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How to Judge the Quality of Ceramic Garden Stools

Ceramic garden stools are decorative pieces of furniture that you can use in a number of ways. They are often used as traditional garden stools but can also be used as end tables or even displayed as works of art. Colorful and sometimes intricately designed, they add a touch of distinctive style to any space. Carefully study your ceramic garden stool before purchasing it to ensure you are getting a high-quality piece. Like all ceramics, your stool may be subject to cracks, flaws and other problems that may not make it worth its price.

Instructions

    • 1

      Examine it carefully for cracks and chips. This is especially important if you are going to be leaving it outside, as water can get into the cracks, causing them to widen if the water freezes. Cracks also make your ceramic garden stool more fragile and prone to breakage.

    • 2

      Look for a smooth, even glaze. Blotches and lumps indicate a rushed process and signify a lower-quality stool. A consistently even finish is a mark of a high-quality stool. Intricate designs also often indicate higher-quality stools, especially if they are hand-painted.

    • 3

      Feel the edges of the holes. High quality ceramic stools have holes, which allow gases to escape during the firing process. The edges of the holes should be smooth to the touch, not rough and jagged.

    • 4

      Consider the shape of the stool. In many cases, the more unusual the shape, the higher quality the stool, according to House Beautiful. Although most standard ceramic garden stools are barrel-shaped, a few are shaped like animals and are highly collectible.

    • 5

      Lift the stool. High-quality ceramic garden stools are thick and heavy, and they're more than sturdy enough to sit on.