If you like fine custom furniture, hand made by local craftsmen, there is a place right here in Portland, Oregon you just have to visit. Rediscover Craftsmanship at The Joinery.
The Joinery story began many moons ago. In 1982 Marc Gandin started refinishing furniture in his garage. The rest, as they say, is history.
“Today, at The Joinery, we build tomorrow’s antiques. Our goal remains to make functional art that will last many lifetimes.”
The key is the group of craftspeople Marc has assembled over time. Their teamwork and pride produce amazing quality and they sign each piece of furniture they build. Their craftspeople pay careful attention to every detail and ensure that you receive an heirloom. “We do what it takes” a motto with everyone in the company.
Aside from the functional art they craft, they also give back both to the environment and the community. Approximately 75% of the lumber that is used is harvested from FSC certified sustainable forests operated by The Collins Companies. And, they sponsor a number of community activities and provide donations to various charities.
The Joinery combines old-world techniques with modern machinery. Hand-rubbed oil finishes, wood on wood, and special Joinery techniques, such as the mortise and tenon, dovetail, and rabbet are executed with perfection in mind.
Each order takes approximately 12 – 16 weeks to complete, though certain pieces can be done sooner. Some items are in stock. The Joinery will ship anywhere around the world.
In the gallery you will also find accessories and small gift items. Wait till you see their lamps. I have one on my desk I just love. This place is more than just a showroom, as if that weren’t enough. The shop is in the same building. When you walk in you can smell the wood and hear some of the tools operating in the back. The shop and gallery consist of over 18,000square feet.
Everything you see speaks “quality”. It just draws you in, every piece begging to be touched. Local artisans and works from around the world are on display. You can select from over 200 pages in their catalog. Styles include Mission, Shaker, Asian, and French.
But you are not limited to a catlog. If you can’t figure out what you need, use their in-house design service. The Joinery design staff welcomes custom furniture design. They'll even make house calls. You choose the size, wood, hardware, and design.
If you’re a wood fanatic, as I obviously am, you’ll find yourself in wood heaven. Most woods they select are North American hardwoods such as Cherry, Maple, Walnut, Quarter-Sawn White Oak, Red Oak, and Ash. Other hardwoods include Mahogany, Curly Maple, Birdseye Maple, Bubinga and Lacewood. High-grade lumber is hand selected. Every piece is checked and considered for color and grain match. All of the furniture is built from solid hardwood with the exception of the drawer bottoms and case good backs, which are made from quality birch veneer.
Finishes include Tung, Linseed, and other penetrating oils. Application of this clear oil by hand brings to life the natural beauty of the wood. The oil finish is durable and requires little upkeep over the years. You will find that your furniture acquires more character with time.
The Joinery guarantees all of their craftsmanship for a lifetime. There is a sense of pride in the timeless beauty of their work – which is why they sign every piece.
Enjoy!
