Types of Materials Used in Furniture

There are many different types of furniture pieces that are used throughout the home. Also, these pieces are made up of many different types of materials.

Wood

Wood has been a common and most favoured type of material in a variety of different types of furniture. There are several types of wood that are used for this purpose. These types are usually broken down into two categories with one being softwood, and the other being hardwood. For example, wood that comes from the evergreens would be considered softwood, while oak or mahogany is classified as hardwood.

Plastic

Plastic grew in popularity for making many furniture pieces because this material gave the furniture a retro and colourful look. It goes through trends, and there are many different types of plastics that can be used for the production of furniture. What many like about it is that it is lighter in weight when compared to wood.

Metal

Metal is another material that has become quite common in different pieces of furniture. Sometimes it is used just as a accent or accessory, whereas some furniture pieces are completely constructed from it. One of the advantages of metal is that it can be uniquely formed during the manufacturing process to generate unique shapes for furniture.

These are just a few examples of the common types of materials that are used in furniture. There are many other types and often a selection of different types of materials are used to make one item. Then there are additional materials that are used to lend to the design and durability of the furniture such as springs, padding and upholstery.

It is important to pay close attention to the materials that are used in any of the furniture that you are thinking of buying. It may appeal to you visually, but you want to make sure that it will stand up to the uses it will be subjected to.