A wardrobe, chest of drawers or a bed will always look timeless and suit any home’s design and style. However, less apparent are the inherent pitfalls when purchasing pine furniture. For example, although the pine may be stained, creating many different shades and colours, the quality of the wood should still be plainly visible in the grain.

This is a unique and important feature, as each piece of pine is completely different to every other piece. In short, pine grain is like a human finger-print.

Another thing to consider before even purchasing the pine is whether the wood has been properly preserved (even if untreated). If you purchase pine furniture which has not been well preserved, it will have a much shorter life span as well as being more susceptible to distorting or even breaking.

The craftsmanship of the furniture comes second to preservation. The difference between a bad piece of pine furniture and a well-preserved, correctly crafted piece of pine furniture is considerable. A piece which is hand-crafted may be slightly more expensive, but they will have longevity and character that machine-made pieces lack.

Although it is good to examine the furniture yourself, to make sure the pine has been looked after, many people pay over the odds for pine furniture in stores and warehouses. Some of the best deals for pine furniture are found online, and prices are often cheaper and more competitive.

Once you have selected a piece you like, you may want to ensure that it lasts as long as possible. It is always good to treat the furniture (if untreated) to avoid contortions which can arise from changes in temperature and moisture levels. A stylistic benefit of treating your furniture is the colours which can be achieved. Either a light coat, to create a crisp contemporary style, or a heavier coating, making for a dark, antique-looking piece.