When selecting furniture it is important to evaluate the type and quality of the materials used. The most common materials used in furniture construction are: –Wood –Metal –Glass –Plastic Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

Wood is the most common material used, especially in case goods. Case goods are pieces of furniture that are not upholstered such as, desks, tables, and chests. Wood is: –Beautiful –Durable –Fairly easy to repair –Can withstand a great deal of weight Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

Hardwoods –Come from deciduous trees –Cherry, maple, pecan, oak, walnut, mahogany, birch, and ash –Beautiful natural grain, excellent strength, and resistance to denting –Often used to make fine furniture Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

Softwoods –Come from coniferous trees –Pine, fir, redwood, and cedar –Coarser grain, dent more easily, and cost less –Often used for interior parts of case goods Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

Veneer –Several thin sheets of lesser quality wood are dyed, glued, and pressed together to make a thin layer –Strong, resists shrinking and warping –Can be difficult to repair –Usually less expensive than solid wood –The sheet of veneer is placed over a base material such as plywood –Plywood is three, five, or seven layers of less expensive wood glued together –Most furniture produced today is made using veneer Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

Solid wood –Whole pieces of the same wood are used to make the exposed surfaces –Can be sanded and refinished when damaged –Can be turned and carved –More expensive Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

Particleboard –A combination of wood shavings, veneer scraps, chips, and sometimes sawdust mixed with glue and pressed together under heat –Less expensive and more durable than solid wood and veneer –Most often used for the insides of furniture pieces such as drawers and the backs of bookcases Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

 Metal  Common furniture metals include iron, steel, aluminum, brass, and copper  Strong and durable  Used for table and chair frames, chair legs and arms, decorative accessories, lamp bases, doorknobs, and drawer pulls Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

* Glass * Glass used in furniture should be: * tempered – treated for safety and durability * free of bubbles, scratches, and other defects * Used for tabletops and the doors of china and display cabinets Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

 Plastic  Can be molded to form tables and chairs  Available in a variety of colors  Resists spots, scratches, and other abuse  Can be made to resemble other materials such as wood or marble Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.