There are so many factors to consider and judge when purchasing a piece of solid wood furniture for your home. You check the fastenings at key points for quality construction. If there were drawers you’ve already pulled them out and checked for that stamp of solid wood – good dovetailing. However, did you stop to ask the right questions about the finish used on your piece? If you’re looking for furniture that’s going to last you and your family many years, the finish can play a huge part in whether the wood remains as beautiful as the day you bought it.

There are major deciding factors in which finish is right for you. What room the furniture will be used in and how many young children will be around is especially important. A coffee table or dining room table will endure many different uses and wear and tear than a dresser or end table might.

Wax finishing has a couple pros, but mostly it’s only good for items that see very minimal use, such as decorative pieces and end tables. The treatment needs to be reapplied often and doesn’t withstand water or heat well. Probably the only upside is that you can apply it yourself at home.

Shellac is a frequently used finish that actually stands up okay against water damage. However, heat and chemicals can leave unsightly white rings and lasting damage on this finish. If you’re looking for a finish to use that can add a rich color to the wood for a fine furniture piece, shellac is not a bad option.

Tung oil will give the wood a warm glow and can really make the grain stand out. It is quite water resistant, however it isn’t very durable in the long run and may need many applications. If you buff it you can expect a very high gloss, so this finish is probably best for end tables and night stands.

Polyurethane varnish seems to be the hands down winner for high use items such as kitchen tables and coffee tables according to DIY Network. It can slightly color your wood, but it has excellent water resistance and is quite durable. You can go without needing to refinish a table with this varnish for many years before you start seeing issues. Polyurethane comes in a variety of sheens but it will never get quite to a high gloss finish.

Also remember to look for craftsmanship errors in the finish. You should be able to put your face at eye level with the tabletop and see a flat, even surface. Check the edges for teardrop like marks that are the result of allowing excess varnish to dry dripping over the edges. You should be able to run your hand or nylon over the surface and not get snagged or catch rough patches.  Keep all these things in mind when purchasing the newest addition to your solid wood furniture collection and you will have heirloom pieces that will stand the test of time.