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Designed for Comfort and Built to Last
Gary Weeks & Co. - Furnituremakers

Craftsmanship

In the body of this website we have a Craftsmanship Section.  It's deep. It answers the questions below and more:

  • What makes a handmade rocking chair different from those that are mass-produced?
  • Are handmade rocking chairs worth the cost and worthy of investment?
  • What woods make the best rocking chairs?
  • What do you look for and how do you evaluate joinery, wood, finish, ergonomics?

There is a subsection on How We Make a Rocking Chair and pages on Mortise and Tenon, Finishing, the organization of the shop, and more.

We are dedicated.  Our patrons notice and often write about it.

Dear Gary, Austin, and Autumn,

The three pieces arrived today, carefully carried into the space by Plycon’s delivery folk. No damage of any sort, just a little tape residue here and there which comes off with a microfiber cloth.

And the pieces are beautiful. The photos on the web site made me confident, as did the explanations of how the designs came to be and were executed, but pictures just can’t capture what you have made for us. We’re particularly struck by the quiet elegance, the subtle detail, the way that all the furniture somehow combines a sort of humility and practicality with sheer beauty. And of course the craftsmanship is superb.

We’ve looked at lots of rockers over the years (Portland is that kind of town), but never found anything that seemed right, shaped to the body, friendly to the eye, confident in its own place in the world but not trying to make a statement. And the desk and accompanying chair are worthy kin.

We feel very lucky to have found your work, and are grateful to all who have put their hands to this project.

Best wishes,

R.K.

Gary. She loves the chair and I continue to be impressed with your craftsmanship.

C.R.

Our beautiful cherry rocker just arrived Monday morning. I did not get an advance call for 4 hour window so I'm very glad I was home when the driver called to say he would be here in an hour! It was actually perfect timing since the sun is shining right now in Annapolis. We are in a period of expected 10 days of rain so I have been worrying about a possible delivery in a downpour.

Our grandchild was "due" on the 21st so we've been wondering which would come first, the baby or the rocker . You won!

Thank you for being so kind. We look forward to many hours of cuddling our first grandchild in the wonderful rocker. I love handmade things — I'm a pottery student — so appreciate all the attention to details in your work.

A.M.

Gary,

Thank you so much for your thoughtful note. We also have been traveling, hence the rather late acknowledgement of how thrilled we are with our new rocker. It is so beautiful, a real work of art. And more important it is equally comfortable for myself (5'2") and my husband (6'1"). Would not have believed that to be possible. We are so happy with our chair, thanks again.

Appreciatively,
P.F.

Gary,

They received it and love it!! Thanks so much for your excellent craftsmanship and phenomenal customer service!!

Best,
E.J.

Gary,

Everything from start to finish was amazing. The people working with you take pride in every aspect of work being done for your customers. The chair is perfect and my family will enjoy it for generations. Please thank your team for me.

Thank you.

K.F.

Gary,

I apologize for not responding the day my rocking chair, stool and table arrived (That day I wrote my feelings on a sticky note and stuck the note to my office phone. They exceeded all my expectations. They are beautiful, comfortable and have a quality that evokes feelings of harmony and peace within me. Plus, I love to sit in the chair, put my feet on the stool take a book from the table and read. In short you all have made me very happy. Thanks to all of you. It will all be used, but reverently.

Italy sounds great. A few years ago, J. and I spent a couple of weeks at Montestigliano, wonderful olive farm/villa 12 miles outside Siena. Hadn't been in Italy since '68 when I rode a Vespa all through Rome. Glad you got away and to such a special place. Curious to see if there is a Renaissance touch to future furniture.

Thanks again I can't tell you how much I enjoyed the process and love the result. I am bragging about "Gary Weeks and Company Furniture Makers" to everyone.

G.H.

Hi Gary and Austin,

We have so much enjoyed our lovely rocker that somehow we managed to ship down to St John USVI in 2011.

