According to an ABC “Good Morning America” investigation, furniture tags are less than honest.
“The federal government used to set specific standards for furniture labeling, but dropped the rules four years ago after the industry complained the standards were outdated.”

What does this mean to you? Well, that “dark cherry accent table,” with the shelf tag that mentioned solid wood legs, might be made of fiberboard.

“After a few seconds with a power sander, we uncovered something else.
“This is clearly not cherry. This is fiberboard. And then here’s the finish.”

The story goes on to describe wood names used in furniture lacking that type of wood.

“We discovered the surface wasn’t maple — or any other kind of wood.
It was more like contact paper over a core of particle board and fiberboard.”

It used to be against the rules for manufacturers to use a type of wood in their product description if it didn’t contain that wood.”

They also discovered fake leather being marketed as “”100 percent split grain cow hide,” by World Market.

Whoops. ABC recommends asking for a written warranty (not paying for one), a signed letter detailing what materials the furniture contains and guaranteeing a full refund should you discover any fakes, and, of course, don’t assume that table is maple just because the tag says so.—MEGHANN MARCO

When Buying Furniture, Don’t Always Trust the Tags [ABC]
World Market Fake Chair [World Market]

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.