Before heading out to the store to shop for a wood dresser, be sure to measure the room in which the dresser will be placed to get a better idea of how large or small of a unit will work in the room. It also helps to determine how much clothing and other items will be stored in the wood dresser; try to choose a dresser that will fit in the space but still accommodate your storage needs. Once you have determined the best size dresser, do a bit of research about the different types of wood commonly used in furniture construction.
Some woods are naturally beautiful and durable, but such woods tend to be fairly expensive. If you intend to own the wood dresser for many years, consider the purchase as an investment; this means you may end up paying a bit more, but you will also get a dresser that will be durable, stable, and very attractive. Woods like teak, cedar, and mahogany are very attractive and they are resistant to rot, mold, and other damage from moisture exposure. These woods tend to be more expensive, but they are likely to last many years with little or no maintenance.
If you choose a less expensive wood, be sure it is treated or otherwise protected to prevent damage or rot. Pine is a popular material choice for a wood dresser because it is quite attractive and affordable, but untreated pine is susceptible to warping, splitting, and cracking. Treating the wood will help prevent such damage, and it can also improve the aesthetics of the wood dresser. Even a coat of paint can go a long way toward preserving the wood furniture you choose to buy.
Sometimes more than one wood dresser is needed to accommodate a person's storage needs. If you fall into this category, consider buying a dresser set that includes several pieces. The advantage of buying a set rather than individual pieces is the cost: a set is likely to end up costing you less money at the initial purchase than buying several pieces spread out over time. A set ensures each piece of furniture matches as well, keeping a consistent aesthetic in the room. Sometimes a dresser set will come with bedside tables, or even a bed headboard, to help keep the aesthetic of the entire room consistent. The initial purchase price of such a set will be high, but it will end up saving you money in the long run.