Knock-Down Furniture: Brief History or RTA
History of Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) Until the outbreak of World War I, woodworking machine shops primarily focused on providing machining services such as sawing, turning, and planning for external requests. However, the landscape began to change as mass-produced furniture gained prominence in Britain and Europe in the interwar period. The furniture industry faced severe challenges during World War II due to timber shortages. In the 1950s, there was a gradual shift back towards more ornate and decorative furniture. This era witnessed the introduction of novel materials, advanced machinery, innovative adhesives, finishes, and fresh design trends. Post-World War II, the soaring demand for affordable home furnishings drove furniture makers to explore alternative materials like compressed wood chips and shavings. These materials, covered with stained paper, foil, or melamine, allowed for the production of durable, budget-friendly furniture. In the 1950s, manufacturers in the United States e...
