Solid Wood Furniture Care Do’s and Don’ts

Richard sprays a finishing coat on our Adirondack chairs at Manchester Wood’s manufacturing plant in Granville, NY.

Whether for the home or the workplace, solid American hardwood products add a level of beauty, value, and durability second to none. Additionally, solid hardwood products, such as solid wood furniture, flooring, cabinetry, molding or furniture, can last a lifetime if one follows the guidelines listed below:

First and foremost, always remember that the three seemingly harmless occurrences below are hardwood’s worst enemies:

• Water left to puddle or stand can dull or mark the finish and, if the exposure is extreme, even warp hardwood.
• Dirt, dust and grit can dull and scratch.
• Sunlight’s ultraviolet rays, over time, can cause discoloration.

By making the following hardwood Do’s part of your routine you will find that hardwood care need not be difficult or time consuming.

• Do

Wipe up any spills immediately, using a soft, dry cloth starting at the edges of the spill and working toward the center. For hardwood furniture, use coasters, pads, cloths or runners to protect against spills and water rings.

• Do

Dust frequently, using a soft, lint-free cloth. For hardwood floors, regularly sweep with either a dust mop or broom that features exploded tips. Placing protective mats or rugs in entrances is also a helpful preventative measure to trap dirt.

• Do

Limit sunlight exposure with sheer drapes, curtains or blinds. And occasionally move area carpets to maintain a uniform appearance in a hardwood floor’s finish.

• Do

Avoid radical swings in temperature and humidity. Use a humidifier in winter and an air conditioner in summer to maintain room temperatures near 70 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit and relative humidity at 50 to 55 percent. Keep hardwood furniture away from heat sources if possible. If you must put furniture near an air duct, use a shield or guard plate to direct heat away.

• Do

Read and save the manufacturer’s care and maintenance instructions. And be sure to keep the company’s contact information for future reference.

• Don’t

Use cloths or mops dripping with water. Wood should not get wet or soaked. If it does, dry immediately.

• Don’t

Use a feather duster that could scratch the hardwood surface, or an upright vacuum with beater bars that can dent a hardwood floor’s finish. Instead vacuum frequently using a vacuum with special hardwood floor attachments.

• Don’t

Mop sealed-and-waxed hardwood floors, not even with a slightly damp mop, and never apply wax to a floor with a urethane finish.

• Don’t

Use area rugs with rubber or vinyl backing. Some materials in the backing can react with certain floor finishes, discoloring or causing the finish to become dull.

• Don’t

Expose hardwood to plastics, oils or solvents. Over time, plastic can stick to the finish and its colors can leach into the wood. Oils and alcohols, in things like nail polish remover, perfume and liquor, can dull and stain.

• And the most important Don’t of all

Don’t hesitate to incorporate hardwood into most every room. Today’s finishes make hardwood products an attractive choice that’s easy to maintain and extraordinarily beautiful.

Sections of the above tips are adapted from information on hardwoodinfo.com.

For more information on hardwood care, read Charles Sutton’s book, “How to Care for Your Old and New Wood Furniture,” sold by The Furniture Library, a research center in High Point, N.C.

Wood Desks Home Office: Mission Compact Desk

Mission Compact Desk

Developing wood desks for home is one of our specialties  at Manchester Wood thanks to the care and attention to quality that we put into the both the design and production processes. Our new Mission Compact Desk is no different. This American made solid wood desk is crafted for many uses:  in the home office, perhaps for use as a great recipe desk in the kitchen, maybe as a laptop computer desk in the study, or just the perfect size for a work nook in a small living space.

Our Mission Compact Desk is designed for those who need a good work area in a smaller space.  With a surface of over four and half square feet and classic mission lines, this hardwood desk stands out from cheaper outsourced knock-offs.

Whether the Mission Compact Desk is used in a work area for adults or by children for homework and play, its heirloom quality construction ensures that it will last for generations. A durable stain coats the finish — with either choice of Golden Oak or Chestnut — and prevents discoloration from accidental spills.

Like all of our American made furniture pieces at Manchester Wood, the Mission Compact Desk comes with our 100% quality guarantee.

Enjoy it for a lifetime and pass it on to your grandchildren.

To view and purchase our new Mission Compact Desk, please click here.

Stores Desire Made in America

Photo Courtesy of The City Wire

“I think people want to buy USA made. I want to be the proof in the pudding — yes, you can buy American made [here],” Beth Cook told The City Wire a Business, Political, and Cultural News source in Northwest Arkansas this past Monday about her store “B LaRue,” a boutique retail outlet in Rogers, Arkansas now carrying Made in the USA products. “I just want to encourage small business in America…We make quality products. And we need jobs.”

