Admittedly, it is not always easy to detect when the piece of furniture you have recently purchased, or are thinking about buying, was constructed. However, if you can find a construction date, then it is important to remember this rule: If the piece was built before 1960 then it usually means that it is done so without the use of laminate or particleboard. This more traditional approach to carpentry and furniture construction generally means that the structural integrity of the piece is higher. One point that needs to be kept in mind is that for wooden furniture constructed before 1850, refinishing can end up hurting the value of your piece.