By Rosemary Sadez Friedmann Scripps Howard News Service Purchasing upholstery is expensive. If you haven't bought furniture in a few years, you're in for a big surprise, cost-wise. To make sure you are making a good investment, a little knowledge on furniture construction can go a long way. A well-constructed upholstery frame will be made of hardwood such as ash or birch.
Hardwoods are dense, thereby minimizing warping.
Joints will be glued, screwed and doweled. But don't be afraid to ask questions. The springs will be either coil or zigzag. Better quality furniture will have coil springs, which are similar to the springs in your bedding. Each coil is hand-tied, usually 8 ways, then individually wrapped in cloth.