Materials

Hardwood, Finish and Fabric Options Explained

James & James furniture is built from solid American hardwoods with hand-applied finishes, and upholstered pieces are offered in nine fabrics, from bouclé and velvet to performance linen and Ultra Leather.

About 95% of our pieces are knotty alder from the Pacific Northwest.
Oak comes in Oat, Almond, Sable and Espresso finishes.
Polyurethane topcoat helps protect against water, stains and scratches.
Compare every option in our samples collection.

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A dining room with a dark wooden table, four chairs, and a bench on a textured rug. A silver vase with white tulips is on the table, and a modern chandelier hangs above. Art and a candlestick are in the background.

Ready to Ship

A black wooden outdoor table with a matching bench is set with glasses, a bread bowl, and white flowers in vases, surrounded by lush greenery near a stone wall by the water.

Dining Tables

A modern living room features two tan leather sofas with a dark wood coffee table and black metal frame between them. On the table is a vase with green plants. The floor is covered with a patterned area rug.

Coffee Tables

A stylish wooden end table with black metal legs sits next to a beige leather sofa. The table is adorned with a large, dark ceramic vase. The room has hardwood floors and a patterned rug.

End Tables

Wooden dining chair with a beige cushion is placed next to a dark-colored table. A white plate with a folded napkin is set on the table. The room has light wood flooring.

Dining Chairs

A cozy bedroom with a wooden bed, white bedding, two bedside tables with lamps, a dresser with a mirror, and a patterned rug on a light wood floor.

Hardwood Beds

A cream-colored, upholstered dining chair with dark wooden legs sits next to a dark wooden table on a textured beige rug in a minimalist room.

Upholstered Chairs

A modern dining room with a wooden table and chairs on a cream rug. Large windows allow natural light, and a contemporary chandelier hangs above the table. A sofa and floor lamp are visible in the background.

Benches

Stools

A wooden nightstand with three drawers and round handles situated next to a bed. The nightstand has a white lamp and decorative items on top. The background includes a white door and hardwood floor.

Nightstands

A stylish wooden console table with a metal frame stands by a wall under a large mirror. On the table are decorative items: two vases and a plant in a glass jar. Natural light streams through a nearby window, illuminating the space.

Sofa Tables

A cozy home office features a dark wooden desk with books and decor, a cushioned chair, built-in shelves filled with plants and vases, a beige lamp, and a colorful patterned rug on light wood flooring.

Hardwood Desks

Our Materials: Solid Hardwoods, Hand-Applied Finishes and Curated Fabrics

The James & James materials collection is an overview of what our furniture is made from: solid American hardwoods, hand-applied finishes and a palette of nine upholstery fabrics. It is the place to understand your options, from richly grained oak to soft bouclé, before you customize a piece.

What wood is James & James furniture made from?

Knotty alder: about 95% of our pieces, sourced from the Pacific Northwest.
Oak: a richly grained hardwood offered in Oat, Almond, Sable and Espresso.
White oak and black walnut: available on select designs.
Availability: the species offered varies by design.

Oak brings an open, visible grain that gives each stain a distinct texture. Oat shows the wood's authentic grain in a light golden tone, while Espresso is a deep, bold brown that highlights it. Almond and Sable fall in between, from fresh and light to balanced and versatile.

How Our Wood Finishes Are Applied

Stain: applied by hand in our Arkansas woodshop.
Topcoat: polyurethane that helps protect against water, stains and scratches.
Character: knots on top surfaces are filled; grain and color vary naturally.
Use: our furniture is made for indoor use only.

Hand finishing means the stain settles into each board a little differently, which is why two tables in the same finish never look identical. That variation is part of solid wood, not a flaw, and it is what gives a piece its depth over time. The topcoat helps the surface stand up to everyday life, from morning coffee to homework at the table.

The Fabric Palette

Bouclé: Bisque and Stone, each with a gentle or rich texture.
Velvet and mohair: Latte in a caramel velvet and Mink in a softly lustrous mohair.
Linen: Natural linen, Sand, and Oatmeal performance woven linen.
Ultra Leather: Beige in a light, versatile tone and Toffee in a cool-toned brown.

Our fabrics were chosen to sit comfortably beside wood. Oatmeal pairs a linen look with the easy care of synthetic fibers, which suits dining chairs that see daily use, while Mink and Latte bring softness to a bedroom.

Build a Piece Made for Life

Customize: choose size, finish and options on each product page.
Go further: contact us for customization beyond the listed options.

See every option in person through our finish samples and fabric swatches, or read the material care guide to learn how to keep wood and upholstery looking their best.

Materials FAQs

What materials is James & James furniture made from?

James & James furniture is made from solid American hardwoods with hand-applied finishes, and upholstered pieces use a palette of nine fabrics. About 95% of our pieces are knotty alder from the Pacific Northwest, with oak, white oak and black walnut on select designs.

How is the finish applied to James & James furniture?

Each stain is applied by hand in our Arkansas woodshop, then sealed with a polyurethane topcoat that helps protect against water, stains and scratches. Because the stain settles into each board a little differently, two pieces in the same finish never look identical.

Are knots and color variation in solid wood a defect?

No, grain, knots and color variation are a natural part of solid wood, not defects. On top surfaces, knots are filled so the piece stays smooth and usable. Measurements can vary by up to 1 inch, and that natural variation is what gives each piece its own character.

What upholstery fabrics does James & James use?

Our nine upholstery fabrics are Bisque and Stone bouclé, Latte velvet, Mink mohair, Natural linen, Oatmeal performance woven linen, Beige and Toffee Ultra Leather, and Sand, a refined, relaxed fabric with airy softness. They are used on our upholstered chairs, stools and beds.

Can James & James furniture be used outdoors?

No, James & James furniture is made for indoor use only. Our solid hardwood pieces and their polyurethane-sealed finishes are designed for everyday life inside the home, from morning coffee to homework at the table. Our material care guide explains how to keep wood and upholstery looking their best.

About James & James

James & James is a handcrafted furniture brand founded in 2011 in Springdale, Arkansas, specializing in solid hardwood furniture made to order in the USA. We design and build dining tables, beds, desks, chairs, and outdoor pieces by hand in our Arkansas woodshop, using premium American hardwoods including knotty alder, white oak, and black walnut. Every piece is fully customizable in size, stain, and finish, and select chairs and beds are crafted in partnership with Amish and Mennonite woodworkers in rural Indiana. Heirloom-quality, built to last generations — furniture Made For Life

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