You may have heard that St John took a direct hit last September from a Category 5 hurricane. Winds in our hill were clocked at 280 mph, when the machine measuring them broke. It was followed 2 weeks later by another Category 5 (Maria) which devastated Puerto Rico and thoroughly soaked whatever was left on St John. We lost our roof, our wooden decks, and most of our wooden furniture from moisture and mold, but . . . . MIRACULOUSLY, not our rocker! It is virtually the only wooden piece left, and we treasure it all the more.

Best,
J.M.

Dear Autumn,

My rocker and stool arrived yesterday in perfect condition.

I just wanted to tell you and Gary and whoever worked on these beautiful pieces how exquisite they are — perfectly stunning. The comfortable design, incredible craft, gorgeous use of the wood — they are works of art.

I may have mentioned that I am an amateur woodworker and while I'll never make a piece like these, my appreciation runs deep. When my daughter has children I hope she'll nurse them in this rocker. Or maybe I'll have to get her one for herself since I may not be willing to share.

Thank you, and all best wishes for your success,

R.M.

Hi Gary and Autumn

We received our rocking chairs on April 12th!!! Everything in perfect condition. They are so beautiful, elegant, simple and soooo comfortable, we love them!!! We have been really looking them over and are in awe at the beauty of the wood and the craftsmanship. They are first class all the way. Thank You so much! We sit in them every morning and early evening and in between too :) Oh, and we either look out the windows on the little Salmon River (maybe we see a bear or moose or eagle or Spring happening) or are sitting enjoying the fire in the woodstove. Perfect!

Best Regards
L.N. and J.N.

Hi Autumn,

I just wanted to let you know that we received our Cherry Rocker today and my husband and I are completely thrilled!! The color is gorgeous, it's so comfortable and the workmanship and care your team has taken in crafting it is evident throughout. I'm just imagining the hours we'll spend rocking our little girl (who is due in 4 weeks!) in the years to come. It's a piece we'll treasure forever — thank you so much!!

I'm also going to pass along to my parents, my wish to have one of the Harris Stools for my birthday too.
If you hear from C.R. in the near future, that's us!!

I hope you have a great evening. Please let your crew know how wonderful their work is!

A.K.

Hi Gary,

My parents gave me the Weeks Rocker in pecan in 1995 to celebrate the birth of our first child. Many hours have been spent in that chair reading and dozing a little too! I believe my parents (who live in Fort Worth) came upon your rockers at a bed and breakfast — and hunted you down to place the order.

That rocking chair has moved from Tennesee to Virginia to Florida to Washington State to North Carolina and now resides in Colorado! It has truly traveled coast to coast rocking kids of all ages!

We were thrilled to find you on the Internet — still making the same rocker! We wouldn't change a thing! It is our pleasure to give one to our daughter, B. and her husband to celebrate the same event!

Thank you for your commitment to craftmanship — it is well worth the effort!
A.Q.

My walnut rocking chair has been delivered and I am sitting in it as I type this. I love how the back slats conform to my old back and I enjoy rocking away. The workmanship is outstanding. Haven't found one rough spot on it. My husband, a very critical furniture person, cannot find anything negative to say about it. He loves the walnut as do I. I do believe this is now a family heirloom. My husband thinks he might want one but he has a little difficulty standing up from it. He has had knee surgery recently, so I think that might be the problem. My only question now, do I need to keep it oiled down or polished? Even the delivery man was oohing and aahing over it as he helped me take it out of the packing.

R.H.

We are really enjoying the rocker. It's a work of art made by true artists. We are happy to support a local company like yours.

J.T. & D.T.

Gary,

We are thankful that craftsmen and women like your company's make such high quality functional works of art. Our two walnut rockers, a small end table, and a small foot stool from your company are pieces of furniture we cherish and will use with pleasure. They will ultimately be family heirlooms to pass on to our sons' families.

Your employee, Autumn, who delivered the rocker a few weeks ago, is one dedicated employee to have driven from Wimberly to Kingwood and back to very carefully deliver our second rocker. Thank her for so carefully getting the chair to us.

Best Regards,
M.M. & M.M.

rocker and stool unveiled: stunning! Thank you! True works of art.

C.D.P.

