Topic 5 of 6 · Form 6
Furniture design, construction and finishing
Function, ergonomics (seat height about 430–450 mm, table height about 720–760 mm for adults), anthropometrics, strength, stability, aesthetics, materials, construction method, cost and production volume.
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Design considerations
Function, ergonomics (seat height about 430–450 mm, table height about 720–760 mm for adults), anthropometrics, strength, stability, aesthetics, materials, construction method, cost and production volume.
Construction methods
- Frame construction (tables, chairs) with mortise and tenon, dowel or bridle joints.
- Carcase construction (cabinets) with housings, dovetails, dowels or biscuits.
- Stool and stick construction, bentwood and laminating (curved parts made by gluing thin veneers in a former).
- Knock-down (KD) fittings for flat-pack furniture.
Joint design
Proportions (e.g. tenon thickness about one third of the stock), glue area, grain direction, and resistance to racking.
Hardware
Hinges, drawer runners, catches, castors and handles.
Finishing technology
Surface preparation; stains, sealers, oils, waxes, lacquers (nitrocellulose, polyurethane, acid-catalysed), water-based finishes; spray application in booths; environmental and health issues (VOCs).
Upholstery (introduction)
Webbing, springs, foam, and covering fabrics.
Check yourself
- What is the usual proportion of a tenon's thickness to the stock thickness?
- How are curved components made by laminating?
- Give one environmental concern with solvent-based finishes.
Show answers
- About one third.
- Thin veneers are glued together and cramped in a shaped former until the glue sets.
- They release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), harmful to health and the atmosphere.
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