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Tips on buying wood furni Next to purchasing a house, buying furniture is one of the largest and most important investments a homeowner will make. Wood furniture has always been a popular choice, especially for people seeking to capture a touch of the past. Traditional styles, from classic to sim- ple country looks, are par- ticularly in demand today. Combining charm and durability, they are a popular choice in city and country homes as well as highrise apartments. With the variety of styles and woods or simulated woods available, it's impor- tant to buy with care. The best investment is one that gives you high-quality, long- lasting furniture at the best possible price. That means sometimes paying a little more than you want. But it's well worth it. If. you can't afford a whole bedroom or dining suite, try buying a few pieces at a time. ' Before you begin shopp- ing, determine your needs and how much you want to spend. Also get to know your woods and how to read the product labels. By law, retailers have to advertise honestly. A label that says "pine," "all wood," "oak,"' or "mahogany" is telling you this is a solid wood product. One that says "walnut finish," "mahogany finish" or 'simulated wood pro- ducts" usually means a less expensive wood or non- wood product has been used. Furniture can be built of softwood or hardwood or wood particles. It can be solid wood or veneered (a thin sheet of wood usually placed over a less expensive or simulated wood). Wood grains can be natural. Or, they can be mechanically or photographically reproduc- ed on products other than wood such as particleboard or panel. Hardwoods, such as oak, cherry, walnut, mahogany and maple, come from deciduous trees. They are heavier and more durable. They're also more expen- sive. Because they have richer grains, they are often used as veneers. Softwoods, such as pine and fir, come from evergreens. Canadian pine is a popular softwood for moderately-priced fur- niture. If treated properly, pine can be quite durable. However, it can easily dent and scratch and is poor choice for tables and chairs that will be bumped a lot. Both pine and oak are popular solid wood choices today. While pine is more affordable, oak is more durable. Both are equally attractive. Tr Teak, a medium hard- wood, is another popular choice. But teak items seldom come in solid wood. Teak veneer over pressed board is usually used in large furniture areas while smaller areas, such as legs, edges and handles, are usually made of solid teak. Most solid wood pieces come in a satin finish to show off the grain. Veneers often come in glossy finishes which are very easy to clean and maintain. Wood finishes can be dark or light. The colour is real- ly a matter of personal preference. High-quality furniture pieces can be solid wood or veneers on less expensive wood or simulated wood. Workmanship is the key measure of high quality. To judge quality, check the item carefully up and down, inside and out. Regardless of the f inish, the surface should be smooth, consistent and attractive. Hand-finished furniture is more expensive because the process requires many more steps than machine finished products. Run your hands along the surface to ensure there are no rough spots. Also look for cracks and bulges in the finish. Check any legs to en- sure they are secure and rigid. Open and close drawers to see if they slide easily. Turn all knobs and handles. Check to see if corners and joints are secured with dove tails (ends cut to fit in- to each other). Dove tails are a sign of quality. Staples indicate lower quality construction. Ask to have the item mov- ed away from the wall if necessary. Back panels should be inset and screw- ed into the frame. In high- quality, free-standing fur- niture, backs and under- Century LOOK NO FURTHER! This Port Perry Century home has it all. Grand verandah, orig. tin tiles and tiffanies. Hdwd floor and Frch. doors. 1989 kit. main fl. family and laundry rms. Self contained apt or nanny quarters. $374,500. Call Anita Whitworth today 985-4193. oo $174,500. 4 bdrm. semi on Cochrane St. Call Catherine Ayotte. FAMILY DREAM HOME! Large 4 plus 1 bdrm. home with all the extras. Eat-in kitchen, finished rec room, wet bar, and breath-taking designer pool on exquisite lot. A must to view. Call Ramona Reesor 985-3383. BUNGALOW IN PORT PERRY 3 bedrm, sep. din. rm, living rm, fin rec rm., town services, fenced yard, dbl. paved drive and more $195,500. Call John Vernon. $52,500. - WATERFRONT COTTAGE on leased land. Call Catherine Ayotte. 'GERRY MEHARG LTD. Member Broker 647 SCUGOG STREET, PORT PERRY 985-7371 STOUFFVILLE ... 640-3131 / 473-1979 UXBRIDGE ...... 852-6106 / 640-2600 4.96 ACRES RENOVATED This country home is totally renovated. Pine floors, eat-in kit- chen with walkout, large bedrooms. South of Seagrave - ask- ing $278,500. Call John Vernon. COUNTRY ELEGANCE on 73 ACRES Renovated Cent. 3 bdrm. brick home, huge liv. rm, new kit., large master bdrm with 5 pc ensuite, new carpeting, new 40 x 60 wk. shp., barn suitable for horses, shows beautifully - $395,000. Call Lloyd Slute 655-3989. 'Thinking of Buying or Selling -- For a Free Evaluation, contact our office.' Anita Whitworth ........... 985-4193 Donna Loram-Martin .... 986-4229 Greg McCormack (705) 953-9089 Judi Hewitt .................. seresrerenraneane Sandy Higgs, Manager: 985-4225 Francis McGeoghan ...... Lorrie Meharg - Lloyd Slute .... Mary Wilson Catherine Ayotte ........... ture sides are usually sanded, colour-stained or even given the same finish as the rest of the item. If the item is upholstered, try to feel the frame under the fabric. The entire frame should be covered with pad- ding so no hard spots can be felt. When you decide to buy, check the furniture again after it has been delivered to ensure it is exactly what you ordered and has no defects or damage. Some specialty hand- finished pieces can take up to several months for delivery. Get the estimated delivery date in writing when you purchase in case the waiting period is pro- longed and you decide to cancel. Most reputable retailers will offer warranties and even repair services. And, finally, don't forget to shop around for sales. The best deal is one that gets you the highest quality furniture at the most reasonable price. Items which may seem too expen- sive at full price are more affordable at 20 or 30 per- cent off. en) $179,900. GREAT STARTER WATERFRONT - Enjoy the sleeping cabin on your 88' x 176 waterfront lot in Robinglade Estates. Hydro & septic In. Area of fine homes. Reduced to $149,000 (M.L.S.) Joe McGuire (Sales Rep.) Re/Max County Town Inc. 705-799-7777; or 705-799-5924 after 5S p.m. M27 PORT PERRY 3 BEDROOM SEMI APPLE VALLEY Quiet court, located close to schools and shopping. Built-in dishwasher, water softener. Aluminum eavestroughs and soffits. Asking $157,900. Phone 985-7363 Evenings 985-2177 WATERFRONT TOWNHOUSE CONDOMINIUM 234 Water St., No. 10 two bedroom, two bathroom, central air, fireplace, one storey, garage. Easy walk to downtown Port Perry. $237,000. Phone 985-9990 2 bdrms. up, 2 down, large lot. Call Catherine Ayotte. $269,000. - CENTURY BEAUTY Prince Albert - huge kitchen, ing. pool, lots of extras. Call Catherine Ayotte. $282,500. -- WATERFRONT } * 4 bdrm. - Carnegie Beach, 75' on water. Call Catherine Ayotte. $289,900. -- WORK AT HOME 5 bdrm, large lot, 1300 sq.ft. shop. Call Catherine Ayotte. $299,000. -- GENERAL CONTRACTORS set up shop here - 4 bdrm. wtih office - shop. Call Catherine Ayotte.