Parts are still split from a log to ensure straight grain for strength and then they’re shaped by hand with various edge tools to create the beautiful and elegant forms Windsors are known for. It’s this process that drew me into making these chairs. The joy and satisfaction of hand tool work. It's almost meditative where it's just you, the tool and the piece. Each step requires your utmost attention.

Traditionally the undercarriage is made of hard maple, a ring-porous hardwood like oak, ash or hickory for the upper portion and a seat of eastern white pine, tulip poplar or even basswood. These particular wood species are selected to make the best chair possible but because they don’t necessarily compliment each other they are most often painted. The paint also reveals all the little details within the chair that maybe aren’t so obvious. I do make some contemporary designs with walnut, cherry or white oak that have a natural finish as well.

Each chair is assembled with interlocking joints that are glued and wedged. No fasteners required. It’s the method of super-drying parts to shrink and later expand in the joint that renders a chair that will last a century or more.

I take great pride in knowing my chairs will make it to future generations; keeping the craft alive just a little bit longer.