Wood gifts, finishes, ...and wait...you would send me to a big box store?

The Chapelwood website has been up for a week now and I’ve gotten some great feedback…and some follow-up questions that I want to share with you.

I looked at some of the things on your “Shop” page…and…well…hate to say it but you are pretty far north of what I can afford right now.

I get it, and most importantly, I respect it. There is some sticker shock associated with handcrafted wood products and I am not going to waste your time with all of the reasons that you should break the piggy bank. Sometimes the mass-produced furniture or keepsake box at the chain store is all you need. And sometimes what you are buying means just a little bit more.

Here are a few things to consider.

1. Chapelwood products are made from wood ranging from American cherry, walnut, and oak to African and South American species like bocote, padauk, and shedua. Each wood has its own characteristics, and you just won’t find unique items made out of these unique woods anywhere else.

2. Our finish is the best. It has a warm feeling of solid wood, it is smooth to the touch, and it is both durable and repairable.

3. What you see on the site tomorrow may not yet be there today. I will be adding more items ranging from custom furniture to wood jewelry, gift boxes, and other handheld pieces. I think that everyone should be able to enjoy the look and feel of domestic and exotic woodgrains, and I think that anything you buy from us will have real value…whether that’s $25 or $5000.

4. Finally, I am really working to provide meaningful things for every budget. I will do everything in my power to keep costs reasonable. That’s in your interest, and very honestly, mine.

You said that Chapelwood’s finish is ‘the best.’ Really? What makes you say that?

While we use several different methods, Chapelwood’s ‘go to’ finish is something that I learned 30 years ago from my father-in-law in Pennsylvania. He was an antiques dealer who restored old pieces that had seen better days. He would strip the sometimes century-old finishes in a big tank, dry the wood, sand it, then follow a simple process which left the piece protected, extremely durable, beautiful, but still having the warmth and feel of wood. We use that same process of hand rubbing (some of the hardest work of any piece), working eco-friendly and safe materials into every exposed pore.

Spill your drink on it? You’re fine. Just wipe it up. Flood damage? As long as it isn’t soaking for more than a few days, it is almost always repairable, and I can help you with that. (You’ve probably seen what happens when that big box chipboard stuff gets wet. It swells, turns to mush, and it’s done).

We’re always experimenting with different oils and products. But if we ever deviate from our ‘go to’ process, it will always be because it performs even better than our standard. Chapelwood’s finish will remain the best.

I still think I can get really nice things from that big store for a lot less money.

As I talk with people about what they’re looking for, I often send them to one of these places. It’s just a better fit. But if you are looking for something custom, something made to endure for generations, and something that fits your need specifically and perfectly, then we should talk. I can help you fit the budget and I can design exactly to what you need. If you can find that thing at a big-box or other online source, please buy it there! If you can’t, we will work through it and help you get the item that really reflects what you want.

Send me more questions through the contact page. I can answer you personally and I might include your question on a future blog if you’re OK with it.