Chapter 15: Selection of Materials, Finishes, and Furnishings

Selection of Materials, Finishes, and Furnishings:

Criteria for Selection:
FUNCTION-

Acoustical Qualities- Most important quality. Measured in the NRC (Noise Recuction Coeeficient)

Aesthetics

Availability

Choice of Color

Installation Method

DURABILITY

Durability of Wall Coverings are coverd in ASTM F793- Standard Classification of Wall Covering by use Charactreistics.

-Abraison resistance: resist being worn away

-Attachment: How one material is connected to another

-Blocking Resistance: Capability of a material to resist ashesion or sticking between two surfaces of a wall covering.

Breaking Strength- Refers to the load that when placed on a material, is just great enough to break the material.

-Chemical Resistance: is a materials resistance to damage, change of finish, or other deleterious changes resulting from exposure to chemicals.

-Coating Adhesion- Refers to the ability of a Thin coat.

-Cold Cracking Resistance: is the resistance of coated or decorative surface to cracking when they are exposed to low temps.

MAINTAINABILITY

SAFETY AND HEALTH

Finish Safety: surface and edge condition. (no sharp projections)

Flamability: Rated in flame spread, smoke developed, and fuel contributed.
MOST COMMON TEST: ASTM E84

Volatile Organic Compound - VOC

COST
-Life Cycle Cost.

SELECTION OF FURNITURE, FIXTURES, AND EQUIPMENT
-Freestanding interior components.

Uniform Commercial Code incompasses the contracts for FF and E.

3 Basic Types of Categories for Furniture:
-Ready Made
-Custom Designed
-Built-in

TYPES of FURNITURE
-Seating

-Tables

-Workstations

-Storage

-Beds

-System Furniture

Selection of Furniture Fabrics

TYPES of Fabrics:

Wool- (expensive)- natural fiber
Cotton- Cellulosic Fiber, comes from the seed hairs of the cotton plant.  Pros: inexpensive, good tensil strength, moderatley good abrasion resistance. Cons- poor resiliencs, fades in sunlight over time. Burns readily and is subject to mildew.
Linen- Made from fibers of the flax plant. It is a "bast fiber" meaning it comes from the stalk of a plant.  (like Jute, ramie and hemp) Lacks resilience and flexibiltiy.

Silk- Made from silkworm siliava

Rayon- regenerated cellulosic fibers. Poor resistance to sunlight and poor resillience. High absobancey and resistance to water.

Acetate- regenerated cellulosic fiber composed of acetic acid, and other chemicals.
LOW in cost, doe not wear well. and it is flamible.

Nylon- One of the most popular synthetic fibers. Strong and highly resilient.

Acrylic- Often used as a replacement of wool.

Olefin- inexpensive and is highly resistant to chemicals.

Ployester- Polyester has many desirable qualities including good resistance.  (tends to absob and hold oily materials)