Inside James & James: The Journey of Building Real American Furniture

If you've spent time shopping for furniture online (or perhaps have read a few brand reviews on Couch.com), you'll notice that a huge selling point in the industry is to stock pieces made in the USA. But why? Is it cheaper? Are these companies huge fans of Uncle Sam?

The answer is multi-faceted! Keeping production red, white, and blue means furniture brands can bypass international shipping fees and delays, reduce their carbon footprint, and guarantee quality craftsmanship and fair labor practices. As a customer, you can enjoy premium pieces that arrive at your door in a fraction of the time it would take to import them!

One brand keeping things local and creating one-of-a-kind furniture is Arkansas-based maker James & James. They specialize in made-to-order furniture for every room in the house and are known for their handcrafted, solid wood furniture. Their pieces are timeless and elegant, built to last and be enjoyed for a lifetime.

I wanted to take a peek under the hood of this All-American production process and see just what it takes to make it work. For this adventure, I traveled from Los Angeles to Springdale, Arkansas, for a masterclass in the heritage, craftsmanship, and heart that goes into their American production.

The Heart of American-Made Furniture

Why American Craftsmanship Matters

American-made furniture implies care, skill, and a commitment to quality. With production often at a smaller scale, there is a more detail-oriented, hands-on approach at every stage, from sourcing materials to delivering your order!

James & James stands as a testament to these qualities. Each piece is hand-made by real people with dedication and pride. For their team, this is not just furniture. It's a story.

 “I really believe that in the next 10 to 15 years, American production can make a big comeback, and I just want to do what I can to help support that,” says Tim, the President of James & James.

It’s this passion that drives the company to keep their entire process—from the woodshop to the showroom—under one roof.

The James & James Promise: Standing Behind Their Work

James & James promises exceptional quality with their handcrafted, solid wood furniture. They ensure each piece that leaves their woodshop surpasses expectations, upholding an investment in quality, longevity, and customer satisfaction.

Correct Orders, Guaranteed

James & James believes every customer deserves exactly what they ordered. If the color, size (within a 1-inch tolerance), or style isn’t correct, they’ll replace it—no questions asked. Customers enjoy peace of mind, knowing their custom-crafted furniture will be what they were expecting.

Celebrating the Beauty of Real Wood 

Each piece of James & James furniture is handcrafted from solid wood, meaning no two items are alike. They break away from the machine uniformity of mass production, celebrating the look and feel of natural wood. The furniture celebrates natural variations such as open knots, visible brush strokes, and unique wood grains, bringing warmth and authenticity into every home. 

Repair or Replace for Unnatural Defects

Genuine wood furniture is a living material. It will expand, contract, and develop character over time. However, James & James understand the difference between natural aging and unnatural defects. If a piece cracks or splits unnaturally, they’ll repair or replace it according to their warranty.

Inside the James & James Woodshop: From Lumber to Legacy

How does raw lumber turn into a future heirloom? From the very first cut to the final finish, each step is performed by skilled hands who understand the value of craftsmanship. 

Step 1: Starting With Lumber

The journey begins with sourcing top-quality lumber. It's all sourced from American mills and delivered directly to their woodshop.

“Everything we get comes from a mill. We get bundles of wood, and every piece is touched by our employees here. Nothing's outsourced or pre-made.” - Justin, the Build Lead.

Step 2: The Initial Build Process

Once the lumber arrives, the woodshop team manages and prepares each rough cut of wood for the specific needs of the week—whether for a solid wood dining table or a custom bedroom piece. After the initial cuts, the wood pieces are glued together and carefully processed into shapes for legs, seats, tabletops, and more!

Step 3: Planing and Smoothing the Wood

Once the basic shapes have been glued together, the pieces are planed and smoothed. The planer sander machine planes the wood to the required thickness and smooths it, creating a beautifully tactile finish. James & James ensures each piece is flawless, guaranteeing a perfect end product. 

