Furniture Construction and Selection 1 Qualities of Hardwoods

Furniture Construction and Selection

1. Qualities of Hardwoods Greater dimensional stability Less pitch More durability Harder Holds nails and screws better Less likely to dent

2. Hardwoods commonly used Maple Cherry Pecan Oak Walnut Birch

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

4. Softwoods commonly used Cedar Pine Redwood Cypress

Wood Grain: pattern formed as tree grows.

5. Bonded Wood Plywood: 3 -5 layer of less expensive wood glued together Particle Board: wood shavings, scraps, and sawdust mixed and pressed under heat. Wafer Board: Wood chips/pieces bonded with glue and heat.

6. Veneers Definition Thin slices of wood 7. Advantages of using veneers Solid wood is too expensive Solid wood is too heavy Greater strength Less cost

8. Wood Grain Texture produced by the fibers in wood

9. Wood Finishes Stain: adds color and allows the grain of wood to show through, variety of tones Varnish: covers stain with a durable finish, shine, matte Paint: covers the grain, solid coverage, endless color choices Polyurethane: Plastic like finish that protects surface of wood, clear but in a glossy or matte. Lacquer: High gloss finish, plastic like

10. Furniture Joints Important because they affect the life of the furniture, it’s durability, and it’s strength. 11. Types: Dovetail Dowel Mortise and Tenon Butt Tounge n Groove Corner Block

12. Parts of Upholstered Furniture Frame Should be kiln dried hardwood (birch is common ) 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 14. Coil springs: Same as box, but not covered or padded Strongest support Flat springs: Frame with flat springs Less Support 13. Number of coils? Good quality has 300 or more

15. Metals in Furniture Construction Aluminum Iron Steel 16. Used for: Lawn chairs Outdoor furniture Modern furniture

17. Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Metal Furnishings Advantages: Light or heavy Inexpensive Strong Disadvantages: Bends Dents Brittle Rusts and tarnishes

18. Rattan, Bamboo, Wicker Natural wood frames with woven stems and branches. 19. Advantages: Light weight Durable Inexpensive

20. Plastic furniture Advantages: Imitates other materials Light weight Durable Inexpensive Easy to clean

21. Buying Case Goods: various types of storage cabinetry…wood is the primary construction material Check for: Surface finish, back/inside finish Solid construction Sturdy base Working parts Drawers open smoothly

22. Buying Upholstered Furniture Check for: Fabric Quality: patterns match, durable Construction: frame sturdy, quality craftsmanship Underlining Zippers Spring quality Comfort

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

Identifying Wood Joints Fill out with information sheets Work on “Create Your Own Furniture” Project HW- Furniture Store Scavenger Hunt