Taylor
This chair is named after the renown American chairmaker with the headrest curved up and a consistent graceful rocker curve. Here we have the Taylor in two materials Walnut and Matai.
The Walnut is a black walnut, a non-native tree. Walnut is a sought after timber for woodworkers as it is excellent to work with, finishes beautifully, and has amazing grain patterns.
The Taylor chair made from Matai offers a chair with a lighter earthy colour and has the unique quality of deepening in colour as it ages.
Every chair is individually inspected before it leaves the workshop. I check the timber, joinery, and finish to ensure each piece meets the same standard of strength and craftsmanship it was built with. Minor variations in grain and colour are natural and part of what makes each chair one of a kind.
To order a chair requires a deposit of $1,000, with the balance payable prior to collection or shipping. Once a deposit is paid you will be given an estimated completion date and if requested you will be given updates, usually photos, as the chair is being completed.
You have the choice of size, headrest and rocker type as well the type of timber your chair is to be made of. These chairs are not ‘Off the Shelf’ so there is a wait time once your order is placed as no chair is made without an end owner in mind.
There are three standard sizes: small, medium, and large. The best size depends on your height. As a guide:
- Small suits people 152–165 cm (5’0” to 5’5”) - $5,000
- Medium suits people 168–175 cm (5’6” to 5’9”) - $5,500
- Large suits people 178–188 cm (5’10” to 6’2”) - $6,000
The headrest can either be curved up, or curved down. Either option looks stunning so it is just your personal preference.
The rockers, the two runners on the floor, can either be one consistent curve or have a slight downward angle at the very back. Either option has no effect of the efficient rocking of the chair.
I will confirm the right size with you before I begin.
Wipe clean with a damp cloth. Use mild detergent if needed. After years of use, a light sand and polish will restore the finish and keep the chair looking new.
Choosing a timber
Almost any timber can be used woodworking, but some look and perform better. New Zealand is blessed with beautiful native timbers that make wonderful rocking chairs.
From experience people will choose a timber based on its base colour. For example, Tōtara has a lovely deep reddish tone, Matai redish/orange where Walnut, a non-New Zealand native, has an amazing grain and is highly prised by furniture makers. Of course, there are many other timbers we can explore together.
The Process
Each chair is made to order through a simple process. It begins with an enquiry, followed by confirming your timber of choice, chair details and placing a deposit.
We’ll then agree on a timeline, craft your chair from carefully sourced timber, and arrange a convenient time for you to pick it up.
Enquiry
Start by getting in touch through the enquiry form. I'll answer any questions and discuss your preferences.
Confirm your order
Once you’re ready to go ahead, we’ll lock in the details together and outline what to expect.
This is when I'll run through the range of timber options.
Deposit
An initial deposit secures your chair. At this point I'll confirm the timeline and expected completion date.
Crafting your chair
Your chair is carefully built using sustainably sourced timber, with each stage of the process focused on strength, comfort, and longevity.
Pickup / Delivery
When your chair is complete, we'll organise a time for pickup or the chair will be delivered. Pickup is however preferred.
How the timber is sourced
Every rocking chair is built using repurposed and recycled timber. No tree is ever felled specifically to make one of our chairs. Instead, we carefully source timber that has already lived another life – from historic offcuts to locally reclaimed materials.
This process takes more time, but it ensures that each chair carries its own unique history and character.
The timber we use may have been growing for centuries before being set aside, and now it’s been given a second chance to become something lasting and beautiful. While the story of each piece is different, the integrity and strength of the timber is never compromised.
