FAQ – Kingfisher Wood Creations
Q: I love my new Kingfisher furniture. How do I clean it and keep it looking great?
A: Your seats are made of solid cedar wood and finished to protect them from the elements. They are built to last and will give you years of great memories. We suggest wiping them down with a damp cloth frequently. If they become soiled you can use a gentle cleaner like murphy’s oil soap and rinse with low pressure water. (Never power wash them) If your seats start to look dull after lots of use we suggest using a good quality furniture wax to restore the luster and make water bead up and run off. It is easy to apply with a rag and buff off with a soft dry cloth. Follow the directions on your can of wax.
Q: What kind of finish do you use to protect the Furniture from UV Rays and Weather?
A: You are right! The sun and northwest weather both can damage the natural cedar of your furniture over time but you can expect years of service if well cared for. To help protect the wood we apply a penetrating “true oil” finish to seal the wood. We currently use the Superdeck Brand Transparent Stain & Sealer, Redwood color. However, any high quality oil based deck or wood sealant will work well. After that sealant cures we apply a very thin coating of wax to make your seat as smooth as possible. The wax provides an extra layer of water resistance too.
Q: Will I need to re-finish my Kingfisher furniture?
A: Your seats are designed and sealed to provide years of satisfying use. After a great deal of use and exposure to the weather you may want to refinish them. But, if the seats are put under cover in the winter and waxed regularly they will stay beautiful for many years to come.
Should your seats look worn and faded over time a full refinish is a good idea. Sanding them and applying a true Oil Finish is suggested. We find that water based or acrylic finishes do not last very long and do not allow the wood to breath. It is important to read the labels on wood finish to ensure you have a true oil based finish. (The refinishing process requires skill with power tools, eye protection, gloves and the use of a respirator to prevent injuries.) Call us if you have any questions.
Q: Are my Kingfisher Seats Guaranteed?
A: We are proud of the quality of the products that we make and we have not had any unhappy clients to date. Each piece is hand crafted from natural materials. While the seats are built for a lifetime, wood is subject to damage and deterioration over considerable time. We do not have a warrantee or guarantee because those are legal terms. We prefer a personal engagement with our clients to make your experience with your furniture a happy one. If any issues arise with your Kingfisher seats please contact us. We promise to work with you. Our goal is your satisfaction.
Q: How do you source your raw materials? Do you consider yourselves a green business?
A: We hate waste and we love local. Your Kingfisher seats are made from solid, high quality cedar wood much of which is from right here on the Olympic Peninsula. We spend a lot of time sourcing these materials to find the best quality with the least impact on the environment. We work with many local wood dealers to find “shorts” which are the leftover pieces of lumber that are too short for most purposes but that are just right for many parts of our Kingfisher Seats. We also buy from a small local sawyer that specializes in milling local blow down and danger trees. Some of our best arm rests come from local cedar trees. Our manufacturing process creates small off cuts and scrap of course. But, rather than put that wood into the landfill, we gift it to local residents who need it for kindling in the winter. Nothing goes to waste.
Q: How much work goes into making Kingfisher seats?
A: A bunch! Each piece is handmade in our little shop on Marrowstone Island. Our Duo Bench has 51 individual pieces. Each of those pieces goes through a set of processes that involve :1. Cutting to length. 2. Shaping soft edges with a router. 3. Initial sanding to smooth the piece. 4. Assembly with strong screws. 5. Apply Finish. 6. Final Sanding. 7. wax and buff. Whew! It’s not easy but making these is a labor of love for us. We hope you enjoy your set.
Jeff & Mike
Kingfisher Wood Creations
Marrowstone Island – Just off the coast of Washington