ABOUT
Appalachian Joinery is the work of Chester Shuey, a quality minded furniture-maker located in beautiful Asheville, NC. Chester makes furniture of original design and reproduction that is designed to last generations. Chester also design's and build's custom home projects which include entry doors, mantles, built in shelving, and wood counter tops.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Wood is naturally beautiful, unique, and each species presents it's strengths and weaknesses. My work is created with the intention of revealing a small glimpse into the trees life with the grain of each board, and is designed to be enjoyed for generations. I truly enjoy working with my hands and hope each piece reflects my process.
ETHICS & SUSTAINABILITYMy process is simple and clean, I use locally salvaged trees and lumber. A tree removed from a yard for one reason or another can be turned into a one of a kind dining table or chairs, or hardwood beams removed from an old barn can be repurposed into a set of stools or a bench, the possibilities are endless. Most of the time I can tell clients where the boards used in thier project came from, and which local sawyer milled them. I waste nothing! Every bit of a tree has a tremendous value, and I see all parts through to the final product. Small scraps are donated to local artists. This process supports local tree services, sawyers, kiln operaters, and artist's. When you invest in a piece of furniture from me, you also invest in the community and the envirnoment.
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DESIGN & CRAFTSMANSHIPShould all furniture last generations? I think so. Investing in handmade furniture is exactly that, an investment. My passion is to create well-made family heirlooms with hardwoods and fine craftsmanship. I consider my original designs to be somewhat minimalist; keeping it clean, simple, and comfortable.
Joinery is what makes a craftsman. Today manual skills are somewhat rare and I take pride in them. I believe making a quality product is the best way to pay respect to my clients. Handmade work catches your eye, it warms your soul; people want honest goods, and that's what I make. |
TESTIMONIALS
"Chester from Appalachian Joinery did an amazing job for us. We had wood from several trees that we had taken down and he guided us through the process of design and building of a door, several tables, and mantels. Professional, efficient, and highly skilled in his work from start to finish we can't say enough about the quality and craftsmanship of the work. "
-Mark Hutchen
"I have many of Chester's pieces. He can create exactly what I am envisioning from my vague descriptions. I know that all of his pieces will become family heirlooms. His work is done with exacting detail and he is a master craftsman. He has a great eye for choosing wood that makes his furniture functional art. I have been very pleased and highly recommend Appalachian Joinery."
-Charlotta Swancy
"Chester’s work is perfection. He uses the most beautiful wood to create furniture “art.” I commissioned two bar stools which were beautiful, and a year later when I asked for another, it was a perfect match to the originals." -Carla McGarry
"Chester crafted a bench and a nightstand from wormy chestnut for us and both pieces are absolutely beautiful! Not only are they exactly what we requested and imagined, they are also perfectly built and totally functional. Both pieces are in our log cabin which is also made of wormy chestnut so they couldn't be a better fit. We would recommend Chester's to work to anyone wanting unique, one-of-a-kind pieces with an emphasis on quality at a competitive price."
-Ed and Bambi Rice
"Our side table remains a favorite piece of our modest collection of wood tables made by talented artisans. Working with App Joinery was a pleasure, even Chester's working plans were a piece of art! This is a piece to use, enjoy and pass on to the next generation". - Bob and Kathleen Teehan
"It was a pleasure to work with Chester. He did what he said he would, when he said, and with a smile. Every bit as important is Chester's level of craftsmanship - Superior! There are few who can match his skills, and sense of design. Chester is destined to to reach that pantheon of great woodworkers occupied by the likes of Nakashima, Maloof and Esherick." -Barry Meyers
"Chester custom built bar stools for us that are quality crafted, with excellent wood materials and finish. Needless to say, we are extremely pleased with our new stools...and Chester was a pleasure to work with. We look forward to doing business with Chester in the future." - Charles Abbitt
-Mark Hutchen
"I have many of Chester's pieces. He can create exactly what I am envisioning from my vague descriptions. I know that all of his pieces will become family heirlooms. His work is done with exacting detail and he is a master craftsman. He has a great eye for choosing wood that makes his furniture functional art. I have been very pleased and highly recommend Appalachian Joinery."
-Charlotta Swancy
"Chester’s work is perfection. He uses the most beautiful wood to create furniture “art.” I commissioned two bar stools which were beautiful, and a year later when I asked for another, it was a perfect match to the originals." -Carla McGarry
"Chester crafted a bench and a nightstand from wormy chestnut for us and both pieces are absolutely beautiful! Not only are they exactly what we requested and imagined, they are also perfectly built and totally functional. Both pieces are in our log cabin which is also made of wormy chestnut so they couldn't be a better fit. We would recommend Chester's to work to anyone wanting unique, one-of-a-kind pieces with an emphasis on quality at a competitive price."
-Ed and Bambi Rice
"Our side table remains a favorite piece of our modest collection of wood tables made by talented artisans. Working with App Joinery was a pleasure, even Chester's working plans were a piece of art! This is a piece to use, enjoy and pass on to the next generation". - Bob and Kathleen Teehan
"It was a pleasure to work with Chester. He did what he said he would, when he said, and with a smile. Every bit as important is Chester's level of craftsmanship - Superior! There are few who can match his skills, and sense of design. Chester is destined to to reach that pantheon of great woodworkers occupied by the likes of Nakashima, Maloof and Esherick." -Barry Meyers
"Chester custom built bar stools for us that are quality crafted, with excellent wood materials and finish. Needless to say, we are extremely pleased with our new stools...and Chester was a pleasure to work with. We look forward to doing business with Chester in the future." - Charles Abbitt