Inspect Wood

• Pine furniture is best inspected while it is in the raw, without any stain or paint. Try to inspect your furniture before it is finished if at all possible. If you are having an item custom built, inspect the lumber before it is cut. Look carefully for any cracks or splits in the wood and pay careful attention to the number and size of the knots. Keep in mind that once a piece is finished, the natural flaws of the wood will be emphasized. If large knots are a problem for you, try to find a piece with smaller or fewer knots. Inspect the piece to make sure it is sanded evenly and does not have any warps or bowing. Check for water spots or water damage which would eventually bleed into the finished surface
  
  

Inspect Details

• Look at the detailing of the piece itself. The wood is easy to work with and hand crafted furniture may have intricate detailing that is a trademark of the builder. Choose the detailing that will be easy to clean and complement your existing pieces. Choose a piece with legs, doors or railings that are similar in style to the pieces you already own. Check any pieces that are attached with screws or hinges to ensure that they are firmly and solidly attached and that doors close properly on cabinets.
  
  Pine furniture can be easily dented or scratched. Check your piece very carefully for obvious damage which will decrease the life of your new purchase. If you are purchasing an antique piece, look on the underside as well because structure problems could be hidden.
  
  

Decide on Finish

• Consider the type of stain or finish you want for your piece. If the furniture has been previously stained, you will want to choose something that will work well with your decor. It is not difficult to paint over stained pine if the color isn't exactly what you have in mind, but it will be a challenge to remove the stain if you plan to stain it another color. Because pine is often unfinished, it offers a huge advantage in the way of versatility. Remember that pine is comprised of soft and hard wood so it will absorb stain at different levels. Your best bet is to coat the furniture with a sealer first which will allow the wood to absorb stain evenly. Remember that the stain will go on slightly darker than the color in the can, and you may even need two to three coats.