1. Furniture Construction and Selection

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

3. Hardwoods commonly used: Deciduous - trees that lose their leaves Maple Cherry Pecan Oak Walnut Birch Mahogany

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

5. Softwoods commonly used: Coniferous – Cone bearing trees Cedar Pine Redwood Cypress Fir Spruce

6. Wood Wood Grain: pattern formed as tree grows.

7. 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.

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

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. Most common types: DovetailDowel Mortise &TenonButt Tougue & GrooveCorner Block

11. Dovetail Joint

12. Mortise & Tenon Joint

13. Tongue & Groove Joint

14. Dowel Joint A reinforced butt joint

15. Butt Joint Simplest to make, but the weakest

16. Corner Block Adds strength to a butt joint

17. 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.

18. Support Springs in Mattresses Box springs Coils attached to a base covered with padding Coil springs: Same as box, but not covered or padded Strongest support Flat springs: Frame with flat springs Less Support Number of coils? Good quality has 300 or more

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

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

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

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

23. Buying Case Goods 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

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

25. 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