniques, and finishes. For example, it is important to determine whether you want a piece that has a veneer or is made of solid wood.
Veneers tend to warp more readily, and sometimes separate with age.
Modern Americana furnitures are machine made with staples, nails or screws. Solid woods, such as rosewood, become more beautiful with age. That moisture not only circulated nutrients, but also gave the tree flexibility, allowing it to withstand a variety of harsh conditions. While water is critical for a growing tree, some moisture has to go before wood can be made into fine furniture. The process, called seasoning, is accomplished in one of two ways.