Empire Custom Woodworks. Handcrafted Western red cedar Adirondack chairs, tables, benches, and more!

Quality Handcrafted Adirondack Furniture

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What shipping methods do you use?

A: We ship primarily using Fed-Ex ground, and occasionally UPS ground.  Both companies do an excellent job of delivering our products in good condition.

Q:  How long does it take for me to receive my order.

A:  We always try and get orders out the door as quickly as possible. To allow for busy times of the year, our stated lead time is within 10 business days of the date we receive your order.  (Orders received after 5:00 p.m. PST will be processed the next business day)  We have built our reputation, however, on providing a quality product, not simply on speedy service. 

For our business, and as consumers ourselves, we see it as better to wait a few extra days to receive a quality product, than to have an inferior product now.  Presumably, this is why you are looking into purchasing quality wood patio furniture, rather than the $10.00 plastic chairs you can buy at most home centers.

Q:  Why Western red cedar, and not a less expensive wood like pine?

A:  Cedar is our wood of choice because it affords the best value to our customers by providing moderate cost, lighter weight and excellent weather and rot resistance:

Western Red Cedar is a lightweight and dimensionally stable wood that lies flat and stays straight. Cedar resists the natural tendency to crack and check, as you might find in many other wood species, such as pine.

Western Red Cedar has an incredible thermal co-efficient, meaning even on hot days, it is cooler to sit in.

Western Red Cedar fibers contain oils that act as natural preservatives to help the wood resist rot and decay, making it excellent furniture material for moist or humid climates. These properties also make Cedar a very popular material for hot tub and sauna areas.

Among other things, these naturally occurring oils give off that distinct cedar aroma that makes the wood highly unattractive to insects. This is why Cedar is the choice material for closet liners and blanket storage chests.

Its bacterial and fungal resistance coupled with the fact that Cedar is about 80% the strength of Oak, makes it one of the most desirable woods to use for building Outdoor furniture.
 

Q:  I want to apply a finish to the furniture I order from you.  What do you recommend?

A: While you can varnish some outdoor furniture, or pine, we do not recommend using varnish on cedar:  Varnish flakes off, leaving an unsightly appearance. Clear oil finishes, such as linseed oil, or tung oil work very well, as does a deck sealer such as Thompson's.  Cedar will also readily accept most outdoor wood stains and exterior paints.  Keep in mind that painted wood furniture, much like a wood fence or wood house siding, will need to be repainted from time to time.  The easiest maintenance finish is a clear oil. 

Adirondack Chair

Garden Table

Garden Chair

Adirondack End Table

Kids' Garden Bench