The Secret Problem With Fast Furniture (and How To Buy Furniture That Lasts)

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Fast furniture is much like fast food: Both give you what you want when you want it, quickly and cheaply. But in the end, you might not always feel so great about your fast furniture choices (not to mention the supersized fries).

Take heart, you’re not alone when it comes to buying fast furniture. Sales of desks, chairs, and patio equipment jumped by more than $4 billion from 2019 to 2021. American shoppers took advantage of the inexpensive desks and bookcases to help make their quarantine spaces and newly devised home offices more palatable.

But it turns out, the majority of fast furniture won’t last a year, studies show. So maybe it’s time to slow down when it comes to what furniture you buy. Here are all the pros and cons of fast furniture.

What exactly is fast furniture?

Fast furniture is almost disposable furniture, usually made from low-cost composite materials and cheap fasteners.

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Fast furniture is primarily designed and produced to ship easily and cheaply.

“Fast furniture is almost disposable furniture, usually made from low-cost composite materials and cheap fasteners,” says Baron Christopher Hanson, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Realty in Palm Beach, FL.

Patricia Tram, an interior designer who owns Strut Interiors in Dallas, likens fast furniture to fast-fashion brands. And the low price tag is usually due to using cheaper materials with a short life span.

“The desire to keep up with trends and online shopping with free shipping at our fingertips is leading to more furniture in our landfills,” explains Tram.

Need proof? In 1960, 2.2 million tons of furniture ended up in municipal solid-waste dumps. That number skyrocketed to 12.1 million tons of furniture in 2018. The majority of this furniture—80%—ends up in landfills.

Why cheap furniture can cost you

A lower price tag typically equals human-made materials with chemicals, single-use plastics, the use of glue instead of nails or dowels, and a short warranty.

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There’s a saying that when you buy cheap, you end up buying twice.

When you buy something at a bargain price, it can be badly made, wear out, or break sooner than expected. That usually means you’ll end up having to buy a replacement, and therefore spending more money in the long run.

“Cheap furniture often means less attention to detail and craftsmanship that goes into creating more affordable furniture, resulting in a lower-quality end product,” says Matt Hagens, a carpenter, furniture maker, and founder of Obsessessed Woodworking in Lehigh Valley, PA.

Tram also points out that the lower price tag typically equals human-made materials with chemicals, single-use plastics, the use of glue instead of nails or dowels, and a short warranty.

How to buy furniture that lasts

Solid hardwood furniture with fully assembled, glued joinery, upgraded soft-close drawer rails, and door hinges are the hallmark features of furniture that can be expected to last.

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Not everyone can afford the fancy dining table or plush sofa of their dreams, but there are ways to find affordable furniture that will last.

Fast furniture is made with veneered particle board panels that deteriorate when exposed to moisture or excess weight, says Rachel Taylor, a carpenter, furniture designer, and HGTV Host of “Curb Appeal Xtreme.”

So look for quality furniture that has panel core strength, solid joinery types, and quality hardware.

“Solid hardwood furniture with fully assembled, glued joinery, upgraded soft-close drawer rails, and door hinges are the hallmark features of furniture that can be expected to last,” explains Taylor. “Old-growth hardwoods like oak, maple, and walnut are top choices for functional decor that can survive moves, seasonal heat and humidity changes, and heavy usage for years to come.”

When buying fast furniture makes sense

Of course, the type of furniture you end up buying depends entirely on your lifestyle and your bottom line. But there may be times when buying fast furniture fully fits the bill.

For instance, if you have an area that sees heavy traffic each day, fast furniture—that you can replace easily—can be an inexpensive solution, says Hanson. And if you need furniture quickly for whatever reason, fast furniture can also be a quick solution to a decor problem.

How to buy quality furniture on a budget

Shop for quality secondhand pieces, which are always a smart and eco-friendly option.

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Many of us don’t have the financial means to forgo buying fast furniture entirely, yet it is possible to buy more mindfully.

Consider where and how you plan to use the furniture. And then shop for quality secondhand pieces, which are always a smart and eco-friendly option. Doing some digging can often net you a quality piece of solid-wood furniture if you’re shopping at garage and estate sales, resale stores, or online marketplaces.

“Potential buyers [of fast furniture] should think carefully about their budget and ask whether they want quality furniture or are simply filling a gap,” says Ken Phillips, the CEO and founder of the Boulder, CO-based The Table Company. “If the furniture is going to see frequent use or be the centerpiece of a room or space, it’s usually best to invest in quality pieces.”

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