Five Reasons Handmade Furniture is Awesome

I recently happened upon a Washington Post article named “Why Furniture Got So Bad”. In it, the author explores the ways in which furniture manufacturers use cheap materials, veneered surfaces, and rudimentary construction techniques with the sole intention of reducing costs. As a result, we as the consumer pay. We pay when we are led to believe we are buying a “real hardwood” piece (you likely aren’t). We pay when it falls apart in 3 years. And we pay in climate change as we send the junked piece to the landfill and we go ahead and order the next one from overseas.

The furniture quality problem is so widespread, in fact, we as consumers basically expect it at this point. We anticipate our furniture to fail. But things used to not be that way. We all can recall that family heirloom, that piece of furniture at our grandparent’s house that, while old and maybe a little dusty, still does its job and looks incredible. So, with that context, allow me to flip the conversation, and give you my five reasons that handmade furniture is awesome.

1 . Durability

Ever accidentally bump into a cheap table and notice a pale wood color beneath the surface? You likely just broke through the veneer; the impossibly thin layer of wood chemically glued onto cheap plywood or fiberboard. These cheap materials are virtually unrepairable, and simply do not stand up to the regular wear of a busy household. With handmade wood furniture, every project starts and ends with real hardwood lumber, sawn straight from the tree. Durable hardwoods like Walnut, Ash, White Oak, and Cherry can be bumped, bruised, scratched, and chipped, yet remain totally reparable with either a bit of sanding and reapplication of protective finish.

2 . Craftsmanship

The finishing touches on a dovetailed nightstand drawer.

If you’ve ever assembled furniture from a flat-packed box (perhaps from a store that also sells meatballs), you’ve likely faced an overwhelming number of dowels, screws, bolts, and other fasteners. Industrial furniture design relies on these fasteners for cost efficiency, not durability. Over time, they loosen, bend, and break, leading to wobbly legs, sagging surfaces, or even a complete collapse—and a trip to the dumpster.

In contrast, traditional furniture design uses timeless joinery techniques like dovetail joints and mortise-and-tenon connections, which create tight, wood-on-wood bonds that offer immense strength. These methods not only provide superior structural integrity but also highlight the artistry of true craftsmanship. Handmade furniture, unlike mass-produced flat-pack items, is built to last for generations and often becomes a cherished heirloom. The absence of visible screws or bolts creates a cleaner, more elegant look, while the natural expansion and contraction of wood is better accommodated. Investing in handmade furniture ensures durability, character, and a lasting connection between the maker, the piece, and your home.

3 . Timeless Design

Navigate the fancy hyper-modern furniture websites, and you’ll undoubtedly come across all the trending “it” pieces. The problem is, those trends will likely fade just as quickly as the furniture itself. What’s in style today may feel outdated tomorrow, leaving you with furniture that no longer fits your aesthetic—or your needs. On the other hand, handmade furniture focuses on design elements that continue to look good through decades or even centuries, built to endure both physically and stylistically. Rather than chasing fleeting trends, investing in classic, well-crafted pieces means they’ll remain functional and beautiful for decades, adapting to your evolving space without ever feeling out of place.

4 . Buy Once, Cry Once

You’ve probably heard this saying before, and it’s true. Like anyone, I feel the weight of big purchases. When working with clients, it can be tough to explain why a handmade piece might cost thousands, while an online store offers something that looks similar for just $300. But here’s the reality: there’s a solid return on investment when you buy a handmade piece.

Not only do you avoid another trip to the cheap furniture store in five years when the bargain piece falls apart, but you’ll save money over time by buying one quality piece instead of replacing it three, five, or even eight times in the same period. Investing in craftsmanship pays off in longevity, saving you money and sparing you the frustration of settling for less.

5 . Your Connection to the Maker

When you commission a piece from Turkey Tail Design + Woodcraft, you are entrusting me to infuse my heart and soul into the work. I take immense pride in designing and building furniture that not only sparks conversation but also showcases the thoughtful details that come together to create something truly special. No two pieces are ever identical, each one reflecting my dedication to craftsmanship and unique design. I hope this individuality reinforces my commitment to crafting furniture that will not only look amazing in your home but also become a cherished part of your space for years to come.