I must send you a picture of some of the grandchildren sitting in the rocker. These beautiful art pieces brought great joy and will be cherished for many years to come. We so enjoyed sitting in our rockers in front of the fireplace during those cold days, and we probably will enjoy them again tonight. It is such a pleasure doing business with you. You are a true delight. Also, Autumn has helped us out a lot as well. Thank you for being on this earth and sharing your beauty with us.

P.R. & J.D.

Hi Gary: The Curly Maple is just totally fabulous!! T. and I chose wisely. Thanks to everyone at Gary Weeks for creating such a beautiful and unique work of art!!

Awesome!!

Thanks so much Gary. I've also been traveling, and just got the chance to see the rocker earlier this week. I couldn't be happier with it. The quality, craftsmanship, and downright beauty of the chair is wonderful. Thanks for all you do.

D.M.

This arrived in perfect condition. And it's just beautiful! I really like the woodgrain and color. I will take a day or two to decide if I'm shipping the walnut rocker back, that we spoke about. They are both so comfortable that I hate giving one up!

For some weird reason, as I got into my older years, I gravitate toward handmade wood objects. Furniture. Small carvings. Netsuke.
I just can't seem to get enough. It might just be the "collector" in me (which is an insidious disease, by the way — says the man with 200 small carvings!!).

I think it's an inner desire to, somehow, stay connected to the planet and Mother Nature.
Not that I'm one of those "mystical" folks. I think of them more as sculptures and works of art.
Maybe I'm making amends to myself for never having taken the time to develop a craft. Your woodworking skills must give you a great deal of personal joy.

I just read a book called "Why We Make Things and Why It Matters" by Peter Korn, in an effort to understand this fascination of mine.

I will say this — and I know you've heard it before — nobody builds a more-comfortable rocker than you do.
One of the few I've sat in that I do not immediately think "Gee . . . I need a cushion or two."
Nope.
Your rocker reminds me of the hugs my mother used to give me as a child when I sat in her lap being rocked to sleep or comforted after some small malady.
That's the best way I can describe it. It's like being hugged while sitting in Mama's lap.

I'm 64 years young, and she's been long-gone since I was 12 (I was a very late child, and a bit of a surprise — they almost named me "Boo!"). :-)
Next to a very nice antique radio I bought on eBay, this is the only furniture I really care about.

Good job!
Once again — thanks...

G.O.

Yes, the chair arrived in perfect order. I am one happy rocker. Congratulations on your superb craftsmanship.

E.B.

Thanks so much for sending the winning photos — they are wonderful! My incredible curly maple chair is one of my favorite possessions and I appreciate your artistry every single day. Rocking in it is like floating in the sky.

B.B.

Dear Gary,

Your new little grandperson will be blessed indeed, to have the kind of family that understands what is really important, is grateful for their share of it, and eager to pass it along.

I was reminded the other day about Maslow's Hierarchy of Human Needs. What you do surely qualifies as an exercise in Self-transcendence, and I hope it never fails to be fulfilling.

I am an audio archivist at the Interlochen Center for the Arts, and as I type this I'm listening to the haunting voice of a cello in the hands of a very young and very talented performer. Please know that you also have the gift to make wood sing.

May the birthing go easy and bring you all great joy!

With appreciation and admiration,
E.G.

Dear Gary,

Among my values are, "A thing should always be what it's supposed to be" and "Make it a great example of what it is." In the case of this beautiful Weeks Rocker in mesquite wood, you have done it all.

It's supposed to be the world's best rocker and, after a day with it, I'm convinced it is. That it's the best example of a rocker I've ever seen was immediately self-evident.

To this, however, you added the one element that makes it both timeless and priceless to me. You added your personal commitment to excellence, craftsmanship and art. I look at this chair and say to myself, "There's no government on earth that could have done this. Work like this can only be done by individual people who love what they do and are proud of it."

I'm sending along two pictures to illustrate that your customers notice and care about the same details that you care about. You've taken mesquite, hardly known for its symmetry, and added the time and care to create symmetry and a flawless finish from it. This is what transforms it from wood to art and I salute you for embracing the difference.

Only problem is . . . now I want one of everything!

My sincere congratulations to all.

Best regards,
D.W.

