The question of durability comes down to the Two S's: Surfaces and Structure.

Surfaces has to do with how well the "outside" of an item will stand up to normal wear and tear. Will it scratch easily? Dent or chip? When it gets soiled-- as it's bound to-- will it be easy to clean? And if it gets damaged-- as it may-- will it be easy to repair?

Structure has to do with the way the strength of the various parts and they way they are put together-- the question is, "Is it going to fall apart under normal use?" In both of these areas, it's hard to lay down any "hard and fast rules", because human ingenuity keeps coming up with new solutions to old problems.

For example, just a few years ago Formica (and Formica-like products) were the "last word in Durability" when it came to Surfaces, because they were very easy to clean, and also highly resistant to dents and scratches. But now Formica and its cousins are all but obsolete, because scientists have discovered ways to give nearly the same surface qualities to wood- based products at dramatically lower cost, by fusing the key resin (melamine) directly to the substrate-- and consumers have sensibly chosen these less expensive alternatives.

Similarly, one problem with metal furniture used to be that it had to be painted, and paint chips and scratches easily. But then the science guys and gals came up with "electro- static powder coating", and chips and scratches became an obsolete worry, vis-a-vis metal furniture..... And I just read in a trade magazine that they've figured out how to apply that same technology to painted wood furniture.... Amazing!

And on the Structure side, used to be in your Grandpa's day that you could not beat "dove-tailed drawer construction". But then your Great Grandpa never heard of epoxy- based resin glues, or of European miter-fold drawers, or of any of the many ingenious fasteners that the science guys and gals have come up with since the invention of the dove-tail joint.

In short, the "hard and fast rules" of Monday may these days be "yesterdays news" by Tuesday-- the World moves on and on!

And so-- as always-- your best bet as a consumer is to USE YOUR COMMON SENSE and, when you still feel uncertain, try to find a professional in the area who YOU feel has some credibility, because of the length of time he has been in business, the reputation he enjoys in the community, membership in professional and trade organizations--plus the way the operation "strikes you" when you walk through the door and when you talk to its sales representatives and other personnel. Your common sense tells you that good companies don't sell bad products-- and your common sense is right!

But, having said that, there are still some technical tips that are valid today and which can help guide your own common sense.....