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Willow & Rustic Furniture FAQs
We are located near Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. We have many acres of different species of willow here and we've been building willow since 1994. Click here to see our contact info.
We can ship to just about anywhere in Canada or USA depending upon the size of the item. Larger pieces like loveseats, are more costly to ship and will take longer to deliver as they ship by truck. Smaller pieces, like end/side tables, bird houses and feeders, baskets etc, can be shipped more easily. Once you have selected an item from the willow gallery, note its order #, then go to the order info form. Submit the completed form to us and we can give you an idea of shipping options.
We do make custom pieces, but they take a little longer depending on the project, and cost a little more. Please e-mail us if you have any special requests.
Willow furniture used outdoors should be preserved with a mixture of equal parts double-boiled linseed oil and turpentine. This mixture should be applied after the wood has dried thoroughly. Simply apply liberally with a brush, or sprayer, using all the safety precautions you would when normally painting. Let the piece dry in the sun for a week or so before using, as the mixture will take a little time to soak into the wood. When first applied the piece will look shiny, but as the wood absorbs the mixture, it will take on a flatter finish. Pieces preserved in this manner should provide many years of enjoyment.
Many of the pieces we have in the house like tables, planters and baskets are not preserved and remain in excellent condition after many years of use. The willow bark remains well intact when it dries and is not exposed to freeze/thaw or wet/dry cycles as outdoor furniture usually is.
Willow furniture should last you for decades if properly cared for. Pieces used indoors and protected from the weather should last as long as any traditional wooden furniture. We have tables in our house that are 8 years old and are in the same condition as when they were 1 year old. Willow furniture used outdoors should be preserved as described in the preceding question. As with any outdoor furniture, protecting it from the elements will lengthen the years of enjoyment you will get from your furniture. Bring your furniture in or cover it during winter, and put another coat of preservative on every 3 years if in constant sun.
There are numerous good books on willow and rustic furniture available. We have about ten different books in our personal library, all of which have interesting ideas and unique tips and techniques for building willow or rustic furniture. Visit our books page to order them on line.