Furniture Construction and Selection

Qualities of Hardwoods Greater dimensional stability Less pitch More durability Harder Holds nails and screws better Less likely to dent

Hardwoods commonly used: Deciduous - trees that lose their leaves Maple Cherry Pecan Oak Walnut Birch Mahogany

Qualities of Softwoods Develops checks and cracks Not as strong as hardwood Less expensive than hardwood

Softwoods commonly used: Coniferous – Cone bearing trees Cedar Pine Redwood Cypress Fir Spruce

Wood Wood Grain: pattern formed as tree grows.

Bonded Wood Plywood: 3-5 layer of less expensive wood glued together Particle Board: wood shavings, scraps, and sawdust mixed and pressed under heat. Wafer Board: Wood chips/pieces bonded with glue and heat.

Veneers Definition Thin slices of wood Advantages of using veneers Solid wood is too expensive Solid wood is too heavy Greater strength Less cost

Wood Finishes Stain: adds color and allows the grain of wood to show through, variety of tones Varnish: covers stain with a durable finish, shine, matte Paint: covers the grain, solid coverage, endless color choices Polyurethane: Plastic like finish that protects surface of wood, clear but in a glossy or matte. Lacquer: High gloss finish, plastic like

Furniture Joints Important because they affect the life of the furniture, it’s durability, and it’s strength. Most common types: DovetailDowel Mortise &TenonButt Tougue & GrooveCorner Block

Dovetail Joint

Mortise & Tenon Joint

Tongue & Groove Joint

Dowel Joint A reinforced butt joint

Butt Joint Simplest to make, but the weakest

Corner Block Adds strength to a butt joint

Parts of Upholstered Furniture Frame Should be kiln dried hardwood (birch is common ) Joints should be strengthened Cushioning materials Springs in seat bases Thick cushioning applied over springs and frame. Foam, fiberfill, and down are used.

Support Springs in Mattresses Box springs Coils attached to a base covered with padding Coil springs: Same as box, but not covered or padded Strongest support Flat springs: Frame with flat springs Less Support Number of coils? Good quality has 300 or more

Metals in Furniture Construction Aluminum Iron Steel Used for: Lawn chairs Outdoor furniture Modern furniture

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Metal Furnishings Advantages: Light or heavy Inexpensive Strong Disadvantages: Bends Dents Brittle Rusts and tarnishes

Plastic furniture Advantages: Imitates other materials Light weight Durable Inexpensive Easy to clean

Rattan, Bamboo, Wicker Natural wood frames with woven stems and branches. Advantages: Light weight Durable Inexpensive

Buying Case Goods Case Goods: various types of storage cabinetry…wood is the primary construction material Check for: Surface finish, back/inside finish Solid construction Sturdy base Working parts Drawers open smoothly

Buying Upholstered Furniture Check for: Fabric Quality: patterns match, durable Construction: frame sturdy, quality craftsmanship Underlining Zippers Spring quality Comfort Strong, durable cording

Shopping for Furniture Information and materials you should take with you when you shop for furniture: Measurements: what size are door openings, room size, furniture piece Colors: Carpet, wallpaper, paint, fabric to match