Step 4: The Finishing Touches: Sanding, Routing, and Staining

The next step is really three rolled into one. Each piece goes through sanding, routing, and staining to shape the edges and bring out the beauty of the wood grain. This process delivers the polished final piece that customers love and expect. 

Step 5: The Final Seal—Protecting Every Table

As a final measure, each piece is sealed with a protective layer of oil-based polyurethane. The seal enhances the wood's natural beauty and makes it durable, so it stays beautiful against the rigors of daily life, from coffee spills to messy art projects. 

James & James Showroom: Bringing It All Together

After seeing the woodshop and all the effort that goes into each piece, I had the chance to visit the James & James showroom, where the finished products are displayed in all their glory. The showroom is where craftsmanship meets everyday function, and each piece tells its own story.

The Showroom Experience

Emma, who oversees the showroom, walked me through various pieces while explaining the customization options that James & James offers. 

“Everything we create is built to withstand the wear and tear of family life and even be passed down someday,” says Emma. That’s the beauty of James & James—furniture that’s not only visually stunning but also built to last. It's furniture that’s meant to be enjoyed and cherished for generations.

Product Highlights From the Showroom

Olivia Table in Harvest Wheat Finish

• This table is a customer favorite, with warm and natural tones that fit well in a variety of spaces.

Country French Table in Tuscany Finish

• A more traditional design, perfect for those who prefer a classic, never-go-out-of-style look.
• The routed edges and soft curves make this table an elegant yet practical choice for any home.

Porch Swings

• Available in different sizes and styles, including a twin size for larger porches or smaller versions for compact spaces.
• Fully customizable in terms of height and color, these swings are fun and built to last, adding a charming touch to any porch.

Luna Bed

• Made from true white oak, this bed is all about quality and luxury.
• The thick headboard and satin finish emphasize the natural beauty of the oak, offering a premium feel that will enhance any bedroom.

Wood Stain Samples and Popular Finishes

• James & James offers wood stain samples that customers can receive to visualize the finish in their own space before committing
• Popular finishes include Harvest Wheat, Tobacco, Maple Tobacco, and Satin Black Walnut, each adding a different character to the furniture and catering to various aesthetic preferences.

Customization Options: Make It Yours

One of the standout features of James & James is the ability to customize almost every aspect of their furniture—from the dimensions to the type of wood and finish. It’s not just about choosing a dining table or a bed; it’s about designing a piece that fits perfectly into your home and lifestyle.

“Everything is truly customizable to whatever your heart desires, whether it's size or finish,” Emma adds.

This flexibility makes each piece from James & James uniquely yours, blending style with functionality in a way that truly complements your space.

Walking through the showroom, I couldn’t help but feel the connection between the raw materials I’d seen in the woodshop and the polished, beautiful pieces in front of me. It’s not just furniture—it’s the heart of a home, built to last and to be loved.

Handcrafted vs. Machine-Made Furniture

There’s a distinct difference between handcrafted furniture and pieces churned out of a factory assembly line. At James & James, their handcrafted furniture has something machine-made products simply can’t replicate—character.

The unique touches, natural imperfections, and skilled artistry behind each piece make every item one of a kind. Here’s why handcrafted solid wood furniture wins every time:

Each Piece is Unique

Machine-made furniture aims for uniformity—every chair, table, and cabinet looks the same. With handcrafted pieces, no two are exactly alike. Each item is shaped by the unique wood grain, the patterns of natural knots, and the subtleties that arise from human craftsmanship. The result is a product that feels alive, filled with character and personality.

Each piece of James & James furniture is a true original, telling a story that’s built into its very design.

Attention to Detail

The craftsmen at James & James are devoted to detail. They focus on sanding live edges just right, securing each joint, and finishing each piece perfectly to ensure the natural beauty shines.

Machine-made products may achieve sterile perfection, but they lack the soul that comes from a human touch. At James & James, the furniture isn’t just functional—it’s beautiful and built to be a centerpiece in any room.

Furniture Built to Last

Handcrafted solid wood furniture is unfailingly resilient. Unlike factory-made pieces built with low-quality materials and peeling veneer finishes, James & James furniture is something you can pass down to your children and grandchildren—a true heirloom.

