How much does “cheap” furniture cost?

How much value for money do we get from cheap products? Customer demands for cheaper products have led manufacturers to develop ever lower-cost solutions. Design can play a big part in reducing the cost but many manufacturers resort to using low quality materials and limiting assembly costs to compete. These compromises to the manufacturing quality can seem like a good idea at the cash register but can lead to frustration when your expectations aren’t meet.

Take low cost furniture for example, is it really the lowest cost solution over time? You may spend half as much on your table but if it only lasts half as long then you need two, when one would have done. To get a real comparison you have to add up the extra costs. Your delivery/collection costs have now doubled. You also will have spent another 4 hours of your life trawling isles looking for another table to fit in what is now reduced budget. The low cost table has started to become just the opposite.

Low cost doesn’t have to mean poor quality: if you know what you are looking for you can snatch a bargain. Here are a few things to think about…

What is it made of?

Most low cost furniture is made from MDF or chipboard. Both are fine as core panels, but get them anywhere near water or heavy loads and they will begin to fail. Choose plywood and solid panels where possible, as they are more durable in the long term.

The Wrap table by Pli is made from OSB (oriented strand board), commonly used as exterior paneling in the building industry. OSB provides a strong weather resistant core that will last for years indoors and outdoors.

How durable is the surface and edging?

Real wood in most cases is too expensive to use in low cost furniture. Manufacturers have to use plastic laminates and edging to bring the costs down. These laminates come in a varying qualities, with scratch and heat resistance usually being compromised in cheaper products. Another issue with laminates is, once damaged the are generally beyond repair.

The steel surface of the Wrap table has been powdercoated and heat-cured. It is extremely weather resistant and can handle direct heat in excess of 100 degrees Celsius. Also if damaged it can be easily repaired and after a few years if need a new look it can be totally refurbished.

Is it going to fall apart?

When manufacturing furniture, more cutting and fixings mean the product is more expensive to make. So if you find a low cost product which has a lot of parts you should be careful. Compromises have probably been made in other areas of the manufacturer to reduce costs. On the other hand, if you find a simple product and it feels solid then it should be OK.

Glued products have there own issues. Low quality glues are often weaker and less resistant to heat/moisture. Glued and laminated plastic/wood products are also destined for landfill as the parts can’t be separated when it comes to recycling.

Wrap’s simple design allows for minimal fixings with maximum strength. The parts can also be easily separated for reuse, refurbishment or recycling.

It seems people are starting to realise a throw-away culture isn’t as cost effective as it once seemed. So, when you next choose your furniture, don’t compromise on quality; otherwise a short term saving could turn into a long term mistake.