About my rocking chairs
Western style rocking chair
Originally designed by the late Sam Maloof, a self-taught California woodworker/craftsman, these rocking chairs were designed for every day use, but are museum quality. President Jimmy Carter owns a Maloof rocking chair, as did President Ronald Reagan. President Reagan's is now on display at the Smithsonian Museum. Maloof's design started in the Shaker tradition and over the years evolved into sleek functional art. At one time a company offered Mr. Maloof twenty two million dollars to mass produce his chairs. He turned them down. He felt that it wasn't about the money. Instead, he chose to continue designing and building until his death in 2009 at age 93. Fortunately he chose to share his woodworking skills with generations of woodworkers and each has brought their own skills and designs to bear.
If you want to know more about Sam Maloof, click the links below.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/27/arts/design/27maloof.html?_r=1
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=103340463
Renee Russo Visits Sam Maloof http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBQzli78dFk
Because of Sam Maloof's vision, this is not a piece you'll find even in the most elite furniture stores. It is only be made by craftsmen one at a time. It takes approximately four to five weeks to build (120 to 140 hours) and apply the finish on one rocking chair, but the time varies depending on the complexity of the artisan's design. I use top quality hardwoods, dried to furniture standards of 6% moisture content. The runners are laminated for strength and duribility as are the backrests for flexibility. The backrests are made to conform to the shape of your back and they rotate and flex slightly for comfort. Attention to detail in the final sanding brings out the natural beauty of the wood. When the rocking chair receives it's final sanding with 1,000 grit sandpaper, the chair glows before the finish is even applied. The finish is hand-rubbed danish oil -- a minimum of four to six coats, twelve hours between coats, then left to cure for three to four days. And finally three coats of hand rubbed wax is applied. This technique produces a well sealed piece of furniture with a durable gloss finish. It truly looks like you're afraid to touch it. My advice would be to use it, enjoy it. The sculpted fit provides unequaled comfort.
If you want to know more about Sam Maloof, click the links below.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/27/arts/design/27maloof.html?_r=1
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=103340463
Renee Russo Visits Sam Maloof http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBQzli78dFk
Because of Sam Maloof's vision, this is not a piece you'll find even in the most elite furniture stores. It is only be made by craftsmen one at a time. It takes approximately four to five weeks to build (120 to 140 hours) and apply the finish on one rocking chair, but the time varies depending on the complexity of the artisan's design. I use top quality hardwoods, dried to furniture standards of 6% moisture content. The runners are laminated for strength and duribility as are the backrests for flexibility. The backrests are made to conform to the shape of your back and they rotate and flex slightly for comfort. Attention to detail in the final sanding brings out the natural beauty of the wood. When the rocking chair receives it's final sanding with 1,000 grit sandpaper, the chair glows before the finish is even applied. The finish is hand-rubbed danish oil -- a minimum of four to six coats, twelve hours between coats, then left to cure for three to four days. And finally three coats of hand rubbed wax is applied. This technique produces a well sealed piece of furniture with a durable gloss finish. It truly looks like you're afraid to touch it. My advice would be to use it, enjoy it. The sculpted fit provides unequaled comfort.
Chair Care
I want you to love and use your chair every day. A coat of paste wax twice a year should provide it with adequate protection.
Waxing Instructions:
Wipe off any dust or smudge marks. Apply a thin coat of wax. Let it dry to a haze -- no more than 10 minutes. Then buff with a lint-free cloth. I use Trewax paste wax and will include a can with the purchase of your rocking chair. I prefer it for its quality, ease of use, and high-gloss shine.
Waxing Instructions:
Wipe off any dust or smudge marks. Apply a thin coat of wax. Let it dry to a haze -- no more than 10 minutes. Then buff with a lint-free cloth. I use Trewax paste wax and will include a can with the purchase of your rocking chair. I prefer it for its quality, ease of use, and high-gloss shine.