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