Mr. Weeks,

The rocker arrived safe and sound. As before, it is extremely comfortable and the workmanship is excellent.

L.G.

Hello Weeks family,

Today is Sept 28 Friday. My rocker arrived in perfect condition yesterday. It is beautiful — just a work of art.

Thank you so much,
J.C.

Hello Gary (and company!),

My curly cherry rocker, footstool, and side table arrived a bit earlier and we just finished unpacking everything. Every piece is in perfect condition (kudos to your packers!) and — just simply — beautiful.

I've started saving for a dining table and chairs!

I love having such amazing functional, comfortable art — thank you, thank you, thank you!

C.S.

Gary,

Our rocking chair arrived in perfect condition. It is amazingly comfortable for people of all sizes. I was studying it a bit and noticed that there are no straight pieces anywhere — everything is contoured, curved or rounded, which speaks to the amount of time you must spend shaping wood before assembly. And everyone comments on how soft to the touch the finish is. I was also surprised at how little it weighs, considering it is not a small chair. It looks heavy — but it's not. Cool!

We wish you all the satisfaction that comes with knowing you have made someone happy. We love it already — thanks!

J.S.

Hello Gary,

I just landed in NYC from London to your kind note. Thank you. L. and I enjoyed meeting you and Leslie and our time together with Austin. I wish you could have met my older son Z. who toured the workshop at the start of the process. As a new college freshman pursuing engineering management, he was inspired by the intersection of form and function as well as the aspect of a family business all present in your company. L. has often mentioned the machines he saw which is notable as he is a deep thinker who has an economy with words.

I am thrilled with the chair and it is truly worthy of the occasion which I failed to mention — my 26th wedding anniversary. I have included three pictures below. Austin has a gift for selecting and bringing out the figure and grain and I found the chair to be as comfortable as it is beautiful. It is a fine compliment to my historic desk and a great conversation piece for our new home. I could not be more pleased and it is especially meaningful that this comes from a family in our town. Thanks one and all for all they did to make this heirloom a welcome addition to our family.

PS – please feel to post these photos per your newsletter in the "Patron Photo" section and enter us in the drawing. It was a pleasure to read of your company and milestone. Keep the letters coming. Again, thanks!

Miles Christi sum,
D.E.

When we found out Ramona was pregnant in 2005, I went on a hunt for the perfect rocking chair. I found Gary Weeks and Company Furnituremakers.

They made the audacious claim that if it wasn't the most comfortable chair you had ever sat in, send it back, they'd pay shipping both ways.

When the crate finally arrived, it, the crate, was built better than most furniture I've ever seen. The chair itself is beyond compare. It's elegant, and solid. It rocks beautifully. And I spent many a night rocking my daughter to sleep in it.

And yes, it's the most comfortable chair I've ever sat in. And it's one of the most beautiful things I own. It will be in the family for generations.

W.D.

Dear Gary,

The chair is absolutely gorgeous piece of art work. I am more than happy with the finished chair.

I decided to give it to my husband early for his birthday instead of trying to hide it. Besides he may have gotten a few too many laughs for getting a rocking chair on his 70th Birthday. At any rate he does love it and it looks very nice in our living room. I especially like that the rockers are lined with protective strip so it doesn't mar the hardwood floors.

It was a pleasure working with you, thanks again.

A. N.

Gary,

The chair and stool got here in perfect shape. And the chair sits wonderfully! Thank you so much for your crafsmanship and dedication to excellence. America needs more of you. I will happily recommend you to any and all. Please pass along to your son and other employees my thanks.

I do hope we can meet some day.

My very best,
J. B.

I received my rocker April 2002, after the birth of my son. What a gift to rock that sweet baby.
I wanted y'all to see this rocker was one of the only pieces of furniture that survived our house fire on May 16th. I am so grateful to still have this and to pass it down someday to rock a grand baby.

Blessings,
J. B.

