collection sustainability news custom design client list / publications showroom bio contact		hardwoods: We use only solid hardwoods; woods are air-dried which is a natural process. Air-drying typically takes about one year per inch of thickness. The benefit of air-drying include much richer range of colors in the wood as well as a less energy intensive and wasteful process, as compared to commercial kiln dried lumber. The trees themselves are from 60 to 100 years old and are selectively harvested by a single trusted source in upstate New York. Trees are mostly windfalls or individual trees, which having reached the end of their life-cycle and are taken down from parks or farms or at the request of the homeowner. Many times when I spot a particularly nice slab my supplier will question me closely about the project I have in mind for it, making sure that my intentions pass muster before he will consent to sell. He will often share the story of each tree, where it grew, the storm that brought it down, how long it has been drying. He will part the trunk into slabs and restack the entire trunk in order, so we are able to stock consecutive 'sister' boards from a tree, and match the boards throughout a project. Wood is a living, organic material and each piece is unique as determined by access to sunlight, water, soil composition, and genetic character of the tree itself. All of which will affect color, grain and figure of the finished piece. No stains are used. All you see is the natural color of the wood. Finish on all hardwoods is multiple coats of hand rubbed danish oil and a topcoat of wax, buffed to a soft sheen. Oil finish is preferred for depth, and clarity and for the soft hand it imparts to a smooth wood surface. It is also maintainable, allowing the piece to age gracefully and gain character with age. Oil finish will not chip, peel or wear away. Oil finish does require a bit more care than commercial finishes. metals: Humans have been making and using metal implements for as long as they could be considered human, which may account for the almost mystical attraction people have to metals in all their many forms. Metals have been recycled since the beginning of human times as well. Many of the objects and implements we use today undoubtedly contain traces of metal from our historic and prehistoric pasts. steel: Hot-rolled steel comes in a beautiful range of colors and textures; each is specific to the process by which it was formed. Therefore plate steel will have a different character than sheet, which in turn is different from bar stock. The color and texture in hot-rolled steel is a naturally occurring part of the process, each piece is unique in the movement and colors, from deep blue to brown to grey, black and plum tones. Naturally occurring marks and variation are preserved in the final finish. Steel is protected with hand rubbed clear lacquer and wax. Over 88% of all steel products are recycled at the end of their useful life with no downcycling or loss of quality. Recycled content of structural steel averages over 95%. Steel is the worlds most recycled material. stainless steel: Impervious to rust and corrosion in all but the harshest of environments, requires no coating or other protection. We polish by hand to a soft satin luster which can be maintained infinitely. For heavy exposure to salt water ask about type 316 stainless steel. Recycled content of stainless steel averages between 65% and 80% nearly all stainless steel is recycled as part of a sustainable closed loop system. leather: 9 oz vegetable tan leather, soft, pliable and warm to the touch, settles in and gains character with age and use. concrete: Fiber reinforced cast concrete, sealed and polished to a dark luster. Suitable for indoor/outdoor use.