Furniture Glossary

Using customer-supplied fabric or leather when a manufacturer supports it. This lets you choose a material outside the maker’s standard program for a truly custom result.

An interlocking joint commonly used in drawer construction. The fan-shaped “tails” and “pins” resist pulling apart over time, making it a hallmark of quality casegood building.

A coil spring support system where each spring is tied by hand in multiple directions. It’s labor-intensive and durable when done well, often cited as a premium foundation in upholstery.

Foam engineered to rebound and hold its shape longer than standard low-density foams. Higher resilience generally means the seat cushion keeps its comfort and support over more years of use.

Hardwood dried in a controlled kiln to reduce moisture content and improve dimensional stability. Kiln-dried frames resist warping and cracking better than air-dried or green lumber.

A traditional woodworking joint that mechanically locks two pieces of wood together—a protruding tenon fits into a matching mortise cavity. Often used as a quality signal in casegoods and upholstery frames.

A gradual change in appearance over time, especially on leather and wood surfaces. Many people value patina as character—it’s a sign the piece is being lived with and loved.

Fabric engineered or treated for enhanced stain resistance and durability. Performance varies significantly by fiber content and finish—always order a swatch and test it rather than relying on marketing labels alone.

A baked-on finish commonly applied to outdoor aluminum and steel furniture. It improves durability and corrosion resistance, making it a go-to finish for frames that need to withstand weather.

Continuous S-shaped wire springs attached across the seat frame. Quality varies widely by wire gauge and how securely they’re fastened—heavier gauge with solid attachment points performs best.