This document discusses different types of wood and materials used for furniture construction. It provides details on hardwoods and softwoods, their qualities and common types used. Veneers and various furniture joints are also outlined. The document then covers parts of upholstered furniture like frames, cushioning, and support springs. Different metals used in furniture construction are listed along with their advantages and disadvantages. Plastic furniture is also discussed. The summary concludes with tips for buying case furniture, upholstered furniture, and things to bring when shopping for furniture.

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
Thin slices of wood
Advantages of using veneers
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
Advantages:
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