Mr. Weeks,

. . . It was ordered under J. B. in Richardson, Tx. Probably March of 2002.
I had been watching your lead time and when I finally ordered the chair, the lead time had been extended. I called you office, nearly in tears and a sweet lady assured me I would have my rocker in time to rock my baby. And I did!
A side note, my family owns Kent Mill & Supply in Waco an architectural millwork company. When my brother came up to see his new nephew, he took one look at the rocking chair and said, "is that a Weeks Rocker?!" He then laid it on its back to verify.
Y'all are well respected among your peers.
Thank you for blessing us. Keep up the fantastic craftsmanship.

Blessings,

J.B.

Gary

I apologize for not writing sooner — it has been a bit of a whirlwind since we picked it up on Saturday. We only opened it last night. We thought we would try not to but we just couldn't resist taking it out of the crate. It is exquisite . . . I love how the grains match so beautifully. It is truly a work of art.

Of course, we could not resist sitting in it if only briefly and oh my, it is so comfortable. It holds the body just so . . . as if it were made to measure for each one who sits in it. No doubt our family will spend long hours daydreaming in that perfect chair. Indeed, I write stories for my grandchildren and I can already feel one coming on about the magic rocker that will take you anywhere your imagination can go; the magic rocker that fits every body just so. Imagine the adventures that will be had for generations in that perfect chair!

We haven't given the gift yet as we will present it to them on their wedding which is June 21, 2017. Honestly, we are tempted to keep it so it is a good thing the initials are on the chair as we can't hide the fact that it is actually for F.!! We do know that they will love it as much as we do and that it will become a family heirloom.

Oh and I should add that I did not end up having to pay duty. The very kind Canadian Border Officer asked me what was in the crate and I told her the truth. The perfect rocker, hand made in Texas and a wedding gift. She smiled and said have a nice day and a beautiful wedding. So despite a moment of confusion your perfect rocker is already creating good relations!

Many, many thanks
B. & family

Thanks so much, Gary. I love the workmanship that goes into your rocking chairs. And I'm so happy that I came by and chose such a special rocker. I will rock along for years to come. God has plenty of work for me! I'll keep on keeping on . . .

Until next time!
K. M.

Thank you for opening up your shop and showroom to us last Friday the 24th. We very much appreciated seeing the process of your fine furniture making. My brothers and I get together once a year and visit a workshop of a master craftsman. You could call us wood enthusiasts and avid woodworkers and have an appreciation for skills such as yours.

Last year we visited the legendary Sam Malouf's' showroom and shop in California. Mr. Malouf's work sets the gold standard for beauty and honoring the wood. The Gary Weeks furniture is equally spectacular. There are a few dramatic differences though. The Malouf rocker has graceful, fluid joints with a lounge–like sloping back but joints connecting lower legs to rocker were weak and some were cracking from the stresses of use. The Gary Weeks rocker by contrast had a more substantial joint design at the rocker and leg and was designed to be rocked in. We saw no evidence of joint stress in the Gary Weeks chairs or rockers. While the Malouf rockers are masterful works of art, the Gary Weeks rockers are masterpieces meant for everyday use and enjoyment.

Thank you, it was an honor to meet you and see your work.

M. R.

Hi Gary,

I returned home last night from my trip and found a most luminous work of art shining in my library. In the low light of my library the chair glowed. It is incredibly beautiful wood and the matching of grains is stunning. Many thanks for this beautiful work of art. You are an artist of the highest order.

E. B

Gary,

Hello . . . And thank you. It's been good to work with you as well. I appreciate your understanding on the quantity adjustments as needs changed. I'm just thinking how to sum up what can be said about the rockers . . . they're just wonderful. You and yours are obviously very skilled at what you do. What a great way to honor Wyffels' retirees.

Wishing you a fine spring!

G. S.

Gary,

Thanks so much for the note. We are loving the chair. It's so comfortable.
The wood pattern is so beautiful, it is truly a work of art.
Attached are the pictures we took.

Take care.
T. R.

Gary,

B.'s son and I opened the carton and bubble wrap today just enough to see the inlay. Even though we had your photo, we couldn't wait any longer to see the real thing. Just wanted to tell you how much we like what we saw! So glad to have the opportunity to do this extra customization to make an awesome chair even more meaningful for A., B. and S.. Thanks, much.

