I work on a build order system.

Just tell me what you want me to build.

All chairs are based on a first come first serve in the building queue.

Until you tell me what to build, you're not in the queue.

And if you want to stop by and take a look just send me a mail.

The shop is open seven days a week from 5am to 8pm.

I do require a phone number for confirmation please. No build order will be accepted without a phone number.

When your chairs are finished, unstained come over and take a test sit.

At that time you can walk away with no hard feelings. And I mean this. I can offer unstained chairs to the next customer in the queue. No big deal at all.

It's only when I start staining that it costs me money. The Cetol 1 stain that I use cost around $80 a gallon.

Custom Staining

Once you've chosen a stain I'll ask for a deposit. I will stain or paint in any color you choose. A 50% non-refundable deposit is required.

Upon completion of staining (3 to 4 days) I'll delivery your chairs. The staining time will vary depending on weather.

It takes 1 1/2 days to build one chair. (2 chairs, 3 days)

Add 3 days for staining. (5 days until ready for delivery)

You're always welcome to pre-inspect your unfinished chairs. Lemonade is always on hand. Anytime between 5am and 8pm. In Apple Valley/Lakeville area.

Unstained chairs are $175

Stained chairs are $225

Tables $50

Footrest $50

Lemonade $Free

Staining

I do not guarantee the stain. By color or sheen.

All I can tell you is what Sikkens tells me.

Images of chairs I have stained are available here.

If you want something different tell me.

Before staining I will ask you to confirm your choice by product and stain number.

Cetol 1

A transparent stain. Wood grain shows up very nicely. Satin Sheen. (Not the 1 23, only the one. This is what Sikkens recommends for outdoor furniture.)

If you are completely unfamiliar with outdoor stains please go to a Hirshfields Paint store.

They have free color chips so there is no question about the color.

I also have wood samples available at the shop.

I do not guarantee the stain. The color on your monitor may not be correct. Your interpretation of sheen may be different than the manufacturers.

Sheens have been a problem too. If you expect a high gloss and end up and order a flat sheen you will be disappointed.

You will have to reapply the stain every other year in most cases.

It's best to move your chairs inside during the winter. If nothing else flip them upside down to keep snow off the horizontal surfaces.

All stain is applied by brush not sprayed. I don't spray because thinning the stain would seriously decrease the life of it.

This means some minor brush makes may show even though steel wool is used between each of the three coats.

Drying time for stain is 24 hours between coats. The third coat does dry quickly as it's mostly a dry brush coat.

Staining cannot take place when it's raining. There is no rushing this process. It has to take place outside.

Cooler temps (50 to 60 degrees) will increase the drying time.

As Fall approaches I stop staining. Oil base stains require temperatures above 50 degrees.

The wood.

White cedar has knots. It is not a clear wood. I eliminate knots that may cause problems years from now but you will have knots in your chairs.

Many of the images will link into very large images. It will give you the best idea such as the chair back down below.

The cedar I use is called White Cedar.

The wood is pre-dryed a second time in my shop to eliminate defects and checks. (A check is a crack in the end of the board.)

It is not a clear wood, it will have knots.

Picking up at my shop is also ok if your from out-of-state. Apple Valley, Lakeville area. I'm sorry but I do not ship my chairs.

And of course your always welcome at the porch. Well almost...

I'm in the shop from 5am till 8pm.

You really need to call ahead. Just send me an email.

And don't be surprised if you get my voice mail. It usually mean I'm at one of the saws making chairs.

The person.

I've been making custom furniture for 30 years. Most have gone to large customers.

First as "The Wooden Dowel" in Iowa and now as "Cedar River Mills LLC" in Minnesota.

And for those of you asking, "Is this what I do for a living?". Yes it is during the summer months. I build canoes during the winter and no these are already presold and not available to the general public.

Just a small one man operation making the best possible chair I can for your enjoyment.

And yes, I enjoy what I do and I'm pretty darn good at it.

Thank you,

pat