When Buying Furniture, Don't Always Trust the Tags

Nov. 20, 2006 — -- Every year, Americans spend $78 billion on furniture.

But are buyers really getting what they think at nationwide stores like Kmart, Ashley and World Market?

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standards for furniture labeling, but dropped the rules four years ago after the industry complained the standards were outdated.

Because the furniture industry is not specifically regulated by the government, there's plenty of potential for confusion.

"Good Morning America" purchased four different pieces of furniture and showed them to consumers -- along with the store tags that came with them -- and the majority of our test subjects trusted what they read on the tags.

Next, "GMA" consulted two furniture veterans: Stewart Crick, a woodworker of 25 years, and Jennifer Litwin, author of two furniture-buying books.

We started by examining an $80 Martha Stewart table from Kmart. The store circular described it as a "dark cherry accent table." The shelf tag mentioned solid wood legs.

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," said Crick as he examined the materials beneath the surface.

If you take the time to dig deeper, Kmart's Web site describes the table as wood and natural veneer with dark cherry finish, but makes no mention of the fiberboard.

The government used to require a description of the significant materials right on the furniture tag.

"I think this is just so standard in the industry these days," Litwin said.

When "GMA" asked Kmart to comment, officials said that some of its literature was just a snapshot of what was available at the store and that more complete product descriptions appeared on the Web site to provide clear information to consumers.

Next, "GMA" tested a $130 nightstand made by Ashley, which boasts that it's the No. 1 selling home furniture brand in America. The wording on the tag? "Horizon Maple Nightstand."