Woodwise - Manufacturing

Quality and Expertise
are Just the Beginning

At Woodwise, we use only the highest quality construction methods and all hardwood materials — no particleboard or plastic laminates are ever used in the construction of our furniture. All furniture is available in any size, with a choice of woods including Oak, Maple and Cherry in natural, stained and colored finishes. We specialize in built-in, set-in and freestanding designs in all styles of furniture...home offices, entertainment centers, bookcases and unique corner pieces.

The custom furniture production process is designed to ensure the highest quality of furniture and your satisfaction.

Our Manufacturing Process

Step 1: Optimize the Lumber

We use special computer programs to optimize the layout for each project. This provides the maximum yield of material, which lowers the purchase price of your furniture.

Step 2: Cut the Parts

The individual parts required for your project are cut from the wood using a panel saw. Each part is carefully labeled.

Step 3: Machine the Parts

We properly machine each part. Different parts require different machine processes such as dado, rabbet, line bore, etc. We use only the highest standard for machining your furniture.

Step 4: Perform Flat-line Sanding

The interior surfaces of the furniture are sanded before the parts are assembled.

Step 5: Assemble the Furniture

The components of the furniture are assembled. The face frame and mouldings are applied.

Step 6: Perform Finish Sanding

The final finish sanding of the furniture occurs. Other components such as shelves and doors must also be finish sanded.

Step 7: Check Furniture and Components for Quality.

The integrity of the furniture is verified and the finish sanding is also carefully inspected.

Step 8: Apply the Finish

Unless you have requested an unfinished piece of furniture, the finishing process begins. The furniture and its components are hand-stained and three coats of clear catalyzed lacquer topcoat are applied.

Step 9: Perform the Final Assembly

Doors, drawers, pullouts, hardware and other accessories are installed. The piece of furniture is fully assembled at the manufacturing facility before being delivered to the customer.

Step 10: Rub out the Finished Piece of Furniture

The finish is rubbed out to bring the piece to its final “showcase” condition.

Step 11: Wrap and Deliver the Furniture

The furniture is carefully wrapped in preparation for delivery. Careful wrapping helps furniture arrive at your door in the same condition as when it received the Woodwise seal of approval.

Our Custom Finishing Process

Woodwise can finish your furniture in its natural state, with a pigmented lacquer or with more than a dozen stain options. We can also custom color match pigmented lacquers and stains. Because of the variation in the natural color of the grain, each of the stains will have a different appearance on cherry, maple or oak. We follow steps in the process below to achieve the high-quality results that are a hallmark of our custom hardwood furniture.

The furniture is finish sanded (150 grit for maple and cherry; 120 grit for oak) to provide a proper basis for the finish. All traces of dust are carefully removed from the piece before any stain is applied.
For furniture that will receive a deep, dark-colored stain, a dye stain is applied prior to the application of the wiping stain. The dye stain penetrates beneath the surface of the wood to provide the necessary depth of color.
A wiping stain is hand-applied and carefully rubbed into the pores of the wood. Excess stain is removed with a clean cloth.
A coat of catalyzed sealer is applied to the furniture to seal the stained finish.
After the sealer coat is dry, the furniture is sanded to a very smooth finish (320 grit sandpaper).
The furniture is carefully cleaned with a tack cloth to remove all traces of sanding dust.
Two coats of catalyzed lacquer are applied to the furniture. Scuff sanding is performed between coats to maintain the integrity of the finish.
The final rub out process brings out the full beauty of your custom hardwood furniture.

Advice on Furniture Care

Maintain the original beauty and quality finish of your new custom hardwood furniture by following these simple procedures.

Wipe away any spills or moisture immediately. Use a soft, absorbent cloth.
Protect your wood furniture from heat. Never place it directly against a heater or radiator.
Avoid direct sunlight. Sunlight will cause fading and discoloration.
Clean the finished surfaces with a mild soap solution and remove moisture with a soft, dry cloth.
Other cleaning compounds exist, but they may contain alkaline reagents that will adversely affect the coated surface. Products containing silicone are moisture resistant and dirt resistant but may hinder the application of new lacquer in the future. Products containing ammonia or any abrasive compounds should be completely avoided.
Use household furniture polishes only on an infrequent basis. For everyday maintenance, simply dust with a soft cloth or feather duster.

Quality and Expertise are Just the Beginning