The City Wire’s article entitled “Rogers store looking for Made in America” continued with a report that shows the greatest impact outsourced goods have are in furniture and household equipment, which mainly derive from China.

“In the last decade, manufacturers rushed to China to take advantage of low wages there, which meant U.S. job losses… according to a recent report by the Boston Consulting Group, a global-management advisory firm” (The City Wire).

It’s reading articles like this every week on our news feed, whether local coverage somewhere in America (like Arkansas) or national that puts Manchester Wood and other American made manufacturers in a growing ascent towards domestic consumer justice. And for the furniture world we’re one of the few proudly left standing.

Beth Cook, The City Wire these are some of the many Americans helping raise that kind of consumer awareness on Made in USA products, and Cook’s support for Made in America in her store shows her dedication to the cause. She knows for a small store in a small town in Arkansas it’s “not likely to help the economy overall, but she hopes maybe her decision will help save one or two jobs for Americans” (The City Wire).

Cook, like many store owners beginning to stock Made in USA items not only can see the clear picture of helping create more jobs here, but also the quality and craftsmanship of Made in America “that carries a lifetime guarantee…there’s a lot of pride in American products,” she concluded.

It’s great to see people not only acknowledge the support of their fellow person by purchasing something they made, but also realizing the quality and longevity of the products like ours entirely American made solid wood furniture at Manchester Wood. These are not landfill, cheap throwaway pieces of furniture that last a few years, but a nice solid Northeastern hardwood piece to give your grand-kids. Buy American. And if you’re looking for American made furniture, buy Manchester Wood.

Manchester Wood designs and produces quality, affordable, eco-friendly solid wood American furniture in the Green Mountains of Vermont and Adirondack foothills of New York.

References

Sims, Scarlet. (2012, 02 06). Rogers store looking for Made in America. The City Wire. Retrieved from http://www.thecitywire.com/node/20249

American Made Christmas Shopping: the People’s Stimulus Package

Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images

ABC World News with Diane Sawyer’s “Made in America” series has continued far past the coverage Manchester Wood received as one of the “Made in USA” companies that supplied products towards the renovating of a Dallas home earlier this year with all American made items.

This holiday season they have taken an in-depth look at what Americans can do to help our domestic economy as we shop for gifts this Christmas.

A few interesting facts they discovered:

In the 1960s, nine out of every 10 products Americans bought for the holidays were made in America. Today easily more than half of what we buy is foreign-made.

If Americans spent $64 this holiday on an item made in America, we could create 200,000 jobs right now.

If it still sounds like a decent chunk of change consider that the average American spends $700 on Christmas or holiday gifts.

—

We believe wholeheartedly in this work above as they research the issues and discover the solutions towards a recovering economy. As we discussed in our previous blog, “The Gift That Keeps Giving: The Holidays for Manchester Wood,” the Christmas season to us a symbol of Gratitude and thanks for the gifts bestowed upon us.

In buying our American made solid wood furniture you can contribute the support of double to six-times the efforts they found! You can truly help stimulate American business, help get more people back to work, and not only feel good about that, but also that you have an heirloom quality item that you’ll proudly display and use, not a cheap throw-away, but something handcrafted with pride.

Buy furniture from Manchester Wood today. Let’s create jobs instead of losing them. Give the gift that keeps giving.

Happy holidays from all of us at Manchester Wood, God bless you.

–

To view our online catalog, click here.

To view the ABC World News “Made in America” series facts discussed in this blog, click here.

A sale of Thanksgiving: 10% off ALL items!

A photo of our 10-year, 20-year, and 35-year employees!

As we extend our products to you this Holiday season we do so in Thanksgiving by offering 10% off all our items starting on Thanksgiving day (Nov. 24^th) through Cyber Monday (Nov. 28^th). We’ve been so grateful to serve you during the past 35 years with the best in American made furniture.

All you have to do is type “Thanks” in the coupon code box at checkout to receive the discount.

Manchester Wood prides itself on the fact it has been producing quality American made solid wood furniture for more than 35 years. Being a US made manufacturer gives a sense of resilience, fortitude, and an honest, real understanding of the bigger picture: helping your fellow man.

We understand times are hard, but they are getting better! A thanks is surely in store this season as an awakened spirit is hitting America! The old drudgeries of a system played to larger corporations are falling to the wayside as small businesses, like ours, hold resurgence at a time when it’s needed most.

