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 We at “Hoot” Judkins pride ourselves on our selection of quality real wood furniture. In fact, we have the widest selection of wood furniture in Northern California ranging from promotional solid pine collections to hand crafted heirloom quality furniture.
How do we assign our Quality Score to our product? Scores will range anywhere from 45 to 100, lowest to highest. If the item scores less than 45, we refuse to stock it in our stores because of poor materials, craftsmanship and quality.We use the following categories to give each item a score based on the following
factors:
• Type of wood
• Construction material
• Building techniques
• Quality of parts and hardware
• Quality of finish
• Type of Wood: Quality is determined by the durability of the wood. Very hard woods such as Cherry, Oak and Quartersawn oak earn the highest quality marks. Other quality woods we carry include maple, birch, beech, bamboo, and parawood. Alder, then pine tend to be the softer woods. Our highest quality vendors hand select their lumber for the most unique grain that is free of defects.
• Construction materials: pieces can be constructed of solid wood, plywood or particle board. Solid wood means the entire piece is constructed of solid wood. Plywood is an affordable alternative to solid wood where sheets of real wood are layered making the piece extremely strong and resistant to cracking, bending, warping and shrinking. Particle board is not nearly as strong as solid or plywood and is harder to repair damage to the piece. Typically the terminology “select veneers” means veneer over particle board.
• Building techniques: building techniques vary widely from time-tested heirloom construction to the latest advancements in ball bearing drawer glide technology and precision channel drawer construction. We evaluated many building methods such as English dovetails, French dovetails, dado, and tongue and groove methods. We inspect chairs to determine longevity and integrity. Basically, we ask if the piece is built to last.
• Quality of parts and hardware: When manufacturing, the parts used to complete a piece have a dramatic effect on the quality of the piece. For example, we evaluate the quality of the dowels, drawer glides, table glides, the hardware used to assemble a bed. Even simple features such as proper lighting, cord management and functionality all are considered.
• Quality of finish: Finishes can help determine how long a piece will last. Quality furniture must withstand sunlight, humidity, everyday use and “child abuse”. A beautiful and durable finish should stand the test of time. Our most durable finishes are designed keeping all these factors in mind. |
