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 SoftwoodsDevelops checks and cracks
Not as strong as hardwood
Less expensive than hardwood
Softwoods commonly used
Cedar
Pine
Redwood
Cypress
Veneers
DefinitionThin slices of wood
Advantages of using veneersSolid 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
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 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
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
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
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