Sustainable Materials

Our Material Philosophy

Sustainable sourcing without compromising quality

The materials we select don't just determine how furniture looks and feels—they represent our values. We believe that creating beautiful, lasting pieces shouldn't come at the environment's expense. That's why every material decision involves careful consideration of sustainability, quality, and ethical sourcing.

From the hardwoods that form structural elements to the natural oils that protect and beautify surfaces, we prioritize materials that are renewable, responsibly harvested, and processed with minimal environmental impact. We build relationships with suppliers who share our commitment to sustainable forestry and ethical business practices.

Primary Materials We Use

Locally Sourced Oak

Oak has been a furniture staple for centuries, prized for its strength, beautiful grain patterns, and durability. We source white and red oak from sustainably managed forests within 200 miles of our workshop, supporting regional forestry while minimizing transportation emissions.

Exceptional strength and impact resistance
Distinctive ray fleck patterns add character
Ages beautifully, developing rich patina
Excellent for structural components and surfaces

Black Walnut

American black walnut offers stunning dark chocolate tones with dramatic grain patterns. We primarily use reclaimed walnut from old barns and structures, preserving this increasingly rare hardwood while giving it new purpose. When purchasing new walnut, we work exclusively with certified sustainable sources.

Rich, deep color naturally resistant to fading
Works beautifully with hand tools
Naturally resistant to decay
Perfect for statement pieces and accents

Hard Maple

Hard maple's light color and fine, consistent grain make it ideal for pieces where a clean, contemporary aesthetic is desired. It's also one of the hardest domestic woods, making it excellent for furniture that will see heavy use. Our maple comes from forests practicing selective harvesting to maintain ecosystem health.

Exceptional hardness and wear resistance
Light color accepts stains evenly
Tight grain provides smooth surface
Sustainable growth rates ensure availability

American Cherry

Cherry wood starts with a warm reddish-brown tone that deepens and enriches with age and light exposure. This transformation makes cherry furniture a living piece that grows more beautiful over time. We source from family-owned forestry operations committed to regenerative practices.

Warms and darkens beautifully over time
Stable and resistant to warping
Fine, even grain is pleasure to work
Naturally lustrous when finished properly

Reclaimed Timber

Old barn wood, factory timbers, and salvaged lumber carry stories in their grain. Reclaimed wood often comes from old-growth trees, offering density and character impossible to find in younger timber. Using reclaimed materials prevents waste while creating furniture with unmatched character.

Unique patina and weathered character
Often old-growth with superior qualities
Prevents usable wood from landfills
Each piece tells a historical story

White Ash

Ash offers excellent strength-to-weight ratio, making it perfect for chair construction and other pieces where both strength and lightness matter. Its pale color and prominent grain create visual interest. We source ash carefully due to emerald ash borer concerns, prioritizing salvaged material when possible.

Superior shock resistance and flexibility
Light weight without sacrificing strength
Takes steam bending exceptionally well
Distinctive open grain pattern

Natural Finishes & Treatments

Protection without toxins

Linseed Oil

Pressed from flax seeds, raw and boiled linseed oil penetrates wood deeply, enhancing grain while providing water resistance. Multiple thin coats build up protection gradually. We use only pure, additive-free linseed oil.

Beeswax

Natural beeswax creates a soft, warm finish when buffed into wood. Often combined with oils, it provides excellent protection and a beautiful hand-rubbed appearance. Our beeswax comes from local apiaries.

Tung Oil

Extracted from tung tree seeds, this oil cures harder than linseed while remaining flexible. It offers superior water resistance and doesn't darken wood as much. We use 100% pure tung oil without petroleum distillates.

Water-Based Finish

For clients wanting more durable protection, we offer low-VOC water-based polyurethanes. These modern finishes provide excellent resistance to moisture and wear while being safer for applicators and environment.

Natural Dyes & Stains

When color adjustment is desired, we use plant-based dyes and water-based stains rather than petroleum-derived products. These allow wood grain to show through while modifying tone.

Natural Wood Conditioner

Before finishing, we sometimes apply conditioners made from natural oils and resins to ensure even absorption. This prevents blotchy finish on woods like cherry and pine.

Eco-Friendly Upholstery Options

Sustainable comfort for seating pieces

Organic Cotton & Linen

We offer organic cotton and linen fabrics from suppliers committed to sustainable farming. These natural fibers are breathable, durable, and free from pesticide residues. They accept natural dyes beautifully and age gracefully.

Hemp Fabric

Hemp is incredibly sustainable—it grows quickly, requires minimal water, and improves soil health. Hemp fabric is remarkably strong, softens with use, and has natural antimicrobial properties. It's perfect for durable upholstery.

Wool

Renewable and biodegradable, wool provides natural stain resistance and flame retardancy without chemical treatments. We source wool from ethical farms where animal welfare is prioritized. Wool's resilience makes it ideal for frequently used furniture.

Natural Latex & Cushioning

For padding, we use natural latex rubber harvested from rubber trees, wool batting, and organic cotton. These materials provide excellent comfort and support while being renewable and biodegradable alternatives to petroleum-based foams.

Low-Carbon Production Methods

Minimizing our environmental footprint

Local Sourcing

By sourcing materials regionally, we dramatically reduce transportation emissions. Most lumber travels less than 200 miles to our workshop.

Energy Efficiency

Our workshop uses energy-efficient equipment, LED lighting, and we're transitioning to renewable energy sources for our electrical needs.

Waste Reduction

Wood scraps become smaller items or firewood. Sawdust enriches gardens. We continuously work toward zero landfill waste.

Questions About Our Materials?

We're happy to discuss specific materials, sourcing, and how our choices support both quality and sustainability.

Get in Touch

Materials Matter