How to Tell if Furniture is High Quality

Getting the most “bang for your buck” is a standard upheld across most purchases, yet there’s arguably no situation where it applies more than when buying office furniture.  

It isn’t difficult to recognise the importance these pieces play in keeping workforces productive and efficient, especially as they undergo rapid changes in work environments and strategies. Still, even if modern offices no longer look or operate the same as they once did a decade ago, the principles surrounding furniture quality will never change.

Of course, understanding these factors — and keeping them in mind during your search — can be a challenge. Should you focus solely on ergonomics? Durability? Something else? 

Don’t worry; we’re going to help you answer these questions. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about identifying high quality furniture.

1.    Stability is Everything

No matter how aesthetically pleasing or ergonomic an office desk might be, it’s virtually useless if it isn’t stable.

If you’ve ever been forced to complete an important task using a surface that is wobbly and flimsy, you know how crucial this feature can be. Aside from being impractical on a technical level, even the slightest wiggle can be a mental distraction that keeps your employees from giving their work the focus it deserves.

So, bypass this problem easily by giving pieces an initial stability test before anything else. Approach your office chair, workstation, or desk, and simply apply pressure to it in different areas. Look out for worrisome creaks, wobbles, and other red flags.

2.    Examine the Material

Though you don’t need to double your budget to afford only the most luxurious, high-end wood, it’s worth seeking out materials with a reputation of quality and durability.

Even if a piece looks like it’s made of actual wood, it could be made of composite material or laminate, so take a close look at the product’s description — or even perform a touch test — to determine the build.

This step might look different between each buyer depending on their budget and needs, but as long as it contains a trusted material (i.e., stone, brass, wood, etc.), you should be able to move forward with confidence.

3.    Look Closely at Construction

Alright, this is the part where things get a bit technical.

See, even if office furniture is made using an expensive material, a poor construction job could render it useless.

Most of the time, you’ll notice these issues during that initial stability test. Still, even a sturdy office desk can have problems lying underneath the surface. For instance, try opening and closing the drawers to ensure they’re smooth and not janky, and examine how it’s held together. Is it barely hanging on by a haphazard staple job, or with professionally constructed nails and glue?

4.    Check the Weight

This is one of the easiest ways to separate high-quality furniture from pieces that might not last as long.

Almost always, the most solid material will be heavier — from wood to cushions. So, give the office chair or workstation you’re considering a quick lift to see if it fits this standard.

5.    Know Who Made It

Sometimes, just the brand name of an office furniture piece can tell you everything you need to know.

That’s not to say that renowned brands are immune to offering a subpar product, yet your chances of encountering this are drastically lower compared to a piece that offers little to no information about its manufacturer.

Finding the product’s tag can (and should) also offer more information about its build. Most will list the materials used to create it, the date it was made, and more to help you make the most informed decision possible.

Don’t Hesitate to Invest in Quality

As always, you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy a piece of quality office furniture that lasts you years.

Still, keep in mind that you are making an investment in your workforce (or yourself if this is your own office) when outlining your budget!