Particleboard, MDF and plywood
Engineered boards are common in flat-pack furniture. Their edges and pre-drilled fixing points should be treated carefully because repeated assembly or over-tightening can reduce holding strength.
Veneer, laminate and painted surfaces
These finishes can look similar but react differently to impact, moisture and abrasion. Clean assembly surfaces and protection from tools help avoid permanent marks.
Metal frames and mixed-material furniture
Metal frames often depend on progressive tightening: align the complete frame first, then tighten fixings evenly. Mixed timber-and-metal products can amplify small alignment errors.
Fabric, leather and synthetic upholstery
Upholstered components need clean handling and attention around hidden bolts, zips, staples and tensioned covers. Leather and synthetic alternatives also differ in stretch, abrasion resistance and response to heat and cleaning products.