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 Maple Cherry Pecan Oak Walnut

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

Softwoods commonly used Cedar Pine Redwood Cypress

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

Furniture Joints Important because they affect the life of the furniture, it’s durability, and it’s strength.

Types of Joints Biscuit Mortise and tenon Rabbet Butt Mitered Dado Lap Dovetail

Parts of Upholstered Furniture Frame Should be kiln dried hardwood 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 Flat springs: Frame with flat springs 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 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

Buying Case Furniture Check for: Surface finish, back and inside finish Solid construction Sturdy base Working parts Drawers open smoothly

Buying Upholstered Furniture Check for: Zippers Underlining Spring quality Comfort

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