What is flat-pack furniture? Flat-pack is the term associated with modern furniture. This type of product is normally delivered in pieces, inside a flat package. It can be assembled in the home. Instructions are supplied but some customers complain that they are difficult to follow.

Learning Objectives In order to be successful in this lesson: All must be able to explain the advantages and disadvantages of flat pack furniture Most should know the common materials and construction methods used in flat pack furniture Some should be able to start implementing improvements to their final design

Introduction to Flat-pack Furniture MANUFACTURED BOARDS and COMPOSITE MATERIALS have allowed designers to explore new ways of constructing products for the home. The development of flat-pack products continues and companies such as IKEA©, Next© and Habitat© invest time and money updating and replacing their product ranges.

Advantages to the Manufacturers Fabrication is expensive for the manufacturer. Costs are reduced if the customer assembles the products. Flat-pack products are easier to transport than assembled products. They may be transported in larger quantities in a single journey.

Advantages to the Manufacturers... CAM is used to manufacture most flat-pack furniture. The set up costs may be expensive but it saves the manufacturer money in the long-term. Flat-pack furniture is generally less expensive than permanently jointed timber furniture.

Advantages to the Retailers Flat-pack furniture takes up less space. Examples of a product line may be placed on the shop floor but the rest are stacked. Storage space on the shop floor is expensive to a retailer. The regular shapes of packaging allow more products to be stacked.

Advantages to the Customers Customers can easily take the flat-pack product home themselves and do not have to wait for delivery. Large pieces of furniture may be carried through narrow doors whilst in a flat-pack state.

Advantages to the Customers Customers moving home may easily disassemble and transport their furniture. Customers may choose from a range of surface tops, textures, colours and carcasses. Companies may specialise in manufacturing individual, made to measure, flat- pack bedrooms, home offices and kitchens.