A typical antique furniture collection includes perfectly usable furniture from various time periods. Most antique furniture pieces were made by hand, one piece at a time. These antique furniture are, therefore, usually much stronger than modern furniture and will last much longer. Knowledgeable collectors of antique furniture will usually have some idea about the age of a furniture piece, how it was made and a general idea of its value.

The better the condition and appearance of a piece of antique furniture, the more likely it is to have a good resale value. If an antique furniture piece has been damaged significantly, even though it is a rare and sought after piece, it still will not be worth as much as a lesser known piece of antique furniture that is in perfect condition. If a piece of antique furniture can be restored, it can still fetch a good price.

Even more important than how old it is and what it does, an antique furniture piece should still be able to perform its basic function. For instance, an antique table should still be able to perform as a table should. If an antique table only has three legs remaining, for instance, it cannot be used for its intended purpose.

Many pieces of furniture will need to be taken to an expert to be restored or repaired properly. If many parts of the furniture need to be replaced, this will take away from the appeal and authenticity of the piece as well as its value. Collectors of antique furniture often regard about 20% to 25% of wood replacement as the upper limit, or they will not consider the piece of furniture anymore.

Mahogany, pine, walnut, rosewood and oak were the materials used in most antique furniture, and the wood used determines the value of a furniture. When restoring antique furniture, it is essential that the same wood be used to replace a part of the furniture. It can be a challenge to find a restorer capable of replicating a table leg, for example, with the same type of wood and with the same grain pattern matching.

Modern mass-produced furniture, which tries to replicate the woods and grains of antique furniture with the application of laminates, can be easily identified from exquisite antique craftsmanship. While mass production has been a great invention for the entrepreneur, it has not done a great deal for the proliferation of the skill of making fine furniture. Time is needed to make a great piece of furniture and time is not something modern furniture manufacturers wish to waste.