Performance Evaluation of Coco Wood Chairs Constructed with Traditional Joints

Furniture is an engineered structure that is subjected to various loads throughout its service life. As a result, to guarantee that furniture satisfies the standards of the target market for strength and durability, it must be designed and constructed with the appropriate strength features. This study, therefore, assesses the structural and aesthetic performance of three chairs made from West African Tall Coco Wood (Cocos nucifera) using three traditional joints: mortise and tenon, halving, and dowel joints. With rising demand for sustainable alternatives to tropical hardwoods, coco wood represents an underutilised yet promising material in Ghana’s furniture sector. The coco wood was obtained from the Abura Asebu Kwamankese District in the Central Region of Ghana. The chairs were produced at the Asuansi Technical Institute and were tested at the laboratory of the Wood Mechanic and Furniture Testing Centre (FORIG), Kumasi, according to European Standards (EN 1022 and EN 1728). The results indicate that mortise and tenon joints performed best, followed by halving joints and dowel joints. On the aesthetic side, coco wood was found to be visually attractive and comparable to many commonly used hardwoods, thus making it suitable for furniture that does not undergo heavy use. Overall, the study suggests that coco wood can be a sustainable and eco-friendly material choice for light to medium furniture. Mortise and tenon joints are recommended for furniture that requires load-bearing. Dowel and halving joints are suitable for secondary and decorative purposes. The study demonstrates the potential for wider adoption of coco wood in Ghana’s furniture sector and provides guidance for improved joint selection and furniture design.