Buying Wooden Furniture: A Borer-Check Checklist

Bringing home furniture that already has borers can be a costly mistake. A few minutes of checking in the shop can avoid months of trouble.

The short answer

Before buying wooden furniture, check all faces, joints, undersides and backs for tiny round holes, fine fresh powder and soft or hollow wood, and ask about the wood type, seasoning and treatment. Look at nearby stock too, since borers spread between pieces. Avoid furniture stored in damp warehouses, and ask for returns or guarantees in writing. Inspect again on delivery.

Checklist

1. Look for tiny round holes on legs, rails, backs and undersides.
2. Check for fresh powder on the floor or shelves beneath.
3. Tap and probe for hollow or soft wood.
4. Check joints for looseness.
5. Smell for damp or mustiness.
6. Look at nearby pieces in the same area.

Questions for the seller

• What wood is it and how was it seasoned?
• What treatment has it had?
• Where has it been stored?
• What is the return or guarantee policy?

Red flags

• Fresh powder or holes on display pieces.
• Heavy polish on only one face.
• Damp or crowded storage.
• Unwillingness to answer questions.

After delivery

• Inspect all faces again.
• Keep new pieces apart from old furniture for a while.
• Seal exposed wood.
• Keep the receipt and photos.

When to call a professional

If the problem is widespread, keeps returning or you are unsure what you are dealing with, a professional inspection will save time and avoid wasted effort.

Frequently asked questions

Can I trust a new piece?

Mostly, but always check.

What if I find borers after buying?

Contact the seller promptly with photos.

Is second-hand risky?

More so. Check carefully.

Should I buy borer-treated?

It can lower risk. Ask for details.

This guide is part of IPest's complete resource on wood borer control. For identification help, prevention and treatment options, see our full wood borer treatment guide for Bangalore.