Materials & Finishes
AI visualization · Not a completed projectSpecify the surface, the structure beneath it and the finish separately. The catalog includes supplier-listed wood, upholstery, stone, glass and metal references; the selected combination still needs a model-specific drawing and physical sample.
01Wood and veneer: identify each layer
Ask which components are solid wood, veneered panels or another substrate. Compare species, veneer cut, grain direction and exposed-edge construction. A walnut-colored coating does not establish solid walnut construction. Keep the agreed build-up and sample identifier on the drawing so two quotations can be compared on the same basis.
02Coatings: match the sample to its substrate
Describe the color, sheen and texture using a labeled physical sample. Ask for the proposed coating system, the surface beneath it and written cleaning instructions. A screen image cannot settle color approval or establish resistance to spills, heat or cleaning chemicals.
03Upholstery: specify more than a color
Record the fabric or leather supplier, reference, colorway, composition, backing and treatment. For customer-supplied material (COM/COL), ask whether the particular material can be accepted, what quantity is required and who checks compatibility; acceptance is not established for every model. Match any report to the exact selection. One abrasion result cannot establish the service life of a complete chair.
04Stone, metal and hardware: resolve the interfaces
For a stone or glass top, ask about thickness, edge treatment, reinforcement and attachment to the base. Identify metal finishes and the manufacturer/model of hinges, runners or connectors. Confirm maintenance access and replacement parts instead of assuming every visible detail is included in the quoted construction.
THE PROJECT NOTEBOOK
Make material proposals comparable.
Record these choices separately in the furniture schedule. This is a procurement checklist, not a claim about materials currently available.
| Selection | Ask for | Approval record |
|---|---|---|
| Wood construction | Species; solid or veneered components; substrate; edge construction | Drawing callouts and a labeled construction sample |
| Surface finish | Coating system; color reference; sheen; texture; care instructions | A dated control sample on the proposed substrate |
| Upholstery | Fabric supplier and colorway; composition; backing; repeat and direction | Fabric cutting and reports for the exact proposed material |
| Stone and metal | Material designation; thickness; reinforcement; edge profile; finish | Physical sample and agreed variation criteria |
| Hardware | Manufacturer and model; fixing method; intended loads; replacement access | Approved hardware schedule and installation details |
A screen image cannot approve color, texture, comfort or material performance. Keep the sample identifier with the drawing revision and purchase order.
Bring the material choices into your brief.
List the model or category, requested dimensions and quantities, and the question you need answered.
Ask about material selectionFURNITURE BUYING QUESTIONS
Questions before you specify
Brief answers point to the detailed checks, source boundaries and next step for your furniture request.
How do I distinguish solid wood, veneer and a wood-colored finish?
Ask the specification to identify the visible surface, substrate, edges and structural parts separately. A species or color name in a catalog does not establish that every component is solid wood of that species.
Can I use my own fabric or leather (COM/COL)?
Ask whether the selected model can accept the proposed material before buying or sending it. Provide the supplier reference, width, composition, repeat and direction. Required quantity, suitability, handling and responsibility need written confirmation.