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your response to not only buy our furniture, but furniture made with pride and joy for living in a land so open to opportunity.

Through American made related articles, quotes of inspiration, employee prayers and updates in celebration we post on our Facebook and Twitter; to our news, insights, and sale offers we share on our blog and mailing list, we trust Manchester Wood has and will continue to provide you with more than the finest American made furniture, but also the happiness it invokes in making it for you.

God bless you this Holiday season, and remember give “Thanks” at checkout this upcoming Thanksgiving weekend!

To view Manchester Wood’s online catalog, click here.

The Statue of Liberty Celebrates 125th Anniversary

The State of Liberty during its 125th Anniversary Celebration

The Statue of Liberty (a.k.a. Liberty Enlightening the World) celebrated its 125^th year as a landmark and as a testament to the American ideal this past week, October 28^th 2011. It was on that day in 1886 when the statue was dedicated with Libertas, the Roman goddess of freedom standing tall with a torch bearing freedom, chains broken at her feet, and a tablet evoking the laws of our Declaration.

Intended as a gift from the people of France and designed by Frédéric Bartholdi. The production of Libertas and her famed sculpture took Bartholdi over 15 years to make due to political unrest in France and than a lack of funds, which brought publisher Joseph Pulitzer of the World to drive a fundraiser in 1885 bringing more than a 120,000 Americans to contribute to it’s finishing.

Political unrest, lack of funds aside, this gift from France speaks more to us now than ever before. Are we not a nation of political unrest and bestowed with a lack of funds?

The Statue of Liberty was made in a time where America was beginning an upward climb, a manifesting path of un-defiance for an abundant future.

We must look to France in gratitude for this prized possession that is our reminder of freedom and opportunity, and than look to ourselves to make sure we deliver on its promise. Of the 120,000 American people who donated to the finishing touches more than half gave less than a dollar! It was France and the help of the American working class that helped raise this prize! Let us raise it again!

This article was written by Manchester Wood, a small American made solid wood furniture manufacturer out of Upstate New York and the Green Mountains of Vermont. To support American made products and our heirloom quality craftsmanship, please visit our website by clicking here.

“We’re just getting started!”

A Picture Celebrating 10-year, 20-year, and 35-year Employees!

“We’re just getting started!”

A response Dr. Rev. Michael Beckwith continually states when asked about his Agape Spiritual Center’s 25^th Anniversary.

Milestones, although proud achievements, can sometimes trap us in the dedicated legacy of our past, but to celebrate it is fun! And must be done! Because without our past hard work, loyalty and dedication, we couldn’t prove just how great of a people and organization we truly are! So to borrow Beckwith’s gem, we’re just getting started, and at Manchester Wood the start begins with OUR 35^th ANNIVERSARY!

Manchester Wood’s 35 years of service to our community and country providing the best in American made solid wood furniture was honored this past Wednesday with aspects that touched on our fond memories, employee achievements, and a company that has ridden the storm of American commerce for the better part of a half-century.

Lunch Time with Scottie's Catering

With doughnuts from Mrs. Murphy’s in Manchester, Vermont, our favorite local coffee shop and bakery from our first manufacturing site to catering from the generational, family operated restaurant of Scottie’s in Granville, New York, our plant’s current home base; Manchester Wood provided food by our friends and supporters since the inception, and we make no mistake that from loyalty comes loyalty, and we continue to stand by all those who’ve helped through the years. So, to Mrs. Murphy’s and Scottie’s, thank you! God bless you! We’ve shared some great memories in your presence.

On that same token of loyalty, the giving and receiving aspects of Life, the day touched mostly on our amazing workers, whom without them, this article wouldn’t exist.

Our 20-year Trophy of Thanks and Appreciation

To Jenny and John, our newly inducted 10-year employees who received watches as a gift of thanks, Gary and John, an amazing 20 years of service, we hope our wood block plane award, resembling our logo, finds a proud place in your home. The finale of these employee achievements came down to the two people who have been here as long as the family running the place, so in that regard, they truly are family. Bev and Mike clocked in the same time our current President did on those early days in Manchester, Vermont. Their milestone this week is a direct mirror of our milestone this week. A life resembling a brand that has seen the highs and lows, the downs and ups, and we thank them for getting started with us. As a small gesture for the tremendous amount they’ve given, Manchester Wood presented them with two Equinox Rockers and an Adirondack Side Table as a gift in pride and wondrous thanks.

And to think…we’re just getting started.

Shop ManchesterWood.com, click here.

