Wheatland Furniture: Modern & Classic Collections
Established in the heart of the Midwestern farming community, Wheatland Furniture has been a leading name in sustainable, rustic-chic furnishings for over three decades. With a commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and environmental responsibility, Wheatland Furniture has carved out a unique niche in the furniture industry.
Founded by the passionate and innovative couple, John and Margaret Hartman, Wheatland Furniture began as a small workshop dedicated to creating durable, eco-friendly furniture inspired by the timeless elegance of the American heartland. Today, whilst located in a sprawling lakeside facility, their mission remains the same: to produce heirloom-quality pieces that stand the test of time, both in style and sustainability.
Wheatland's Unique Craftsmanship
At the core of every Wheatland Furniture piece lies a testament to their signature craftsmanship. Each item, from cozy rustic sofas to elegant dining tables, is skillfully handcrafted by artisans who take pride in their work and heritage.
Key to this craftsmanship is Wheatland's commitment to what they call their "six-generation legacy." This philosophy ensures that not only does each piece of furniture tell the story of its creation, but it also inherits the rich traditions and techniques honed through generations of craftsmen.
The Art of Chair Making
Among the various crafts practiced at Wheatland, chair making is arguably the most revered. From classic wingbacks to mid-century modern designs, every chair is executed with meticulous attention to detail. The process begins with meticulous wood selection, ensuring each piece boasts a rich, natural patina.
Skilled craftsmen, often working with tools passed down through generations, then carefully shape, carve, and assemble each component. The result is a chair that not only looks good but feels oh-so-right, epitomizing that timeless comfort that only comes from high-quality, thoughtful design.
Upholstery Mastery
Upholstery is another area where Wheatland's commitment to quality shines. Their upholstered pieces represent the highest standards of comfort and durability, with a labor-intensive process that ensures longevity and ease of maintenance.
Wheatland works exclusively with sought-after suppliers to source their upholstery materials. From hardwearing leathers to luxurious, yet functional, performance fabrics, each option is not only visually appealing but built to last. The upholstery process itself involves intricate hand-stitching, intricate tufting, and expert cushioning, ensuring their sofas, chairs, and ottomans provide unparalleled comfort.
Sustainable Practices at Wheatland
Wheatland Furniture's commitment to sustainability is evident throughout their operations. From the outset, they've embraced minimal waste practices and used predominantly reclaimed and sustainably sourced wood. Every particle of wood - down to the smallest offcuts - is repurposed, be it as packaging material, wood chips for biofuel, or even groundcover in their extensive audit trail.
Furthermore, their use of vegetable-based stains, low-VOC finishes, and water-based lacquers helps minimize their environmental footprint. Yet, sustainability isn't merely a buzzword at Wheatland; it's integrated into their business model, making it central to their decision-making processes and daily operations.
Material Selection & Sourcing
Wheatland Furniture's dedication to sustainability begins with their material selection. They scour the country for responsibly harvested wood, often collaborating with small-scale logging operations that share their values. Each piece of wood is checked and graded upon arrival, ensuring only the best is used in their furniture.
Even the wood used in their furniture models is tracked, traced, and recorded. Their 'Audit Trail' system allows customers to know precisely where each piece of wood in their furniture originated. This kind of transparency is rare among furniture manufacturers but underscores Wheatland's commitment to responsible forestry.
Eco-friendly Processes & Finish
The careful selection of eco-friendly processes and finishes takes place throughout the production process. Wheatland's workshops are powered by a hybrid solar-electric system, reducing their reliance on fossil fuels. Similarly, every aspect of lacquering, staining, and painting is performed with low-VOC, water-based products, minimizing solvent and chemical use.
Their durable, eco-friendly finishes don't compromise the aesthetic. Instead, they provide a rich, naturally distressed patina that age beautifully, adding to the furniture's character and charm. Furthermore, these finishes showcase a remarkable resistance to bumps, scratches, and wear, extending the life of each piece significantly.
Ultimately, Wheatland Furniture is not just about creating beautiful, rustic warm furnishings - it's about preserving heritage, nurturing craftsmanship, and fostering a connection to the land. Each time you sit on a Wheatland chair or stand at their dining table, you're investing in more than a piece of furniture; you're investing in a story, in a tradition, and in a sustainable future.