Social factors

Question 1

How do different social groups depend what type of Timber will be used?

Answer 1

• Furniture produced for the mass and common market is made from affordable manufactured timber such as MDF.
• However, exotic timbers such as walnut and mahogany are expensive and rare due to taking a long time to grow so are generally used to produce bespoke furniture for wealthy clients.

Question 2

What factors affect the choice of timbe?

Answer 2

• Trends, fashions and popularity affect the choice of timber demanded by customers.
• In the 1950s, hardwood furniture became popular and was the trend , the furniture was made of solid wood and people expected it to last their lifetime. However, the trend now are using cheaper manufactured boards such chipboard or veneered chipboard, and many people expect it to only last a few years.