The process of making wooden furniture is long and arduous, starting from the harvesting of trees to the delivery of the furniture to the customer. In between, there are many steps that must be completed in order to create a piece that is both sturdy and beautiful.
You only see the finished product that arrives at your house or establishment without knowing the labor that went into it. If you’re interested in furniture-making, then read on. We will lead you through the steps on how different slabs of wood come together to form a cohesive whole.
1. Select the right type of wood.
The kind of wood you use will determine the overall look and feel of the furniture. When choosing one, you should consider both the appearance and the strength of the material. You should also determine if it fits the function and placement of the furniture, as there are types of lumber that are more durable and weather-resistant than others.
Generally, there are two categories of wood: hardwood and softwood. Hardwoods are typically more expensive but also stronger and more durable than softwoods. Softwoods are easier to work with but are not as strong or durable as hardwoods.
Under these two categories, there are many different kinds of wood available, and each has its own unique properties that make it suitable for different applications. We also have an article that defines the common types of wood and their characteristics, so you know which one to use for your furniture.
2. Cut the lumber into the desired shape and size.
Usually, templates or patterns are created for every piece of furniture. These will guide the builder and ensure that each item is made in the correct size and design. The wood must then be cut or carved and then drilled or routed according to these templates.
When shaping lumber and wooden planks, builders use a variety of tools. Those who prefer to hand-craft furniture use hand saws, chisels, planes, and sandpaper. With the advent of more advanced tools and machinery, you can also use a variety of woodworking machines including routers, sanders, drills and drill presses. There are even motorized saws like table saws, miter saws, and jigsaws that are convenient when dividing large wooden planks into smaller pieces.
3. Assemble the pieces to form the furniture.
Once all the pieces have been cut, you can nail, screw, or glue them together. Moreover, you need to drill on other hardware and materials that must be integrated into the piece.
If you want a more seamless way of assembling furniture, you can also use wood joinery techniques. Doweling and mortise and tenon are the two most popular ones. Doweling involves drilling a hole in each piece of wood and then joining them together with a dowel. Mortise and tenon involves cutting a hole in one piece of wood and inserting another piece of wood into the hole. A tenon is then cut on the end of the inserted piece of wood, which fits into a corresponding mortise on the other piece.
Another way to attach wooden pieces is by using a lamination technique. Lamination involves gluing several thin pieces of wood together to create a thicker piece of wood. This method can be used to create curved shapes that cannot be created with joinery techniques.
4. Sand the surface and apply paint or finish.
Finally, the furniture is sanded down and finished with a coat of paint or sealant. Sanding removes any rough edges, smoothens the wood, and prepares the surface for finishing. By applying paint, finish or sealant, you protect the wood from moisture and decay, while giving the furniture a smooth and polished look. We have another article on sanding and finishing if you want to learn more.
Making your own furniture is a great way to save money and customize your home with pieces that fit your specific needs and style. While it may seem daunting, furniture manufacturing is a surprisingly satisfying process that can be completed with the right tools and supplies and with enough skills and perseverance.
If you don’t have the time, resources, and skills to create your own furniture, then you can simply buy ones that you like or have a piece custom-built for you. You can visit our store for high quality wooden pieces, and if you can’t find one that you like, call us and we can customize wooden furniture for you.
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