The possibility of designing and constructing standard tables and chairs with palm trunk

In this research, the possibility of designing and constructing standard tables and chairs using palm tree trunk tissue for use in the furniture industry was evaluated. For this purpose, samples were cut to standard dimensions of 200×40×7 cm from dried palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) and dried into a conditioning room (T = 25 °C and RH=65% ) for about 15 days to reach a moisture content of 12%. Then, to make the table and chair, the lumber was first cut into smaller boards and was made using two joints of mortise and tenon and wooden dowel of the structures. In addition, for assessing the profile edges, surface finishing, bending moment resistance, stability and durability of furniture, respectively, roughness test, mechanical testing, and furniture testing were conducted in accordance with Iranian national standards. The results of the roughness test showed that palm trunk tissue has ability to be well finished and with the increasing number of sanding, the number of surface roughness decreases. The highest resistance to bending moment capacity was related to the mortise and tenon joint and showed a 73% more resistance than the wooden dowel. Also, the results of the furniture test indicated that the tables and chairs made and designed and using palm has the strength, durability and safety requirements of the seat in accordance with national and international standards. Therefore, palm tissue can be used to make furniture; however, the used joints should be of mortise and tenon.