Furniture design in SketchUp
From SketchUp to Cutting Layouts and Workshop Drawings
A furniture model that looks right is not automatically ready for cutting. Each part needs a clear material, thickness, edge banding, grain direction and machining information. These details connect 3D furniture design with actual workshop production.
1. Check the parts and materials
Before optimisation, check that each part has the correct material and thickness. Two parts with the same screen colour may represent different materials, prices or thicknesses. Cutting data must describe the board you will actually order.
Check quantities as well. A duplicate left in the model, an old cabinet or an incorrectly excluded part can change material requirements. Review the part list rather than relying on the overall image alone.
2. Verify edge banding and grain direction
Edge banding affects machining and cost. Check each edge that needs banding and compare the list information with the part’s position in the furniture. Grain direction affects both appearance and the permitted orientation on the sheet.
For adjacent fronts, a continuous grain shown in the presentation must also be preserved in the cutting layout. Check these details after changing materials or reusing cabinets.
3. Choose a cutting method that fits the machine
A layout for a panel saw or beam saw has different constraints from CNC nesting. Select the appropriate method, then verify sheet dimensions, available offcuts, grain direction and cutting settings before optimisation.
The optimisation module can use sheet and offcut stock and prepare cutting maps and labels. Before accepting the result, compare part quantities and materials with the project. Saving board does not make up for an incorrectly rotated part or the wrong material.
4. Follow the part from its label to its drawing
A label helps identify a part after cutting; a drawing explains its position in the cabinet and the holes to drill. Keep cabinet and part identification consistent across lists, labels and workshop documents.
The plugin drawings include the assembly, cabinets, parts and hardware lists, and dimensioned drilling sheets for individual parts. They are also useful without a CNC. Check orientation and the dimension reference before drilling the first part.
5. Validate before machining
For CNC work, verify the export for the actual machine: origin, units, tools, part orientation, workholding and depths. A generated file does not imply universal compatibility with every machine. Check the program through simulation and controlled trials according to workshop procedures.
For manual cutting and drilling, compare the first part with its drawing and the actual hardware. When the model changes, regenerate and check the affected documents so the workshop does not use an outdated version.
The functions shown describe product capabilities, not the inclusion of every module in a single package. Commercial configurations will be announced at launch. Checks before production remain necessary.