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
Maple
Cherry
Pecan
Oak
Walnut

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

5. Softwoods commonly used
Cedar
Pine
Redwood
Cypress

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

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

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

9. 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.

10. 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

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

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

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

14. Buying Case Furniture Check for:
Surface finish, back and inside finish
Solid construction
Sturdy base
Working parts
Drawers open smoothly

15. Buying Upholstered Furniture
Check for:
Zippers
Underlining
Spring quality
Comfort

16. 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