W O O D   F U R N I T U RE

There are two categories used for making wood furniture- hardwoods and softwoods. However, either designation does not have anything to do with the softness or hardness of the wood. A "hardwood" tree loses its leaves seasonally and "softwood" trees keep their foliage year-round.

Ash, cherry, maple, oak, pecan, teak, rosewood, walnut, mahogany, and poplar are common hardwoods used in making furniture. Cypress, cedar, fir, pine, and redwoods fit into the softwood category.

CONSTUCTION TECHNIQUES

Various kinds of woods may be used in one piece of furniture. To illustrate, the term solid cherry or solid mahogany means that all components of the furniture are parts made of solid wood. Parts not visible to the eye, including the frame, may be made from another wood such as poplar or gum.

Typically, furniture made of fine hardwoods (maple, cherry or oak) and selected softwoods (pine) are more expensive. Furniture that contains an exposed combination of different woods is likely to be medium priced.

Because trees grow in their natural shapes and sizes, the wood must be altered for making furniture. Pieces of wood are bonded together in different ways to achieve the necessary sizes and shapes.

The four types of bonding are:

1. Wooden boards are sliced into thinner planks and bonded into one large piece. Strips are held together by an adhesive to form the tops, sides and door panels in solid wood furniture. Another wood may be contained in the interior.

2. Shaping is achieved also by using an adhesive to keep blocks of wood together. The blocks may then be deeply carved and patterned with a machine, or shaped or turned into cylinders for posts or table legs.

3. Wood particles, binding agents, and chips or flakes with resins are used for making combination wood panels. Under extreme heat and tremendous pressure, these sheets are formed into exceptionally strong, stable and warp resistant flanks. This material called chipboard, particleboard, fiberboard or engineered wood, is then useful on the backs of doors and cabinets. It is also commonly used for cores on tops and panels.

4. By adding layers placed at cross grain to a solid wood or particleboard core, ply construction is conceived. With the use of adhesives, each layer is bonded permanently under higher pressure. Ply construction is very strong and resistant to warping due to modern glues and manufacturing techniques.


THE ANCIENT ART OF VENEERING……

The exceptional beauty of fine furniture produced today lends its credit to veneers. The process of veneering is centuries old. It is originally found in ancient Egyptian culture and practiced later by Sir Thomas Chippendale, who became a masterful veneering practitioner. His 1700s designs display the timeless beauty of fine veneers. In those times, veneering was reserved only for the wealthy that could afford the major financial expense. But times have changed, veneers are much more affordable today!

To construct veneers, thin layers of highly decorative woods on top of solid cores, plywood, and particleboard or medium-density fiberboard are applied. This art allows for great flexibility, matching grain patterns and inlays to create designs. These designs are so intricate that that nature can't produce them in solid wood. Today, wood furniture in various price ranges is comprised of veneer construction. This allows the maximum use of beautiful, distinctive grain patterns and rare woods at affordable prices.


ENGRAVING AND PRINTING. . .a new technique

There is now a less expensive method of achieving the look of wood veneers with the help of modern technology. The attractiveness of natural wood grain can be reproduced. Printing and engraving patterns on density fiberboard and other surfaces enables such beauty. This method is easier to complete and at a fraction of the cost of genuine wood veneers. It's beauty and durability is comparable to the genuine veneering, without all of its benefits. However, printing and engraving can provide an exceptional appearance on a limited budget.

FINISHES. . .adding a final touch ….

The finish of a piece of furniture gives wood furniture a final touch. Providing uniform color adds a degree of protection and beauty to the piece. In general, a good finish requires the application of several coats of oil, wax, lacquer or paint to the surface.

The markings and grain variations shine through naturally and are highlighted even more with a clean finish. Opaque or tainted finishes change the color of the wood and allow two different woods to appear the same. Finishes can modify the look of a piece, making it sophisticated and smooth or rough hewn or rustic.

Another technique for aging new furniture is distressing. This heightens the rustic appeal of the furniture. Before the finish is applied, the wood is beaten or battered. Distressed finishes hide scratches and fingermarks easily. The distressed finishing technique can be an excellent choice for rooms where there is a lot of activity.

Another popular way of adding the final touch of beauty is to add painted finishes. This technique is likely to be more expensive than those with natural finishes. The paint tends to point up flaws requiring extra care to be taken at the factory. All imperfections must be removed from the wood.

Both imported furniture and contemporary designs may have other finishes. A sales person or furniture designer will be glad to explain the variations. You can be taught how to extend the life of your new wood furniture by pampering it with the correct care.


