How to: Evaluate Dining Room Furniture Quality in Five Steps

Choosing the right dining room furniture isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about investing in pieces that will serve your family for years to come. Whether you’re furnishing a small dining space in the city or upgrading a spacious dining area in your suburban home, you want to know that your purchase offers durability, comfort, and true value.

At Dining Furniture Showcase in West Allis, we’ve been guiding Southeastern Wisconsin homeowners through these choices since 1980. We know that high-quality dining room furniture enhances not only the look of your home, but the everyday experiences — family dinners, holiday gatherings, and moments of connection — that happen around the table.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through five clear steps to help you evaluate dining room furniture quality with confidence. By the end, you’ll understand exactly what to look for, and you’ll be well prepared to choose pieces that reflect both your style and your standards.

1.Check the Materials

The foundation of any high-quality dining table or chair starts with the materials. Some materials are designed to last for decades; others, unfortunately, are not.

Here’s what you should know:

• Solid wood — such as oak, maple, or cherry — is one of the most durable and time-tested materials you can choose. It’s sturdy, long-lasting, and can often be refinished or repaired over time. Amish furniture is a prime example of craftsmanship using solid wood. Learn how to choose the right wood furniture for your home here.
• Veneers — thin layers of wood applied over a core material — can be a practical and attractive option, as long as they’re applied over a solid or plywood base. However, veneers over low-grade materials like particleboard may not stand the test of time.
• Particleboard or MDF (medium-density fiberboard) is cost-effective but significantly less durable. These materials can break down under everyday use, especially in a busy household.

Quick tip: 

When you’re examining a piece in person, lightly tap underneath the tabletop. Solid wood has a distinctive weight and density. If it feels overly light or hollow, it may not offer the durability you’re looking for.

2. Examine the Construction

Even the finest materials won’t hold up if the construction is weak. How a piece is built says a great deal about its overall quality and longevity.

Look for:

• Dovetail joints — particularly in drawers — which lock pieces together securely without relying on glue.
• Mortise-and-tenon joints, where one piece of wood fits precisely into another, providing exceptional strength.
• Dowels, small wooden pegs that reinforce connections between parts.

Be cautious of:

• Glue-only joints
• Stapled frames
• Screws or nails holding major structural parts together

Simple test: 

Give the table a gentle shake or press down on the edges. Do the legs feel steady, or does the piece wobble? Well-constructed dining room furniture should feel rock-solid.

3. Assess the Finish

The finish of your dining room furniture is not just for beauty; it’s also a crucial protective layer. A quality finish helps guard against stains, scratches, and moisture, all while enhancing the natural beauty of the wood.

What to look for:

• A smooth, even finish across the entire piece, including the edges and undersides.
• Consistent color and sheen, free of blotches or streaks.
• No rough patches, splinters, or sharp edges that could catch on clothing or skin.
   

A well-applied finish ensures your dining furniture ages gracefully, developing character over time instead of quickly showing wear.

What to Avoid: 

Thin, uneven finishes or low-quality coatings that wear off easily, leaving the wood vulnerable to damage.

4. Test the Comfort

Dining chairs, in particular, need to offer more than just good looks. Comfort is essential, especially for those long family dinners or evenings spent entertaining friends.

Here’s what to check:

• Sit down and lean back. Does the chair provide proper support?
• Assess the seat depth. Are your legs supported comfortably without feeling cramped?
• Consider the upholstery and padding. Does it feel firm yet comfortable, with no sagging or hard spots?
• Look at the backrest design. A slight curve or angle can significantly improve comfort for longer periods.

For smaller dining rooms or more compact spaces, slim or mid-century designs often strike the right balance between comfort, durability, and space-saving style.

5. Look for Warranties or Guarantees

Finally, a clear sign of dining room furniture quality is whether the retailer and manufacturer stand behind their products. Reputable furniture stores are confident enough in their offerings to provide warranties and guarantees.

When shopping, ask about:

• Frame or construction warranties
• Fabric or finish guarantees
• Return or exchange policies

At Dining Furniture Showcase, we are proud to work with well-established, trusted brands. We back every item we sell, ensuring that our customers leave not only with beautiful furniture, but with peace of mind knowing they are making a solid investment.

Quick Checklist: 5 Steps to Spot Dining Room Furniture Quality

✔ Check the materials — solid wood or strong veneer over quality cores
✔ Examine the construction — look for dovetails, dowels, mortise-and-tenon joints
✔ Assess the finish — smooth, even, and protective
✔ Test the comfort — sit, lean, and evaluate how it feels
✔ Look for warranties or guarantees — buy from retailers who stand behind their products

Visit Us to Experience the Difference Firsthand

While research is an excellent first step, the best way to truly assess dining room furniture quality is to experience it in person. At Dining Furniture Showcase, we invite you to visit our showroom and explore an extensive selection of dining tables, chairs, and full dining room sets.

As a family-owned business serving Southeastern Wisconsin since 1980, we take great pride in offering not only beautiful, high-quality furniture but also expert advice and attentive service. Whether you’re seeking the timeless craftsmanship of Amish furniture, the sleek lines of mid-century modern styles, or the cozy warmth of country-inspired pieces, our knowledgeable team is here to help you find the perfect match for your home.

With guaranteed low prices, flexible financing, and many in-stock options available for immediate pickup or delivery, you can take home your dream dining set today.

We invite you to stop by and experience the Dining Furniture Showcase difference for yourself. Let us help you create a dining space you and your family will enjoy for many years to come.