Furniture Terms Part II (Courtesy of Bernhardt Furniture)

Veneer Characteristics

Veneers have long been used in fine furniture making and are stronger and more durable than solid wood. They resist shrinking, swelling, warping, and cracking due to humidity and other environmental changes.

Veneer Selection

Premier woods are hand-selected and matched in color and wood grain to give a consistent look to each piece while enhancing the natural beauty of the wood grain. Unusual veneers and “fancy face” patterns are often used to add decorative detail.

Finish Steps

An extensive, multi-step finish process gives each piece of furniture depth, accentuating the wood grain pattern and producing a range of finish looks from a high sheen to a natural “aged” appearance.

Mortise & Tenon Cabinetry Details

Traditional mortise and tenon construction is used to securely fasten pieces of wood, creating a stronger joint for lasting stability.

Door & Drawer Fit Doors and drawers are constructed with a precise, tight fit to prevent gaps and sagging, enhancing their appearance and structural strength.

Table Locks & Guides

Hidden metal locks are used to reduce gaps on tables with leaves, giving the table a clean, smooth appearance and ensuring durability over time. Premium quality table glides are used to secure the piece, reducing warping and sagging and resulting in a sturdy table frame.

Corner Blocks

Table legs are constructed with strong corner blocks glued and screwed with lag bolts, increasing the overall strength and rigidity of each leg.

Drawer Construction Materials & Finish

All wood sides and backs with veneer bottoms are used to create a durable drawer that is less likely to warp over time and humidity changes and to produce a smoother, more consistent drawer function. Each drawer bottom is stained and sealed, creating a smooth interior that is less likely to snap or damage clothes.

Stop Blocks

Wooden blocks are nailed and glued behind each drawer to ensure that the drawer stops solidly and in the proper position when closed.

Dovetails

English dovetail construction is featured in the front and back of each drawer (French dovetail is incorporated where design indicates) to deliver a durable drawer box that will remain solid over time.

Drawer Stops

Wooden stop pins are provided for each drawer with a silver tray to prevent the drawer from falling out of the case when pulled open.

Drawer Box

A full-size drawer box is used to offer increased drawer volume and maximum storage capacity. Full-size wooden guides are also used to support more cubic feet of storage.

Silver Trays

A silver tray with a tarnish-resistant cloth cover is custom fitted into a drawer in select dining room pieces to provide a protective, convenient space to store silverware.

Hardware Materials

Heavy duty solid metals are used to create hardware that adds beauty and durability while reducing rattling, rusting, and breakage.

Custom Design & Finish

Each collection has its own signature hardware that is custom-designed and finished using a multi-step process, adding distinction and a rich appearance to each piece.

Techniques

A range of methods such as the ancient Egyptian lost wax casting, die-casting or sand casing are used to create hardware with unique shapes, subtle markings and jewel-like details.