Furniture in Warm and Humid Climates
Author
Summary, in English
Most furniture produced in a temperate climate, such as in Europe, does not have a long service life in warm and humid conditions. This means it is difficult to purchase furniture from temperate climates for export to tropical countries. This report discusses the problems and gives recommendations on how to choose materials and types of furniture construction for humid conditions.
Wood and wood based materials swell when they absorb moisture in humid climates. Furniture produced in a dry climate will therefore have large moisture movements in humid conditions. Depending on the design, the swelling of parts might have little effect on the function of the piece of furniture, or it might completely ruin it. Basic rules to deal with moisture movements are:
Choose material with low swelling.
Make short joints.
Only join parts with similar moisture movement.
Many materials used in furniture, such as adhesives, metals and coatings, are available in a range of qualities with vastly different durability under humid conditions. For furniture to be used under humid conditions, one should choose materials that are durable. This report discusses materials and gives recommendations that, together with recommendations from the manufacturers, make it possible to choose better materials than used in standard production.
The report presents case studies in which both materials and design are discussed. Improvements are suggested for each type of furniture. Case studies include:
Traditional chair, Bentwood armchair, Dining table, Rustic dining table, Work table, Wardrobe, Kitchen cabinets, Chest of drawers, Wooden shelving, Board shelving.
Wood and wood based materials swell when they absorb moisture in humid climates. Furniture produced in a dry climate will therefore have large moisture movements in humid conditions. Depending on the design, the swelling of parts might have little effect on the function of the piece of furniture, or it might completely ruin it. Basic rules to deal with moisture movements are:
Choose material with low swelling.
Make short joints.
Only join parts with similar moisture movement.
Many materials used in furniture, such as adhesives, metals and coatings, are available in a range of qualities with vastly different durability under humid conditions. For furniture to be used under humid conditions, one should choose materials that are durable. This report discusses materials and gives recommendations that, together with recommendations from the manufacturers, make it possible to choose better materials than used in standard production.
The report presents case studies in which both materials and design are discussed. Improvements are suggested for each type of furniture. Case studies include:
Traditional chair, Bentwood armchair, Dining table, Rustic dining table, Work table, Wardrobe, Kitchen cabinets, Chest of drawers, Wooden shelving, Board shelving.
Department/s
Publishing year
1995
Language
English
Publication/Series
Building Issues, Vol 7
Links
Document type
Report
Publisher
[Publisher information missing]
Topic
- Architecture
Keywords
- Building Issues
Status
Published