When assessing the condition of a piece of antique furniture, a careful distinction should be drawn between what are simply the natural results of normal useage, or put another way, wear and tear; and actual damage, caused by negligence of one form or another.

Aside from the obvious breakages and splits, two of the other most common ways in which the structure of furniture is adversely affected, are through the spread of woodworm and fluctuating ambient temperature. Evidence of the former can be seen in the sharply formed, almost pin-prick sized holes, clustered together often around mortis and tenon joints, severely weakening the overall solidity of a piece.

While perhaps not immediately obvious, significant changes in room temperature, such as those produced by the seasonal use of central heating, can cause the mainly hide based glues originally used, to dry-out, crack  and ultimately lead the structure, which they are supporting to loosen significantly. In the case of veneered timbers, this is seen in the manner in which they have a tendency to blister and lift from their carcases. 

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