G. S.

Gary,

Thank you for the wonderful and well crafted rocker. It arrived with no damage and the color and wood is even better than the very nice photos online.
Thank you for your fine craftsmanship and excellent customer service.

Cheers,
C. S.

The rocking chairs are absolutely beautiful. Right now, we have them in front of our fireplace here in Fort Worth, but we will retire soon and move them to the bay window at our lake house in Granbury. We'll rock and watch the ducks play — Nice work, if you can get it! And yes, we'll do some grandbaby rocking, that's for sure!

Thank you for your artistry!

D.P.

Gary,

I received your work of art and it is in a prominent place — my bed room. It is such a pleasure to deal with someone that is an expert in their craft. If I decide that my old chair needs attention I will be in touch.

Peace and best wishes to you, your family, and your organization.

J.K.

Hi Gary,

I love my new rocker and footstool! The craftsmanship is outstanding. Sorry I didn't meet you too. And Austin took great care of me. Will see you next time!

L.S.

Dear Mr. Weeks,

Your beautiful rocker arrived this afternoon and it was exactly as J. hoped it would be! It felt just the same as his memories of the feel and comfort of our son's Weeks' rocker. Your workmanship is exquisite. The finish has the feel of a fine silk satin. We are both so pleased and happy with our purchase. Many thank you's to you and your staff.

Sincerely,
P.

Dear Mr. Weeks,

I have received my rocking chair. I love it!! All I can say is WOW.

The wood is so smooth to the touch that we can't keep our hands off of it. The chair is so comfortable. I sit in it for 3–5 hours a day while teaching school to my 7 children. I must admit that there have been arguments over whose turn it is to sit in it. I love the craftsmanship as well. I was skeptical about all the positive reviews, but not a one of them is wrong. Thank you! In fact my two oldest children are trying to decide if they should use their saved money to purchase a rocking chair instead of a car. They hope you stay in business for a long time since they want you to make all their furniture when they move out. They have spent all weekend looking at the products on your website. Hope that makes your day! . . .

Sincerely,
E.

Hello Gary and Leslie —

The rocker was delivered yesterday. The box was in reasonably good condition; the edge guards are brilliant. The delivery guy and I opened the box and removed the chair but did not unwrap it. Everything looked undamaged and I signed for it. I unwrapped it this morning and brought it inside. It is beautiful; an extraordinary piece of craftsmanship. I sat on it and immediately smiled because it is exactly as described on your website. Every surface is perfect. It is so comfortable. I was mostly unsure about there being only 4 slats in back but my concerns were unwarranted. I am looking forward to a rainy day to sit there by my window and read a good book, not that I won't be enjoying it on nice days, too.

Thank you,
M.

Dear Gary (and team)

I absolutely love the chair. Somehow my favorite little touch is the way my hands fit around the ends of the armrests, I know you sloped it there and I really like what you did. And everything else is fantastic. One of my best purchases ever.

Thanks!
R.

Gary/Austin,

I am refinishing my mahogany rocker, I purchased from you in 2007, and have a question about what type of Penofin Penetrating Oil you normally use on mahogany. There are quite a few choices and I want to make sure I get the right one.

My chair has served me well, it has been outside on my covered porch since I brought it home and I sit in it almost everyday. It is still the most comfortable wooden rocker I have ever found. After cleaning it, it looks almost brand new, except for the "character" my dog chewed on the ends of the bottom of the rocker.

Your assistance and the quality craftsmanship is appreciated!

Regards,
D.

Gary, Austin and others:

First above anything else, thank you so much from the M. family for providing what has to be the most comfortable and relaxing chair in our entire house. Not a day goes by where we don't admire its beauty or sit in its welcoming form. Upon its arrival, I claimed it as my primary chair in the house. Upon the birth of our daughter, mom has summarily displaced me from this fictitious right and uses it every day for nursing, comforting as well as some well deserved napping. Each person that puts eyes on it for the first time is really quite taken with its beauty and craftsmanship. We couldn't be more happy with having this chair in our house and as part of our family. It will truly last a lifetime and beyond and I couldn't be more proud to pass this piece along to the future M. generation.

Thanks again for providing such a wonderful piece. We absolutely love it.
D. & T.

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