Sustainability and Meaningful Consumption

Investing in handcrafted furniture means investing in sustainability. The mass-production model of machine-made items often leads to overconsumption and waste, as factory-made products break down and end up in landfills.

James & James takes a different approach, creating furniture that will last a lifetime. It’s a commitment to meaningful craftsmanship rather than disposable mass production. 

Caring for Your James & James Furniture: Tips from the Experts

To keep your James & James furniture looking as good as new, here are some tips straight from the experts:

• Wipe Surfaces with a Soft, Dry Cloth Regularly: Dust and dirt can build up over time, potentially dulling the finish. A soft, dry cloth helps remove this build-up and keeps your furniture clean without causing scratches.

• Use Coasters to Prevent Water Rings: Water rings can damage the finish of your beautiful dining table. Make it a habit to use coasters for drinks, especially hot or cold beverages, to avoid moisture penetrating the wood.

• Avoid Direct Sunlight for Prolonged Periods: Long exposure to direct sunlight can cause fading or discoloration in the wood. Place your furniture away from windows or use curtains to help protect it from strong UV rays.

• Use Felt Pads Under Decorative Items: Felt pads are an easy way to protect the surface of your wood furniture from scratches caused by vases, lamps, or any heavy items. They create a buffer between the decor and the wood to maintain a smooth finish.

• Clean Spills Immediately: Accidental spills happen, but it’s important to clean them up quickly. Use a soft cloth to blot—rather than wipe—spills to avoid spreading the liquid and damaging the finish.

• Keep Furniture in Stable Temperature and Humidity: Solid wood expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity. To avoid warping or cracking, try to keep your furniture in an environment with stable conditions—avoid placing it near heaters or air conditioning units.

• Avoid Abrasive Cleaners or Harsh Chemicals: Cleaning products containing harsh chemicals or abrasives can damage the finish and even the wood itself. Stick to mild wood cleaners or simply use a damp cloth with water to keep the surface pristine.

James & James Frequently Asked Questions

How Durable Are James & James Finishes?

Polyurethane offers robust protection against water, stains, and scratches, making it an ideal finish for solid wood furniture that sees daily use.

What Can Be Customized?

Everything—from the size and shape of the table to the wood species and finish—can be customized to fit your space and style.

How Is My Order Shipped?

To ensure the best experience, all orders ship with White Glove Delivery. This minimizes damage risk and ensures a hands-free assembly in the room of your choice.

What Is the Lead Time for Custom Orders?

Since every piece is handcrafted and made to order, typical lead times are approximately 10 weeks from the order date. This time allows for meticulous craftsmanship, ensuring your furniture is built to the highest standard.

What Happens If My Order Arrives with Damage?

If any damage occurs during transit, you must note it on the delivery paperwork. James & James will evaluate the damage and either repair or replace the product as needed. This ensures you receive furniture that meets their quality standards.

Do You Offer Commercial Furniture Solutions?

Yes, James & James offers commercial furniture for a range of businesses—from local shops to Fortune 500 companies. Their commercial clients include Microsoft, Tyson Foods, Monster Energy, and Warner Music Group, among others. The team can help customize pieces to suit your business needs.

How Do I Care for My James & James Furniture?

James & James furniture is designed to be both durable and livable. To maintain its beauty, use a soft cloth for dusting, avoid placing it in direct sunlight for long periods, and use coasters to protect the finish. Simple care can go a long way in preserving the look and longevity of your furniture.

James & James Furniture: Made in the USA, Built to Last

James & James isn’t just building furniture; they’re creating heirlooms. This journey through their woodshop, meeting the makers, and seeing the finished products has shown me what true American craftsmanship looks like.

“Each piece is one of a kind, and that’s what makes James & James special. We’re not just making furniture.  We’re creating pieces that tell a story,” says Tim.

And that story is one of dedication, craftsmanship, and a belief that American-made can mean something truly remarkable.