Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast looking to save some cash or an interior designer feverishly trying to satisfy a demanding client, carolina panther furniture — specifically, how to master the art of it – is one thing you can’t afford not to know.
In this post, we’ve assembled our best tips for any type of furniture-building project. They range from designing and choosing fabrics with your new furniture in mind all the way through assembling that freshly built beauty.
1. Always start with a plan.
And by plan, we mean a detailed drawing. A diagram that shows where all the pieces – hinges, knobs, handles, and drawers — will go is your best tool: even if you have to use paper. No matter what type of project you’re doing, whether it’s making a bed or redecorating a room, the first step is always to create a plan. This includes knowing how much time you have to devote to your project, where the furniture will go in your space and what style of furniture you want.
2. Know your resources.
Before you begin, decide on the type of furniture you’re going to build. Are you going to build a bookcase with shelves or a desk for your office? You may need to check with other people if you’re not sure how much time, money and effort will be needed for the project. Knowing your resources up front can help you stay on track and avoid overspending or losing valuable time on a project that just isn’t worth it.
3. Choose quality materials.
Although there are numerous ways to build things, quality always matters. Make sure that the materials you use can handle the stress of your project without breaking down, and that they’ll be able to hold up over time. Before you purchase any materials for your furniture project, make sure the brand is reliable and ensures quality. If the finish looks cheap or if it has extra grease on it, it’s better to skip that brand.
4. Use a cutting system.
When building furniture, you could start by glueing boards together and then moving wooden slats into place. But a simple cutting system is much more efficient and modern furniture can be constructed in easily less time. Every project requires a cutting system to make sure the blades you’re using for your saw are sharp enough for smoothing out joints and cuts. You can use eyelets or small nails as well, but they may wear out over time, so we recommend having a dedicated cutting system for all types of projects.
5. Don’t skimp on the sawdust collection area.
Sawdust is the main by-product of woodworking, and it’s not something you want to mess around with. Make sure you have an area in your workshop where the sawdust can be disposed of to keep it from building up. Even if your saw is top-of-the-line, if you don’t have a good place to collect sawdust, you run the risk of inhaling harmful dust. Make sure you have an effective dust collector that suits the needs of your specific project.
6. Use clamps to help hold pieces together when assembling.
Clamps are crucial for any project that involves woodworking or any kind of final assembly, but they may not be something you think about ahead of time when planning a new project. Always make sure to use clamps at each joint, and use additional clamps along the length and width of the piece where needed too. You can also use clamps to hold two or more pieces together while securing screws or nails.
7. Use rope when assembling furniture.
Rather than using nails or screws, which can damage your furniture over time, try using rope to secure joints and avoid long-term damage to your work. Save the nails and screws for other areas you’re assembling, like drawers and doors where they’ll be hidden once the project is complete. And remember: wooden pegs can also be used in place of rope if you plan on painting your furniture after assembly is complete.
8. Measure twice, then cut once.
This old saying really holds true when it comes to assembly. When you’re putting together most types of furniture, you should always make sure all the parts are in the right place, then cut once and secure everything in place. It’s better to take your time and be sure all parts are cut properly than rush through a project and realize too late that something is off.
Before you know it, you’ll have built an attractive piece of furniture with your own two hands, whether it’s a bookcase or the chest that holds your bed linens.
Summary:
To become an expert at furniture building, start cutting out your plans from the comfort of your home and assemble them in the workspaces of other people. Refer to these tips when designing, planning and building furniture. Whether you have a simple or an elaborate project in mind, this advice will help ensure your furniture works well with the space it’s in and lasts for years to come.