Furniture Construction

We at The Furniture Butler offer a variety of products made from many different materials, giving our pieces a wide range of quality, comfort, and affordability. It is very important for the furniture shopper to find the right balance that meets their own individual needs. Becoming familiar with the different materials that go into a piece of finely crafted furniture can be very useful. Listed below we attempt to familiarize you with many of these materials;


Hardwood

Solid wood furniture is considered the best quality furniture on the market, and if you are purchasing furniture that will be in your home for a long time, it is a very smart investment. Even with wear, solid wood gains character and charm and becomes a part of your family. Solid wood furniture is usually crafted with attention to detail that includes, mortise and tenon, dovetailed joints, wood on wood drawer glides, and strong protective finishes.

Hardwood solids, in particular, are cut from the trunks of deciduous hardwood trees. Among the most popular of these are oak and maple and cherry. And don’t forget, no two pieces of solid wood furniture are the same, so your furniture will be completely unique. Look for hardwood solids in all types of furniture.


Asian Hardwoods

( Parawood and Rubberwood)

Asian hardwood is also referred to as parawood, rubberwood, and tropical hardwood. Mainly from Southeast Asia, this wood is as strong as maple and is often referred to as Malaysian Oak because of its durability and strength.


Furthermore, the trees are used to produce latex for 25-30 years prior to being cut down for furniture construction. This ecologically friendly process has spawned the name rubberwood. Look for all three types of wood in a wide range of furniture pieces, including bar sets, ottomans, and dressers.


MDF/Engineered Wood

MDF is a common abbreviation for medium density fiberboard, or engineered wood. MDF is made out of multiple wood fibers glued together under heat and pressure, and is generally very affordable and often just as durable as solid wood. Furniture made with MDF can imitate the look of real wood while meeting the budget requirements of most families.

MDF offers several advantages over alternate materials, while not being too costly. It can be made with recycled materials, and possesses no grain so it can be drilled and/or cut without damaging the surface.


Veneer


Wood veneers are constructed of thin slices of real wood which are adhered to the surface of a piece of furniture to give it the glowing appearance of real wood. Veneers can be laid over less costly and lighter materials to save production and shipping costs, or added to a very expensive piece to showcase a particularly beautiful grain pattern. Craftsman can add beautiful wood inlays with the veneering process. Any smooth and flat material can have veneer laid over it, making this an extremely versatile and popular.


Laminates

Laminates consist of a layer of wood or other product, such as paper, which is applied over a wood frame and sealed with a protective layer of thermosetting resin. They are used in a wide variety of products (especially office furniture), as they can be extremely durable and stand up to heavy use. In addition you are virtually guaranteed that the finish on your products will match what you already have. Unlike real wood, laminates should not fade or have variations from piece to piece. They are also very easy to clean with just a soft cloth.


Copper and Bronze

Copper and bronze are reddish-colored metals that have been used in furniture construction for centuries. The ancient Greeks and Romans used the metal to create mirrors and other accent pieces. Copper and bronze are both used in furniture construction because of its stability and naturally beautiful color. Look for both metals on coffee tables, light fixtures, and mirrors.


Stainless Steel

Stainless steel refers to shiny steel that contains chromium, making it resistant to corrosion. Not only is stainless steel 100% recyclable, there are no coatings applied to the surface. This is great for the environment, because coatings can pollute the atmosphere when broken down during recycling.

The look of stainless steel is great for a modern or retro décor. The shininess of the silver steel really stands out when paired with black, white, and bright colors. Most stainless steels are mechanically buffed, giving it a reflective quality.


Wrought Iron

Wrought iron means "worked iron" in Old English. Wrought iron refers to metal that is hammered or bent into shape as opposed to being cast or poured at a foundry. The result is a metal that has a roughed up surface as opposed to the smooth machine-made look of alternate metal products. Because of this coarse surface, wrought iron is able to retain a thicker layer of finish than smoother metal.

Working metal by hand has been done for over 5,000 years, to make functional items such as furniture, as well as art.

The wrought iron of today most commonly consists of mild steel, which was discovered in 1856 and is made by melting cast iron and removing the carbon and slag.


Poured Moulding

Poured moldings are used to produce a decorative recessed or relieved surface, generally on an edge. Molten resin or wood bits are poured into a mould, often reinforced with fiberglass. As opposed to using wood, this is a much easier way to produce elaborate designs in furniture; the moulds can simply be etched to simulate wood grain, and even knots. This is an old process that is making a comeback in highly decorative and unique furniture. Look for poured moldings on console tables, headboards, and accent pieces.