Furniture Construction and Selection

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Bell Quiz 1 Highboy 3 Ottoman 4 Buffet 5 Tuxedo 6 Lawson 7 Camelback 2 Wardrobe/ armoire 1 Highboy 3 Ottoman 4 Buffet 5 Tuxedo 6 Lawson 7 Camelback 8 Secretary

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

Hardwoods come from deciduous trees (trees that loose their leaves) Maple Cherry Birch Oak Walnut Mahogany

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

Softwoods come from coniferous cone bearing trees. Cedar Pine Redwood Cypress Spruce Fir

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

Particle Board Particle board is produced by combining sawdust and other waste wood with a special resin. This slurry of wood chips and glue is then pressed through an extrusion machine to form long sheets of particle board. Customized saws cut these sheets into various sizes according to the needs of the customer. Manufacturers of inexpensive home furnishings such as shelving, entertainment centers and bookcases often use particle board for their do-it-yourself kits.

Plywood Plywood is a wood product manufactured out of many sheets of veneer, or plies, pressed together and glued, with their grains going in opposite directions. Plywood tends to be extremely strong, though not very attractive, and is treated in many different ways depending upon its intended application. Because of the way in which plywood is constructed, it also resists cracking, bending, warping, and shrinkage, depending upon its thickness.

Plywood

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

Joints A butt joint is a type of woodworking joint. It is the easiest of all joints to make, but is also quite weak.

Joints A mortise and tenon joint is a type of joint used to join two pieces of wood together. To make this joint, a joiner will cut a hole, called a mortise, out of one piece of wood. A projection, called the tenon, is then cut out of the second piece. After this, the joiner will insert the tenon into the mortise. The result is a strong joint that can be used in many applications.

Joints A dovetail joint is a type of mortise and tenon joint made with a series of trapezoidal pins which interlock with similarly-shaped tails.

Joints A dowel joint is a wooden joint that is partially or totally held in place by the addition of small round wooden rods called dowels.

Joints Tongue and Groove

Joints The corner block is pressed against the two pieces of material (normally wood based). Screws are used to fix the block into position. This type of joint is used to fit modern cabinets such as those found in a kitchen. It is a relatively strong joint although it has the advantage that it can be dismantled using a screwdriver.

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

Coils Flat springs are used for less expensive furniture and are not as durable. Coil springs are used for higher quality furniture and are most durable.

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 sewn straight and are strong Underlining Sufficient Padding Spring quality Comfort Cushions (seams, welts, cording should be smooth, patterns should match, and fabrics should be tightly woven.

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

Finishes The process of embellishing / protecting the surface of the wooden surface. Varnish is a finish which can be applied to wood and other surfaces to create a hard, glossy film which will resist the elements. This type of finish is used in a wide range of situations, and it is a very popular method of finishing for floors, boat trim, and some cabinetry. Like paint, wood stain is available in both oil-based and water-based varieties. Both are suitable for most any wood surface, but oil-based tends to be more durable than water-based on most.

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