Finishing & Upholstery

We strive for a smooth, inviting finish that will enhance rather than alter the natural tone of the wood.

View wood options » Starting with the simple process of blending shades of oak through exposure to ammonia fumes, we’re able to control the finished look of a piece without the use of dyes or stains. The linseed oil we use penetrates the surface of the wood, adding greater visible depth to the wood and revealing the grain pattern. Linseed oil is then rubbed into the wood to reveal the rich depth and character it holds. Finally, shellac (a natural product derived from bugs!) is applied in a series of thin coats with light sanding in-between. When the desired thickness of shellac is reached, the piece is hand rubbed with super fine steel wool to produce a lustrous, satiny finish as smooth as a baby’s bum.

Upholstery

View upholstery options »  Hands down, we choose old world craftsmanship over faster, cheaper, modern methods for every aspect of our furniture production. This includes, of course, the upholstery.

Starting with a solid oak frame, we stretch the webbing and tie the coil springs for a supportive seat that is hard to match. But we don’t stop there; you won’t find any synthetic materials on top of our hand tied springs. Seats are carefully built up using only the finest natural fibers, and back cushions are filled with a mix of feathers and down that will cradle you like mommy did.

Leather

We select from the finest American hides for our upholstered chairs and sofas. These “naked” hides are finished with aniline dye, which lends a natural feeling of warmth and depth. Sample swatches are available. Colors will vary slightly.Note that because of the lack of a shiny applied finish, all imperfections in the leather are still present and some may end up in a finished cushion or seat. We work around this as much as possible, but unfortunately the "perfect" hide does not exist. We prefer to think of the hides’ imperfections as marks of character,. However, if minor imperfections are unacceptable, we suggest you select your own leather for us to use. An allowance on the price will be calculated.

Fabric options

Our Hemp Canvas is a gem for the environmentally conscious consumer. Imported from Hungary, this durable fabric is rich in texture and warm with natural color.

Customer supplied upholstery fabric is also welcome. Call for yardage specifications.

Next: Furniture Care