“American Made” and “Solid Wood”: What Do They Mean?

When describing our furniture, there are two terms that we are particularly fond of: “American Made” and “Solid Wood”. These phrases don’t just sound good; they actually have specific definitions that we adhere to rigorously when making our furniture. What does it really mean to produce solid wood furniture that is made in the USA?

Because of the enduring stellar reputation surrounding American craftsmanship, the phrases “American Made” and “Made in the USA” have come to symbolize that a product exhibits quality workmanship and materials. Unfortunately, some disingenuous businesses try to mislead their customers about the origins of their products. Accordingly, the Federal Trade Commission issues guidelines as to which products can be called American Made and which cannot. If a company flaunts these rules, the FTC has the authority to prosecute. Consumers should be careful to differentiate between the labels “Made in the USA” and “Assembled in the USA”, which is a lesser distinction that means that the components of the product in question are from foreign countries and they were merely put together in this one.

When we say our furniture is solid wood, we mean that it is made out of plain lumber, not plywood or particle board. These types of processed building materials are known as engineered wood. Solid wood is the much more durable of the two, to say nothing of its aesthetic superiority. These advantages make solid wood the clear choice for quality furniture.

Although it may be cheaper to produce furniture overseas using engineered wood, we know that no such product can hope to compete with our American made solid wood furniture. We endeavor to make the best product possible, and this means using the best materials and the best workers we can find, both of which are right here in America, as our satisfied customers can attest to. We hope everyone will continue to buy American, thereby supporting our domestic economy and American manufacturing.

Manchester Wood’s Halloween Costume Giveaway!

As the leaves turn, the temperatures drops, and we enjoy clear, crisp, and peaceful foliage air, Manchester Wood is excited to offer this month’s giveaway prize.  In keeping with the spirit of the season this month of October we’re offering our Step Stool FREE of charge to the best Halloween costume – past, present, or future – from childhood to adulthood, with submissions accepted via email (service@manchesterwood.com), Twitter (@manchesterwood), or Facebook with 5% off ALL our solid wood furniture items to the runner-up.

As with the rest of our hardwood furniture, the Step Stool is 100% made in the USA using sustainable North American timber. It is also part of our $64 Gifts for US Jobs Collection, which endeavors to provide ours customers with affordable products while simultaneously boosting the US economy.

Our Step Stool can help you reach that top shelf or cabinet with ease. It’s also great for helping children reach the sink or the phone. Featuring a durable, solid wood design, the Step Stool is sturdy and stable, so you won’t have to worry about your footing while using it. Despite its sturdy design, it is also extremely light and portable.

We look forward to seeing your costumes!

God bless you,
Ed & Priscilla Eriksen
Manchester Wood: American Made Furniture

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

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Heat of Summer: Finding Shade with our Equinox Rocker

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.

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

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.

Graduation Season: Perfect Furniture Gifts for Young Professional

As Graduation season winds down, Manchester Wood reviews a few select items for young professionals making the stride from school to the workplace, building a home and an environment for their future.

Our Portable Folding Work Desk is an immediate choice item for the new graduate looking for that small piece with a work mobility that fits the 21^st century life style. An updated TV Tray Table with a more modern use. It’s light with a very large table surface for a quick, immediate, sprawled workspace.

From dorm life to adulthood, finding that entertainment center for the young adult can be a pricy and taunting task. Manchester Wood covers several TV/Media Stands that have a longevity and class that’ll give a young professional a focused and intelligent purchase in both quality and character. The Hanover Media & Gaming Stand is our immediate choice when gifting the youth moving through a transition with their entertainment pieces. With its concealed look, it’s easy to hide away those gaming consoles and other, sometimes youthful items to a particular guest. The look and feel spells modern functionality with a traditional design making it easy to fit in any home design or setting.

Along the lines of storage with our entertainment consoles comes our Jelly Cabinet. It’s the perfect addition to a kitchen or area where storage space is needed. A smaller item too, which makes it great for a new home or apartment space. With it’s door hinged on the left and ample shelving there is room for canned goods or other products that need a place. When closet or pantry space is sparse, this item is a smart choice.

Start off the next generation’s adulthood with a gift that will last a lifetime, with a product and brand that’s socially conscious background supports the American economy and American Made furniture.