Craftsmanship is the cornerstone of our business
At Shell Lake Woodcrafters, we strive to uphold the same principles pioneered by American Arts and Crafts visionary Gustav Stickley: Create well-designed, well-made furniture that is affordable for everyone.
We deliver on this promise much the same way Stickley did over a century ago—through the marriage of sound craftsmanship and modern technology.
In this way, we are able to offer our customers inherently beautiful and functional furniture that is made in the U.S. to be handed down for generations.
It all starts with selecting the best materials
The distinct beauty of wood furnishings lies in the color, pattern and quality of the wood from which it is created. So selecting the best lumber is our first priority. Special care is taken to ensure that the characteristics of each piece of wood selected best compliment the furniture’s design. In addition, individual boards are skillfully matched by hand to give the appearance of one solid piece when the design is complete.
We work primarily with domestic cherry, maple, oak and walnut harvested from renewable resources. We are happy to work with you in choosing one of these or another wood species that perfectly fits your custom design.
Proven methods meet modern technology
From start to finish, our skilled craftsmen put their passion for woodworking into the furniture they create. Time-honored methods are used alongside the latest technology, a combination that allows us to craft furniture of fine workmanship with efficiency and
affordability for our customers.
Dovetail joints are used for all drawer boxes. Dating back to ancient Egypt, this proven technique is still the best way to create the most stable and durable drawers.
Our dowel joinery system utilizes automated technology coupled with the use of screws and glue to create the best joint wherever rails meet end panels. In addition to unparalleled strength, this system allows economies in time and cost, resulting in a better piece of furniture at a great price. Doweled joinery, used for centuries, ensures each piece of furniture will last for generations to come.
Finishing is another way in which we ensure the heirloom quality of our furniture. To enhance the natural beauty of the wood, we use a variety of custom finishes. Stains and painted finishes are hand-applied in multiple layers and completed with a topcoat for durability, moisture-resistance and stain-resistance. We also use a hand-rubbed oil-and-wax finish on some of our furniture, which brings out the natural characteristics and beauty of the wood.