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Quabu Woodworking benches are based on a traditional Shaker meetinghouse bench with some modifications for style or increased durability. 6 foot and 4 foot models are available, and other custom lengths are possible. See Gallery for more photos.
Benches are individually hand crafted from all solid hardwood. Legs, stretchers, and spindles are turned from either hard maple or ash, both native North American species. The seat and back rail are made from the client’s choice of woods. Native North American species available include Cherry, Red Oak, White Oak, Quarter-Sawn White Oak, or Walnut, in order of increasing cost. Sapele, a tropical hardwood, is also available. When selecting woods, clients should consult with David Hickson regarding needs, expected use, coordination with existing furnishings, etc.
- Cherry is the standard wood for QW benches and typically includes attractive figure/grain and unique “defects” in the wood that give the bench a great deal of character and beauty. Cherry naturally darkens over time to a rich dark red-brown that is highly prized in antique furniture. Cherry is not only the least expensive option, it is one of the most desirable.
- Red Oak and White Oak provide attractive and durable products. Red Oak is frequently used for more contemporary furniture, possessing strong linear grain and a reddish cast. White Oak also has a strong linear grain and has a medium golden brown color when finished.
- Quartersawn White Oak is the same wood as White Oak, but the lumber is sawn in a way to showcase the unique “ray fleck” figure of White Oak. Quartersawn White Oak is very distinct and attractive and is frequently used for furniture in Craftsman and Mission styles. Quartersawing is a less efficient use of a log in the sawing process, which is why its cost is higher.
- Walnut is a dark brown native North American hardwood used for durable furniture for centuries. Walnut is typically highly figured and can include “defects” that give each bench unique character.
- Sapele is a tropical hardwood from Africa that has some similarities in appearance to mahogany (Mahogany has become rare and extremely expensive). Typically possessing a strong, linear grain/figure, Sapele has a reddish-brown color and makes durable furniture.
Benches are typically finished with a sealing coat of shellac, followed by several coats of polyurethane varnish. While other finishes are available, polyurethane provides an attractive, water-resistant and hard-wearing surface for years of institutional use. Generally Quabu Woodworking does not use stains to change the natural color of the wood, instead allowing the natural beauty of the wood to be featured.
- Custom lettering of the back rest is included in the cost of the bench. The lettering is carved into the surface of the wood providing a visual and tactile highlight. Many text fonts are possible; letters are typically 1 ½ to 2 inches in height and allow the words to be readable from many feet away.
- The Six Foot Bench can include up to about 30 full-height characters (letters, numbers, spaces), depending on the selected font and other factors.
- The Four Foot Bench can include up to about 22 characters. Simple symbols, such as stars, punctuation, a cross, Star of David, etc. can be used but may reduce the number of characters that can fit. Lettering styles and spacing of characters vary widely, so clients should discuss their needs with David in detail.
- A full-size mock-up of the lettering will always be created for client approval prior to finalizing the design and beginning construction.
- The base price for the Six Foot Bench, including Cherry seat and back rail with Client’s lettering, is $4200.00 plus Maryland sales tax and delivery/shipping fees (if any).
- Options:
- Delete lettering: Subtract $400.00
- Substitute Red Oak: no additional charge
- Substitute White Oak: add $150.00
- Substitute Sapele: add $100.00
- Substitute Quartersawn White Oak: add $260.00
- Substitute Walnut: add $275.00
- Substitute Walnut: add $200.00
- The base price for the Four Foot Bench, including Cherry seat, back rail with Client’s lettering, and arched brace, is $3500.00 plus Maryland sales tax and (if any) delivery/shipping fees. Options:
- Delete lettering: Subtract $300.00
- Substitute Red Oak: no additional charge
- Substitute White Oak: add $100.00
- Substitute Sapele: add $75.00
- Substitute Quartersawn White Oak: add $180.00
- Substitute Walnut: add $200.00
- Ordering and Payment
- Because each bench is individually and serially made, by hand, to the needs of the Client, the bench features and price are discussed and agreed to in advance of placing an order. Once the basic bench features are confirmed, a down payment of 50% is required to begin construction. The balance will be due, including any taxes and delivery/shipping fees. Tax exempt organizations will need to provide adequate documentation of tax-exempt status as required by Maryland state law.
- Construction and delivery times will depend on works in progress and prior orders. In general, benches will be constructed in the order in which payment is received. Clients should expect a minimum of four weeks from the time of ordering to the time a bench is ready for delivery.
- Because each bench is individually and serially made, by hand, to the needs of the Client, the bench features and price are discussed and agreed to in advance of placing an order. Once the basic bench features are confirmed, a down payment of 50% is required to begin construction. The balance will be due, including any taxes and delivery/shipping fees. Tax exempt organizations will need to provide adequate documentation of tax-exempt status as required by Maryland state law.
- Construction and delivery times will depend on works in progress and prior orders. In general, benches will be constructed in the order in which payment is received. Clients should expect a minimum of four weeks from the time of ordering to the time a bench is ready for delivery.
- Shipping
- Multiple benches can be delivered for one delivery charge.
- Personal delivery of benches within a 110-mile radius of Silver Spring, Maryland: $25.00
- Personal delivery of benches within a 400-mile radius of Silver Spring, Maryland: $150.00
- Delivery of benches beyond a 400-mile radius of Silver Spring, Maryland can be arranged via either personal delivery or via freight shipping, depending on circumstances. Clients should anticipate delivery or shipping costs of over $300 per bench, depending on many factors including distance and packing crate needs. Distant clients should discuss shipping options and needs prior to ordering. Every effort will be made to keep delivery/shipping costs as reasonable as possible.
