Natural Edge Gallery Bench

Appalachian Joinery is the work of Chester Shuey, a quality minded furniture-maker located in beautiful Asheville, NC. Chester makes furniture of original design and reproduction that is designed to last generations. Chester also design's and build's custom home projects which include entry doors, mantles, built in shelving, and wood counter tops.

CRAFTSMAN STATEMENT

"Wood is already amazingly beautiful, I simply give wood a function that I feel fits each trees individuality. My works integrity is emphasized with traditional exposed joinery and hand rubbed oil finishes, this is how I express myself and my passion for working wood."

ETHIC'S & SUSTAINABILITY

When you really think about it, are products made from bamboo, or plyboo, really a "green" product? How far does bamboo have to travel? Where was it made? What kind of finish does it have? How about veneered plywood? What sort of process doed it take to turn a tree into plywood? How long will the glue and staples hold?

My process is simple and clean, I use locally salvaged trees and lumber. A dangerous tree removed from a yard can be turned into a one of a kind dining table or chairs, or hardwood beams removed from an old barn can be repurposed into a set of stools or a bench. Here in Asheville, NC and the surrounding areas this is a common practice and I feel lucky to be amongst felow woodworkers and artists with a common goal. Most of the time I can tell clients where the boards from a tree came from, and which local sawyer milled them. This process supports local tree services, sawyers, kiln operaters, galleries, and many more. When you invest in a piece of furniture from me, you also invest in community and the envirnoment.

DESIGN & CRAFTSMANSHIP

Should all furniture last generations? I think so! Investing in handmade furniture is exactly that, an investment. My goal is to create well made family heirlooms with hardwoods and fine craftsmanship.
I consider my original designs somewhat minimalist, keeping it clean, simple, and comfortable.

"Joinery" is what makes a craftsman! Today manuel skills are somewhat rare, and I take pride in them. I believe making a quality product is the best way to pay respect to my clients. Handmade work catches your eye, it warms your soul, people want honest goods, and thats what I make.