Furniture Construction and Selection

Qualities of Hardwoods

Greater dimensional stabilityLess pitchMore durabilityHarderHolds nails and screws betterLess likely to dent

Hardwoods commonly used

MapleCherryPecanOakWalnut

Qualities of SoftwoodsDevelops checks and cracksNot as strong as hardwoodLess expensive than hardwood

Softwoods commonly used

CedarPineRedwoodCypress

Veneers

DefinitionThin slices of wood

Advantages of using veneersSolid wood is too expensiveSolid wood is too heavyGreater strengthLess 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

FrameShould be kiln dried hardwoodJoints should be strengthened

Cushioning materialsSprings in seat basesThick cushioning applied over springs and frame.Foam, fiberfill, and down are used.

Support Springs in MattressesBox springs

Coils attached to a base covered with paddingCoil springs:

Same as box, but not covered or paddedFlat springs:

Frame with flat springsNumber of coils?

Good quality has 300 or more

Metals in Furniture Construction

AluminumIronSteelUsed for:

Lawn chairsOutdoor furnitureModern furniture

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Metal Furnishings

Advantages:Light or heavyInexpensiveStrong

Disadvantages:BendsDentsBrittleRusts and tarnishes

Plastic furniture

Advantages:Imitates other materialsLight weightDurableInexpensiveEasy to clean

Buying Case Furniture

Check for:Surface finish, back and inside finishSolid constructionSturdy baseWorking partsDrawers open smoothly

Buying Upholstered Furniture

Check for:ZippersUnderliningSpring qualityComfort

Shopping for Furniture

Information and materials you should take with you when you shop for furniture:

Measurements: what size are door openingsColors: Carpet, wallpaper, paint, fabric to match