WHERE IS YOUR FURNITURE MADE?
Every piece of furniture or houseware is designed and handmade in Chicago using regional wood.
WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY “HANDMADE"?
Once a piece of lumber leaves the saw mill, it doesn’t touch any machinery in the building process. I approach woodworking traditionally, with the patience and attention it deserves, using traditional tools like axes, handsaws, hand planes, spokeshaves, rasps, chisels, gouges, and other hand tools.
WHAT DIFFERENTIATES YOUR FURNITURE?
WHY DO YOU EMPHASIZE EXPOSED JOINERY?
I use woodworking joinery exclusively. That means each piece of wood is cut to fit inside or around another piece of wood, similar to a 3D puzzle. Woodworking joints are incredibly durable and indispensable to long-lasting furniture. By contrast, manufacturers today mostly use screws, nails, or bolts to build their products. Metal will damage wood over time, causing furniture to loosen or come apart. This doesn’t happen with woodworking joints, unless under extreme conditions. Its durability is evident in furniture built hundreds of years ago that still functions perfectly today.
Strength aside, exposing joinery adds to the beauty of furniture.
Furniture was traditionally made by individuals in work shops. It’s now manufactured mostly in factories, and its style and quality has suffered badly.
Furniture on this site is designed and built by me. Each is styled around the wood used to build it. I don’t have product lines or set specifications. Everything is handmade traditionally using hand tools. A lot of attention is given to the building process so nothing but the highest quality pieces are made. This is furniture you’ll enjoy for a lifetime.
WHERE DO YOU SOURCE YOUR WOOD?
Wood in my furniture is sourced, milled, and dried regionally. I mostly use black walnut, American cherry, and hard maple.
For housewares, like carved spoons and bowls, wood is salvaged from trees around the greater Chicago area.
DO YOU COMMISSION FURNITURE?
Absolutely! Commissioning provides an opportunity to invest in furniture that fits your personality and lifestyle. It’s a lifetime investment, not just in the furniture itself, but in creating an environment that truly expresses your individual vision.
This is a unique buying experience and a great way to get involved in the building process. If you’re interested in placing a custom order, send a description to info@phillipkeefewoodworking.com that includes the category of furniture, preferred wood species, rough dimensions, and stylistic preferences.
Commissioned pieces take three to six months to complete, depending on the size and complexity of the project.
WHAT IS YOUR SHIPPING POLICY?
Due to the small nature of my business, delivery options for furniture are currently limited. Delivery within 25 miles of Chicago is available for $75. Pickup is also available. Instructions will be sent after your purchase is made.
Shipping for housewares is provided within each product listing.
If you have any questions, please send an email to info@phillipkeefewoodworking.com.
Product Care
HOW SHOULD I CARE FOR MY FURNITURE?
Your furniture doesn’t require active maintenance. Instead, you can maintain the visual and structural integrity by avoiding the following:
-
Placing food or beverages on your furniture without a placemat or coaster
-
Arranging your furniture near active sources of heat, like a radiator or central heating vent; extreme fluctuations in humidity can damage your furniture
-
Dragging furniture by its legs
-
Not using proper support and padding while moving
If you spill something on your furniture, simply wipe it clean with a lightly dampened towel.
For bowls and spoons, hand wash with warm water and a mild detergent. NEVER place them in the dishwasher. As a spoon or bowl is washed over time, its finish will fade. Rub food-grade walnut oil in very light layers to restore. Allow several weeks to dry and cure.
CAN SUNLIGHT CHANGE THE COLOR OF WOOD?
It can, although some species change color more than others. For example, American cherry will darken significantly with direct exposure to sunlight, sometimes turning a deep shade of red. I love this process and use a natural, oil-based finish to create a rich texture as the wood darkens.
If you prefer to lessen this effect, store your furniture away from sun-facing windows.
DO YOU PROVIDE REPAIR SERVICES?
I do repair furniture I've built, depending on how badly it's damaged. Please contact me directly so I can determine if it can be repaired.