Quality counts when you're buying casual furniture. A low price is no bargain if your purchase begins to show wear quickly or lasts only a season or two. There are manufacturing details and features that permit one chair to keep its good looks and comfort for decades, while a copy-cat version without these quality factors turns shabby after only a few months of use.

You already know how to recognize these distinctions with clothing. You understand that a classically styled jacket of fine 100 percent wool, fully lined with beautiful detailing, small stitches, and fine workmanship will be an attractive mainstay of your wardrobe for years to come. So too with casual furniture, knowing how to evaluate quality will permit you to end up with the best value and what's right for your family. Quality differences are not always apparent.

1. Lift the furniture. Weight is almost always a sign of quality. The better chair, table or chaise contains more raw material and will be heavier than a lower quality piece in the same material. In addition, better furniture is usually more amply sized. The seating space is roomier. The arms and legs are more substantive.

2. Examine the finish. The color should be rich, deep and even. If the finish is textured, the texturing should be even, not heavier in some spots and lighter in others. If the finish is smooth, it should feel like silk. Color and stain coverage should be consistent and even and never used to camouflage flaws. The color should be full-bodied and appear to be part of the frame material rather than a coating.

3. Check the cushions. Neat, well-defined corners or curves and unobtrusive seams are hallmarks of a quality cushion. The contour should be pleasantly plump and well shaped. A "squished" appearance usually indicates insufficient stuffing. Cushions on wicker furniture should have an outer shell that is removable for easy cleaning. Detailing, such as binding or buttons, should be securely attached.

4. Inspect the slings. A quality sling is taut without sag or wrinkles. The edges will be neat and well finished. Any channels should not be obvious.

5. Check the straps. Most quality furniture features straps that are double wrapped around the frame. Double wrapping enhances resiliency and durability. Touch the straps. Top grade vinyl feels thick and substantive, not thin and flimsy. Sit on the chair or chaise. Quality straps return quickly to their original contour after you sit on them. Lesser grades take some time.

6. Scrutinize the welds. The finer the quality of the furniture, the less apparent the welds. Manufacturers of the most expensive lines frequently hand grind all welds so that they are virtually invisible - a costly process. Welds that resemble discarded chewing gum indicate a less expensive, lower quality product.

7. Study the styling. Excellent design shows. However, it is often subtleties that create the difference - a bit more angle here, a little less curve there, a wider arm, a narrower leg. "Knock-offs" of successful designs are abundant and, at first glance, may appear similar. However, the only way to create a look-alike product at a much lower price is to cut corners. Castings won't have the same elegant detailing. The geometry of the seating will be different and the sizing less ample. Choices in frame colors and fabrics will be limited. The fabric or strapping is likely thinner and/or less resistant to the elements. The exclusive fabric patterns, which top manufacturers frequently commission, will not be available.

Take time to study the quality of each piece you are considering. We can help. Our sales staff knows the features, benefits and quality level of each group of furniture in our showroom. You can count on us to provide all the information you need to make the optimum purchase decision for your household - a decision with which you will be happy for years to come.

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