Chapter 20: Selection of Materials, Finishes & Furnishings Flashcards
what should you be looking for when looking for a finish (what are the goals)
to meet the client’s aesthetic, functional and economic needs while selecting products and are safe, durable and sustainable
what should you do when specifying a material in order to avoid legal problems? What are the steps?
- Obtain as much info as possible- get all literature, tech data sheets, material safety data sheets. Pojects where the product has been used previously
- inform the client of any potential problems or risks and get their approval
- ask the rep if there are any potential problems or where this product has failed in the past
- tell the manufacturer your intended use of the product and get them to confirm in writing that their product is suitable for using in your project
- make a site visit if it’s a complicated install
- get a rep to come see the install if it’s specialized
- if the manufacturer is small in size, make sure they are stable enough to complete your job and supply you with the quantities you need
what are the 5 broad classifications of material selection
- Fuction
- Durability
- Maintainability
- Safety/Health
- Cost
what does Function refer to when picking a material
Acoustic qualities- the more important criterial for most finishes- what’s it’s NRC- ability to absorb or block sound
aesthetics
availability
choice
installation method- can affect the cost and scheduling of a material and might require skilled labourers to install
what does Durability refer to when picking a material
the servicablity of the product when in use- ASTM standards of abraision resistance, breaking strength, checmical resistance, cold cracking resistance, colourfastness, corrosian resistance, crocking, scrubbability, shrinkage, stain resistance, strength, tear resistance, heat aging resistance
what is crocking resistance in regards to material durability
a materials resistance to the transfer of colour from a wallcovering surface when rubbed
or the transfer of colour when rubbed
what does Maintainability refer to when picking a material
cleanability
repariability
resilience- a material’s capacity to recover it’s original size and shape after deformation after a heavy load: applied to soft floor covering material like vinyl but is useful for wallcoverings
Self-healing quality- ability to return to it’s original configuration after it has been deformed or changed. Applied to any type of product
Sustainability
what does Safety/Health refer to when picking a material
mold resistance
indoor air quality
finish safetey- the surface and edge condition (sharp corners etc)
flammability
outgassing
security- protection against theft and vandalism
slip resistance- measured by coefficient of friction (COF) IBC and ADA don’t have a specific requirement for COF
Volatile organic compound emission- chemicals that contain carbon and hydrogen- they vapourize at room temperature
what does Cost refer to when picking a material
need to consider the first cost and life-cycle cost (including replacement costs)
who is the best source of info for materials and finishes
spec rep is best. ALso the sweets network online lets you compare finishes.
Standards-writing organizations are also really good for info on testing- like ASTM.
Trade associations are also best for unbiased accurate info
what is FF&E
furniture, fixtures & equipment that are not physically attached to the construction.
usually purchased under a separate contract because the methods of specifying, ordering and installing are different than a standard construction contract
what are the three basic categories of furniture
ready made
custom design
built in
what must you consider when selecting furniture
fuctional needs
comfort
aesthetics of the object
aethetics of it in it’s surroundings- like scale, colour and texture
quality- balance cost and quality
Finish
Cost- always a part of furniture selection - initial and lifecycle cost
what part of a piece of upholstered furniture has a great influence on the furniture’s durability and safety
it’s fabric
what are the two classes of fibers used for furniture
natural and synthetic
natural fibers are divided in to cellulosic and protien. Cellulosic are cotton, linen (come from plants) Protein ones come from animals like wool
what are the pros and cons of wool fabric
pro- best natural fiber for all types of fabrics even carpet. Excellent resislient, elasticicty and wears well, resistant to soiling, cleans well. It’s self-extinguishing when the flame is removed
con- expensive and it’s not dimensionally stable since it can be stretched
what are the pros and cons of cotton fabric
pro- inexpensive, good tensile strength (resistance to ripping), good abrasion resistance
con- poor resilience and degrades under prolonged sun exposure, burns and is subject to mildew
what are the pros and cons of linen fabric
pro- made from flax plant, dimensionally stable, resistant to fading. used for draperies and wallcoverings mostly
con- not used for upholstery because it lacks resilience and flexibility and susceptible to abrasion, doesn’t take printed dies well either
what are the pros and cons of silk fabric
pro- from silkworm spinning, strong, good resilience and flexibility
con- expensive and degrades in the sun
