Discrimination of the authenticity of wooden furniture
July 23 22:00:52, 2025
In recent months, furniture complaints have surged, with many consumers expressing dissatisfaction after purchasing high-priced items that failed to meet expectations in terms of quality and service. The Consumer Association reported a growing number of cases where products labeled as premium or solid wood were actually made from inferior materials. For example, rubber wood was being sold as oak, and custom-made cabinets were found to be made of MDF instead of real wood.
One such case involved Mr. Li, who ordered a set of solid wood cabinets worth over 10,000 yuan. Upon installation, he discovered that three panels were made of high-density fiberboard (MDF), and two doors did not match the agreed dimensions. After some negotiation, the company promised to replace the MDF with solid wood and rework the doors.
Similarly, Ms. Wang spent over 4,000 yuan on a dining table advertised as solid wood. However, after a few months, she noticed cracks forming on the surface and later found out it wasn’t pure solid wood. Other consumers also reported similar issues, such as black core manglietia being passed off as teak or rubber wood being sold as oak.
Many consumers are drawn to solid wood furniture because of its perceived environmental benefits, durability, and aesthetic appeal. However, according to a survey conducted by the reporter at a large home furnishing store, nearly 80% of customers preferred solid wood, while more than 70% had limited knowledge about the different types of wood used. Most relied on salesperson explanations or price when making their decisions, often failing to recognize the differences between various wood species.
Since 2012, the Consumer Association has received over 238 complaints related to furniture, accounting for 13.8% of all consumer grievances during that period. Common issues include poor craftsmanship, unmet after-sales service commitments, and discrepancies between product descriptions and actual contents. Some custom-made solid wood cabinets were found to be made of MDF, and others were falsely labeled as solid wood when they were actually veneered.
Mr. Wang, a recent buyer of walnut furniture, shared his experience of visiting multiple stores before making a purchase. Despite feeling confident in the brand, he remained skeptical about the merchant’s claims. To ensure transparency, he asked the seller to clearly state that the furniture was 100% walnut.
According to national standards, solid wood furniture is categorized into three types: fully solid wood, solid wood furniture, and solid wood veneer furniture. Fully solid wood means all parts are made of natural wood, while veneer furniture uses a solid wood surface over a different substrate.
Industry experts note that the price of solid wood furniture can vary greatly depending on the type and production process. Some pieces can cost up to ten times more than others. While solid wood is considered eco-friendly, other types may involve chemical adhesives. Teak, known for its durability and resistance to moisture, is often imitated by less expensive woods like black core manglietia. Similarly, rubber wood is sometimes sold as oak due to its similar appearance.
To avoid confusion, the Consumer Association advises buyers to ask for clear material specifications and include them in the contract. This helps prevent disputes and ensures that what is purchased matches what is promised.
When selecting solid wood furniture, consumers should pay attention to several key factors:
- **Check the grain**: Solid wood furniture typically has irregular grain patterns. If a large section shows perfect symmetry, it might not be solid wood.
- **Smell the wood**: Natural solid wood has a mild, earthy scent, while artificial materials may emit strong chemical odors.
- **Look for natural defects**: Knots and scars on one side should correspond to the same pattern on the opposite side. Asymmetry could indicate non-solid wood construction.
- **Inspect the inside**: Remove hardware like hinges or handles to check if the internal structure is solid wood.
- **Examine the craftsmanship**: Solid wood furniture usually has a natural finish, while artificial board furniture often uses hidden connectors like three-in-one eccentric fasteners.
- **Evaluate the design**: Overly intricate or artistic designs may suggest the use of non-solid wood materials.
By following these tips, consumers can make more informed choices and protect themselves from misleading marketing practices.
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