Acorn Woodworks started in 1990 ago as a reaction to the loss of craft and pride evident in our chosen industry. “Architecturally correct” had become merely a marketing buzzword, rarely a reality. Acorn resolved to add design and form to the function of our work, keeping an eye on both proportion and historical precedent, with happy results. We evolved to be the premier shop for high quality work that blends the best of time tested methods with new techniques and machinery to provide the finest product at the highest value.
Combined with our customer service, we offer a unique product. We will cooperate with designers, owners, contractors and tradesmen to complete the whole picture, while doing our level best to keep all involved informed and part of the success we fully expect to deliver.
The mortise and tenon joint has been used for over 6,000 years to join wood at right angles. In the 21st Century, there is still no better way to join wood, although the means of cutting the two parts has evolved. Our version today is accurately machined with tooling designed by Acorn for precise fit and finish so we can offer all the technical benefits of the historic craft while the selection of different profiles and looks remain. Often a full cope and stick mortise system is called for to give even more glue surface and integrate various handsome profiles with the joint’s function.
Frame and panel doors evolved in the 1600’s in Central Europe, descended from the heavier plank doors commonly used. The frame isolated the seasonal movement of wood, and allowed the panels to float. Almost immediately, this design was adorned, and the panels became design elements that permitted carving and embellishment as not seen in previous work.
Today, the frame and panel door remains as the design standard of traditional architectural elements. It is important to remember that the friendly familiar look of a panel door is the result of technical evolution and not decoration. Therefore, frame and panel doors all have the common the common ancestry of the accepted and familiar design.
Acorn has the ability to utilize veneers for both unique designs and practicality. Some designs lend themselves to the use of veneers so that pattern work, repeats, and color matches can be assured. Additionally, veneers can often make a costly or rare species go much further than is solid wood is used. While veneering is an old technique (found in the tombs of the Pharaohs), 21st Century adhesives and methods assure long life and value.
Most veneer work today utilizes a thin veneer edging applied by any of several methods. Often, this edge deteriorates due to its inherent fragility. The resulting chip, wear or peeling is unsightly and hard (if not impossible) to repair. This quickly diminishes the value of the piece. At Acorn, we only edgeband with solid wood, providing a durable edge capable of enduring wear and tear. Since this piece is glued under pressure, it will not come lose in time. The edges are thick and strong, and will wear as well as solid wood. This method does add to the cost, but since the value of the piece is preserved, the cost over time is minimal.