Fast furniture is a problem which is not really discussed enough. It appears to be a good fit for the shop, it’s within budget, and then within a few years it is used up, and dumped in a landfill because it was not designed to last. If you’re in the process of remodeling at the moment, there’s another way to look at the items you are adding to your home. By selecting superior and long-lasting materials from the outset, it ensures that the space functions optimally over the years.

Furniture that is custom crafted, from quality material, and designed to endure for decades, rather than seasons. Many homeowners take advantage of summer holidays home improvement sales, investing in furniture that will bring them more value now than in the short-term.

The Real Cost of Fast Furniture

Cheap furniture does not require any salesmanship. The vanity or cabinet which is an inferior to the premium one feels smart at checkout. It doesn’t manifest itself until it is later, typically within a year or two, when the particleboard begins to swell and the laminate begins to peel.

The majority of this furniture is constructed with hollow cores and synthetic finishes that look like wood but aren’t actually wood. It is made quickly, sold quickly and thrown away quickly. None of it is constructed with the expectation that it will last, and that attitude is exactly what makes up the landfills with furniture that doesn’t need to be there.

The costs to the environment are quite real, as are the costs to the wallet. It is often cheaper to purchase one well made piece than to purchase any of the same cheap piece three times over the course of 10 years.

What Zero Filler Construction Actually Means

Most cheap furniture is a problem of a hidden element called the filler materials. Particleboard and MDF are boards that are constructed from scraps of wood and glue being compressed into a board, and the board is then covered with a veneer layer that appears to be solid wood, but is actually more economical and convenient. Close up and with experience it becomes apparent.

Zero filler construction is a construction system without compressed fillers and synthetic binding to hold the structure together. Only solid frame to surface. It is more expensive to make, as real wood is harder to obtain than pressed composite wood, however it performs in an entirely different manner once it is installed in a house.

A solid wood frame will not absorb moisture as a filler material will. It will not expand or decompose from the inside. This difference is sometimes the determining factor in the lifespan of a bathroom piece, particularly in a bathroom where humidity is a way of life.

Why Sustainably Sourced Wood Matters Beyond the Label

Sustainable sourcing is a very common term used in marketing but it has a deeper meaning than a ‘feel good’ label. Responsible wood management helps to replant and promotes practices that do not harm ecosystems over time.

This sourcing method also generally yields quality material. Careful (not hurried) production of trees produces denser and more stable wood. So high density is one of the reasons that sustainably sourced solid wood is more durable than the cheaper alternatives, as well as in terms of its impact on the environment.

This is no sacrifice to value and quality for eco-conscious shoppers. It turns out that the two line up. There is a connection between responsible furniture and the most durable.

Why Quartz Outperforms Other Countertop Materials

A countertop in a bathroom or other damp environment is continually exposed to water and moisture. Laminate and certain natural stones are porous, and will absorb water over time. This absorption causes stains and ultimately surface degradation.

The quartz slabs are not prone to this problem since they are not porous. The surface will not absorb the liquid which prevents staining and will not provide any place for bacteria to settle. It doesn’t require sealing or special treatment to keep it clean, as with more porous materials: a quick wipe is enough.

So whether you’re using a “forever” green or a “short-term” green, a countertop that requires re-sealing or replacement every few years is not a sustainable option. Although it may be more expensive initially, a countertop that will last for decades structurally and aesthetically is the more sustainable choice.

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How to Spot Heirloom Quality Before You Buy

There are a couple of key elements to consider prior to purchasing a piece of heirloom quality. Use the frame material as a basis. In the specifications, be sure to see that it’s listed as solid wood and not as “wood-look” or “wood-tone finish” as this is often a composite material.

Then examine the surface material. Harder stones or laminates don’t do as well withstanding water as the denser quartz. Then, check out the hardware. The hinges are typically heavy-duty, and the drawer glides are soft close, which means that the manufacturer was more concerned about how the product will operate in the long term, rather than on appearance.

If it’s furniture that you can imagine still working just as well in 15 or 20 years, it is furniture that you can expect to own for a lifetime, rather than furniture that is hoping to hold up till warranty expires.

Why This Approach Pays Off Over a Decade

The difference between purchasing top-notch furniture at one time versus furniture that is cheap the first time, but expensive to repair the second is a game-changer in the math of a remodel. Although upfront is more expensive, the cost over 10 years is typically less if you consider replacement/repair costs.

In addition, there’s a less obvious, non-financial benefit. Long-lasting furniture doesn’t give you the ongoing aggravation associated with a home that’s slowly falling apart. Doors that remain open easily. Looking new but used counters. A bathroom that’s finished and complete after it’s been installed, rather than having to go through another remodeling.

Where ARIEL Bath Fits Into This Approach

ARIEL Bath has developed its approach from the same principles. The brand is also using sustainable coniferous solid wood for vanity frames, instead of fast furniture in the bathroom that uses filler to make frames.

The countertops are built upon the same concept. ARIEL Bath complements its vanities with non-porous quartz slabs that are guaranteed to not crack or stain in high humidity settings. When combined with heavy duty machinery throughout, the product is truly a piece of furniture designed for years and years of use, not just a couple seasons. The use of high-quality materials and durability makes it a wise investment for homeowners looking for long-lasting value without sacrificing quality.

If you’re contemplating remodeling this summer, here are some questions to ask yourself, ARIEL Bath’s exclusive July 4th promotion offers a 10% discount on

Choose best-selling vanities, and make high-quality, well-designed bathroom furnishings more accessible. This is a great value during this limited time and helps you to upgrade your space with quality, long-lasting designs.

If you’re considering making a remodel that will be a timeless investment, you need to choose the right kind of material and construction, and ARIEL Bath is indeed an heirloom material and construction.

Final Thoughts

It’s truly a matter of how many times you want to buy furniture during your lifetime. The answer to that question is greater than one with Fast Furniture. Consciously made furniture, created from solid wood and enduring materials, responds with one purchase that really endures. That’s the true meaning of value, for those looking to be more environmentally friendly, and for those who want to live in a high-quality lifestyle.