Heat of Summer: Finding Shade with our Equinox Rocker

Lemon Yellow Equinox Rocker and Adirondack Side Table

As the summer heats up, finding a break from the sun and relaxing in the shade becomes a desired activity as a time to rest the body and bask in the beauty of such a day. Our Equinox Rocker has become a staple for outdoor patios and screened-in porches for your relaxed time in the shade at your home, beach or lake house.

Much like our Adirondack Chair, the Equinox Rocker, as well as our Equinox Chair and Benches are apart of our prized Outdoor Collection. Built with the same solid wood and American made quality with heirloom longevity that we pride ourselves on (read our press release on ‘American Jobs and Illegal Timber Importation…’ at bottom of post), this is a product like the rest at Manchester Wood with a value far past the purchase price.

A colorful array of finishes are provided as well for any décor choices you prefer with Navy Blue, Pure White, Lemon Yellow, Forest Green, Firehouse Red, Sky Blue, and Green Apple.

Currently, not all finishes are shown on our Equinox Rocker page, but can be viewed on our Adirondack Chair here. Our Lemon Yellow rocker can be seen pictured in this article as well.

Lemon Yellow Equinox Rocker and Adirondack Side Table

When planning your furniture for that shaded, serene view, we hope you consider our Equinox Rocker to pass the time with a quality and country class that your future grandkids will hold dear.

Enjoy a rocking sway of relaxation with us this summer season.

To view our Equinox Rocker, click here.

To view our Adirondack Side Table (also pictured in photos in this article), click here.

Also, read more about American Jobs and Illegal Timber Importation in our press section by clicking here.

A Commitment to Sustainability and Social Awareness

Our Equinox Rocker and Adirondack Side Table with Vegetables and Fruit provided by Clear Brook Farm, an Organic Farm in Shaftsbury, VT

If you really take a solid look at our existence over the last decade, and our quantum leaps as a society over the last few years on social change and environmental issues, it’s easy to see that serious change is upon us.

December 21^st 2012 is a phenomenon that comprises a range of eschatological beliefs that a cataclysmic or transformative event will occur on that date. The supposed “end” of the Mayan calendar, which was set over 5,000 years ago presents, for some, a pending doom to the world, as we know it. Although, a New Age interpretation of this date marks the start of a time in which Earth and its inhabitants may undergo a positive physical or spiritual transformation.

Have we not become a more eco-friendly and spirit minded society? It’s easy to see the later situation holding a strong case.

We still have some way to go though in this New Age thought, but the numbers are growing, and once serious issues are now serious cases for a future much different then our recent past. When it comes to sustainability and environmentally conscious efforts in manufacturing furniture, we feel we’re on the front line.

Manchester Wood is committed, whether through our products, our voice, or through our writing, to continue on the pledge of a more free, successful society, in which all can be blessed with the life they deserve. Through a healthy environment and a social freedom that continues to rapidly evolve.

Good food, good products, and a healthy spirit seem to be the beginning formulas of a new commerce era in America. We hope you join us.

To read more about our commitment to producing Environmentally Sustainable Furniture, click here.

For more information on Clear Brook Farm, click here.

4th of July $10 Off Adirondack Sale: June 24th – July 5th

Kid's Adirondack Chairs are only $69.95!

Manchester Wood celebrates America’s Independence with offering the highest quality American made summer staple for over the last 35 years: the Adirondack Chair; with $10 off every chair purchased and FREE SHIPPING anywhere in the continental U.S. from June 24^th until July 5^th. It requires typing “4thSale” in the Coupon Code box at checkout on ManchesterWood.com.

Our Adirondack Chairs have become a lake and beachside benchmark, an emblem of comfort, craftsmanship, and relaxation. We’re proud to say our chairs have graced many docks, porches, and ocean sides over the years, and a small token of our appreciation comes in this $10 off sale.

Lemon Yellow Adirondack Chair on Glen Island, Lake George, NY

Choose any of our 7 finish colors for both Adirondack and Kid’s Adirondack Chairs. The sale brings our Kid’s Adirondack Chair down to a mere $69.95! That’s a true savings, and a great way for the young ones to join Mom and Dad this summer at a very reasonable price.

Sit back… relax… and take a piece of the Adirondacks home with you this Independence year.

To view our Adirondack Chairs, click here.

To view our Kid’s Adirondack Chairs, click here.

Manchester Wood designs and produces quality, affordable, eco-friendly solid wood American furniture in the Green Mountains of Vermont and Adirondack foothills of New York.