One very versatile artificial paneling material is hardboard. Usually quite smooth on one side and screened on the reverse, hardboard is made of wood chips that have been separated into individual fibers then bonded under heat and pressure into sheets of dense wood fiber. For added moisture resistance and strength, some hardboard is tempered with thermal-setting materials baked into place.
Several types of superior wood products have been developed by modern technology. The majority are wooden “sheet” materials – flat sheets of laminated or compressed wood products that are generally stronger, more flexible, and less likely to split than ordinary lumber. They expand and contract less than common lumber and are available in large sizes (usually 4 by 8-foot sheets) that would be impossible to mill and distribute in the wood’s natural form. They are sometimes available in half sheets (4 by 4 feet) or odd sizes. All of these products fall under the categories of either plywood or hardboard.
Before you begin the actual construction of a piece of furniture, it’s a good idea to have a basic knowledge of certain products, tools, and techniques. Familiarity with building materials will enable you to make proper selections for your project – and you can use materials other than those specified in plans if you are aware of their advantages and shortcomings. Although you may be reasonably adept at working with basic hand tools, check out the various types of power tools that can save you time and effort. Also, make it a point to learn how to put together basic furniture elements such as tabletops, drawers, and cabinet doors. The selection that follows is intended as a quick reference guide to some of the most important aspects of furniture building – from selection of the materials to applying the final finish.