CHECK LIST FOR BUYING WOOD FURNITURE

[Click here for a printable checklist]

• Doors and drawers fit well.
• Drawers have stops and glides.
• Drawers easily glide after being pulled.
• Drawers have panels for dust.
• Drawer corners are securely jointed.
• Insides of drawers are snag free and smooth.
• All long shelves have center supports.
• Without squeaking or rubbing, all long shelves swing open easily.
• Long doors are attached with sturdy hinges.
• Hardware is strong and secure.
• All hardware has no rough edges.
• Interior lights are easily operated.
• All entertainment units have hole for electrical cords.
• When table is rocked, it feels heavily balanced.
• Tables leaves properly fit.
• Tables leave matched finish of table and grain.
• Finish feels smooth to the touch. (Except with distressed finish)
• Randomly spaced dark marks are in the distressed finish.

• Comfort.
• Cushioning
• Upholstery
• Sit On It
• Buying Tips

COMFORT

The frame and supporting foundation are the underpinnings for the other components and are critical to comfort. Kiln-dried hardwood resists warping and is traditionally considered the best frames. Quality frames may also be made of steel, plastic, laminated boards or a combination of materials.

Webbing, sling straps, slats or springs of various types can provide support. The design, size and amount of softness or support desired would determine which type the designer uses. Springs can be single coil, double cone coil or zigzag (sinuous S-type) and can be connected with twine, wire ties or clips. Eight-way hand-tied coil springing is a method where each coil spring is placed in the seat by hand and a skilled craftsman ties the coil into place with twine and interlocks it with other coils using an intricate set of knots. The body weight responds to the degree of resiliency in which each coil is set. For those who can afford the very best, eight-way, hand-tied remains the standard of excellence.

Coil springs add depth and comfort but require adequate space. Using the S-type spring there are many comfortable, sleek, slim styles. It is possible to have good-looking, comfortable, serviceable upholstered furniture at imminently affordable prices because of modern technology.

CUSHIONING

The next layer in the comfort story is cushioning forms. Cushioning materials include cotton or polyester, polyurethane foam and down. Foam and polyester fiberfill wrap are much used padding materials. The best thing about these man-made materials is that they are durable, resilient, mothproof and mildew and fungus resistant. There are various grades of foam, which lend themselves to various style applications. HC (High Comfort) foam and HR (High Resiliency) foam are very excellent choices. Foam can be used as a solid unit, wrapped with a softer polyester material or chopped and blown into new shapes. This is for arms and backs that would otherwise be difficult to pad.

FABRICS

There are a number of colors, patterns and textures you choose for your upholstery fabrics. The choice is virtually unlimited, but your lifestyle and budget can make a difference. Basically, there are two types of fabrics, naturals (cotton, linen, silk and wool) and synthetics (acetate, acrylic, nylon, rayon and polypropylene). For unmatched beauty and lasting durability some fabrics are a blend of natural and synthetics fibers. The fabrics with tighter weaves and durable fibers such as polypropylene or nylon tend to stand up better in an active household. You will find that glamorous fabrics such as satins, damasks and brocades; are dramatic. Though these fabrics are exciting, they should be reserved for seating where serviceability isn't a primary concern. Leather is one of today's most popular upholstery materials. It now comes in a rainbow of colors and a range of styles from timeless traditional to avant-garde contemporary. Leather Pocketbooks are in an affordable range for many because of the new methods of tanning and manufacturing.

SIT ON IT

The ultimate test is to sit down and see if the sofa or chair you're considering is the one for you. Height and angle of the back is one thing to consider. Getting a second opinion sometimes helps in your decision. A recliner or "easy" chair must be a perfect fit for the person who uses it most. That's another way of saying that the feel of comfort is an individual matter. As you shop, sit and bounce to test the degree of softness and resiliency. Choose the feel that pleases you and matches your needs. Most importantly, if the seat isn't comfortable, don't buy it. Comfort and budget is the biggest concern and your local retailer will help you find exactly what you are looking for.

BUYING TIPS

[Click here for a printable checklist]

• Make sure seats are comfortable.
• Backs should be free of bumps and hard spots.
• Frame must be sturdy, doesn't creak or wobble.
• Frame should sit squarely on the floor.
• Frame and corners must be well padded.
• Corners are glued and braced.
• Seams welts must be stitched evenly straight.
• Stripes and patterns match at seams.
• Make sure patterns are positioned or centered correctly.
• Cushions should fit snugly.
• Cushions must be resilient.
• Buttons are sewn on tightly.
• Heavy-duty pieces should be covered in durable fabric.
• Mechanisms on recliners and sleep sofas must work smoothly.
• Make sure fabric is positioned to prevent tearing on any moving parts.
• Metal parts must be smooth with no sharp edges.
• Dual-purpose seating must be well balanced in each position.