Great question! The answer depends on which collection you’re looking at, but let me break it down honestly.
For our standard line of benches, we partner with a family-owned workshop right here in the Pacific Northwest. These benches are crafted using locally sourced hardwoods—think oak, walnut, and maple from sustainable forests within 200 miles. Each piece is hand-finished by artisans who’ve been doing this for decades. You can literally see the care in the joinery.
However, we do offer a more budget-friendly line for high-volume orders (like event seating or restaurants). Those are manufactured overseas in a facility we personally vet—it’s ISO-certified, uses FSC-certified materials, and pays fair wages. But to be clear: they’re not the same as our “Heritage” line. The overseas benches are solid, reliable, and can handle heavy use, but they lack the subtle character of handmade details.
Why does it matter? Buying local means supporting your regional economy, lower carbon footprint, and—honestly—a bench that might last two generations instead of one. But imported benches let us offer prices that fit tighter budgets without sacrificing safety or function.
So if you ask me: if you want a bench with soul, go local. If you need 200 identical benches for an event hall next month, the overseas option is totally valid. Just know what you’re getting. Happy to help you choose the right one!