Western Woodworking

Designing one's own furniture and cabinets can be thrill!   You can choose how big or small a piece should be.  You can be as creative as you wish.  There are lots and lots of options, which can be overwhelming.  On this page I've tried to show you some of the options (standard sizes, styles, wood, finishes) so you can make your own decisions.

Standard Sizes:

Knowing the standard sizes of common pieces of furniture can help get the design process flowing.

Tables:
    Most are 29 inches high.  However, they can be taller or shorted, depending on your desires.
    Rectangular tables tend to be 48 inches wide, up to 140 inches long.   Leaves are generally 18" to 22" wide.
    Round tables are usually up to 60 inches in diameter.

Beds:
    The head and foot boards are made to fit standard mattress sizes.   These sizes are:
    Twin - 39 inches x 75 inches
    Full or Double - 54 inches x 75 inches
    Queen - 60 inches x 80 inches
    King - 76 inches x 80 inches
    California King - 72 inches x 84 inches

Dressers:
    There is tremendous variation in dressers, and you can do whatever you wish.
    Length is usually anywhere from 45 inches to 80 inches.
    Depth 18 inches to 20 inches.
    Height 30 inches to 33 inches.

Armories:
    These are a very popular type of furniture and there is   tremendous variety in size.
    Average size is:  45 inches wide x 84 inches high x 23" deep.

Chests:
    Usually up to 40 inches wide, up to 70 inches high, and 20 - 23 inches deep.

Nightstands:
    Usually 26 - 30 inches wide, 16 - 18 inches deep, and about 25 inches high.

Desks:
    A tremendous variety here too.  An average computer desk is usually 24 inches deep by 42 inches long x 30 inches high.

Chairs:
    Anywhere from 23 - 33 inches wide, 22 - 34 inches deep, and 17 or so inches from the floor to the seat.

End Tables:
    14 - 36 inches wide, 16 - 36 inches deep, height varies widely.

Bookcases:
    12 - 14 inches deep for large hardback or children's books.   Height and length vary greatly.

STYLE
   Each craftsman prefers to work in certain styles.  The styles I prefer to work with are:
        Rustic, Western, Shaker, Arts and Crafts, Early American, Federal, the less elaborate Queen Anne, Hepplewhite or Victorian. 

WOOD
There are many woods from which to choose.  Hardwoods are more adapted to furniture-making because they are strong and durable.  These tend to be deciduous trees.  Softwoods are mainly conifers.  They are softer than hardwoods which means they split and dent more easily.  I've included some pictures of the different woods which are most often used in furniture and cabinet-making.