Furniture Design - HARDWARE

What is furniture hardware?

Metal or plastic components that make furniture functional, sturdy, and easy to use.

What are the two main purposes of furniture hardware?

Practical purposes (enabling movement and operation) and aesthetic purposes (contributing to style and design).

What are the four main functions of furniture hardware?

Provides strength & stability, allows movement & function, enhances aesthetics & style, and contributes to user safety & comfort.

What is functional hardware?

Hardware that directly affects the operation of furniture.

Name a type of hinge used in furniture.

Butt hinge, piano hinge, concealed hinge, continuous hinge.

What are drawer slides?

Hardware that enables drawers to open and close smoothly.

What are the three types of drawer slide extension?

Full-extension, ¾ extension, and over-travel slides.

What is a cam lock?

A type of lock used for securing cabinets, drawers, and furniture.

What is the difference between locks and latches?

Locks secure and prevent unauthorized access, while latches simply hold doors closed.

What are the two main categories of fasteners?

Connectors and fasteners.

What is a ball-bearing hinge?

A hinge that features ball bearings within the knuckle joint to reduce friction.

What is a concealed hinge?

A hinge designed to be hidden when the door is closed, providing a sleek look.

What type of lock is ideal for high-security external doors?

Deadbolts.

What are the characteristics of side-mount slides?

Two parts attached to the drawer side and cabinet side, allowing full extension.

What is the purpose of a soft-close slide?

To slow the drawer's closure, preventing slamming and reducing wear.

What are the types of fasteners?

Screws, nails, bolts, washers, C-clamps, and spring clips.

What is a pivot hinge?

A hinge that allows doors to swing in both directions, including a full 360 degrees.

What is the function of connectors in furniture hardware?

To join structural components together, often using specialized metal hardware.

What is a spring-loaded hinge?

A hinge equipped with a spring to automatically close doors.

What are continuous hinges used for?

Providing consistent support for heavy-duty or commercial applications.

What is a knob lock?

A basic level of security lock ideal for interior doors.

What are the benefits of using undermount slides?

They provide a hidden, clean appearance and smooth, quiet operation.

What is a smart lock?

A modern, keyless lock that offers electronic access, often controlled by a smartphone app.

What is a butterfly hinge?

A decorative hinge with a distinctive butterfly shape that enhances visual appeal.

What are roller slides?

A basic type of drawer slide often using plastic wheels, suitable for light-duty use.

What is a rim lock?

A surface-mounted lock often seen in older properties, requiring a rim knob to operate.

What are the uses of cam locks?

Securing cabinets, drawers, and furniture.

What are C-Clamps used for?

To hold materials together with adjustable pressure.

What is the function of Rivets?

Permanent fasteners that combine materials by deforming one end after insertion.

What are Pins used for in furniture?

Cylindrical fasteners used to align or join components.

What is the purpose of Anchors?

Specialized fasteners for attaching objects to brittle materials like concrete or drywall.

What are Threaded Rods?

Long metal rods with threads running along their entire length, used with coupling nuts.

What are Fixed (Rigid) Casters?

Casters that cannot swivel and only allow for straight-line movement.

What are the uses of Casters?

Used in industrial applications, heavy machinery, or for stability in furniture like shopping carts.

What are Brake Casters?

Casters that combine mobility with stability, allowing for easy steering and stopping.

What are Swivel Casters?

Casters that can rotate 360 degrees for maneuverability.

What are Basic Glides?

Small, flat discs attached to furniture legs to help it slide across the floor.

What are Pneumatic Casters?

Casters with air-filled tires that absorb shock and provide smooth movement on uneven surfaces.

What are Decorative Hardware types?

Includes handles, pulls, trims, and ornamental features that enhance style and functionality.

What is the difference between a pull and a handle?

A pull is attached at a single point, while a handle is attached at two or more points.

What are Knob Handles?

Round, fixed handles that are twisted to operate a latch or lock.

What are Heavy-Duty Pull Handles designed for?

Strength and durability on commercial or exterior doors.

What are Cornices used for?

To embellish the joint between a wall and a ceiling, often concealing seams.

What are Architectural Moldings?

Decorative surrounds used around doorways and windows to add a finished look.

What is Crown Molding?

A decorative trim applied where walls meet ceilings for a polished look.

What are Folding & Extendable Mechanisms?

Systems that allow furniture to change size or shape for space-saving and increased functionality.

What is a Murphy bed system?

A folding mechanism that allows a bed to be stored vertically against a wall.

What are Drop-Leaf Hinges used for?

To allow tabletops to fold down, ideal for compact storage.

What are Scissor Mechanisms?

Create an ultra-compact and lightweight folding design.

What is a Trestle Folding Table?

A table that utilizes trestle-style legs that fold for storage.

What are Extendable Mechanisms?

Internal structures that pull out to increase the surface area of tables.

What are Serpentine (S-Frame) Tables known for?

Durability and the ability to expand the surface area.

What is the purpose of Specialty Hardware?

Innovative fittings for multi-function and modern furniture.