How American Hand-Crafted Furniture Is Made – and Why It Matters
A new line of solid wood furniture showcases the natural beauty, quality and authenticity of this exceptionally timeless, endlessly sought-after material.
Hallmarks of Hand-Crafted Furniture
1. Dovetail Drawers
Found in almost all handmade American furniture, dovetail drawers contain an interlocking pattern of wood teeth to create one of the most durable forms of joinery. Opened, dovetail drawers show a seamless wood pattern on the sides (rather than a glide). The glides of these drawer types are found on the underside of the drawer – hidden from view. Available in the Warren, Farmlyn, Hartfeld, Reagan, Westin, Serenity and Carson collections.
2. Mortise & Tenon Joinery
Considered the gold standard for solid wood woodwork, the mortise and tenon joint is where peg meets hole. The peg portion is designed in such a way to expand once secured, creating a very strong joint. Mortise and tenon joinery can be found in the Reagan, Westin and Serenity collections.
3. Catalyzed Varnish
Without a great finish, wood furniture – even solid wood – would be less durable. A finish is used to protect the wood, and the higher quality of finish, the more protected the wood is. One particular type of finish, known as catalyzed varnish, speeds up the drying and hardening process; the harder the varnish, the less susceptible it is to damaging the wood. Collections with catalyzed varnish include the Barton, Farmlyn, Hartfield and Riverson.
4. Locally-Sourced Wood Species
More than anything else, it is the wood type that sets American craftsmanship apart. Coming from a long tradition of local sourcing, the woodwork that goes into each of these collections involves only solid wood species. These include solid North American alder, solid maple and solid oak, which, unlike mass-produced collections that utilize lighter woods, offer the highest level of quality.
Featured Collections: Timeless Dining
Pictured below, the Riverson Dining Collection is handcrafted by American woodworkers from solid oak. The result is a timeless look and feel. Influenced by the Mission style, simple silhouettes and natural colors ground these designs. Designed in a smaller scale that makes sense for today’s homes, each piece delivers on function: the table with its gear-driven extension mechanism, the server with its closed cabinetry and the chairs with their classic mealtime comfort. Choose the Riverson collection (which is signed by the American woodworker who built it) in the finish that best suits your space.
The Difference Is Solid
Solid wood American furniture brings a quality you can see and feel. Heirloom techniques passed down for generations of furniture-makers form the basis of each piece. The process takes time and pride – and the result is a product that lasts for decades.
American-Made Furniture at Living Spaces
Living Spaces is proud to offer a selection of furntiure Made in the USA. As you browse our site, look for the "USA" icon, which means that the piece was crafted in the USA – and by purchasing the item, you’re helping to support American manufacturing. American-made furniture also means high quality, beauty and style; everything from the design, materials used and production is selected with care and attention for detail.
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Editorial Disclaimer: Articles featuring tips and advice are intended for educational purposes and only as general recommendations. Always practice personal discretion when using and caring for furniture, decor and related items.
