Canadian-Made Furniture is the Best, Eh! | Bennett's Furniture and Mattresses | Peterborough, Campbellford, Kingston, Lindsay, Haliburton, Kawartha Lakes, and Durham Region area

We have grown up knowing that Canadian-made furniture is superior to off-shore products. “Buy Canadian” is our patriotic duty! But, when shopping, we find that our national products can cost considerably more.
Ever wondered why this is? Yeah, me too. I decided to do some research.

As globalization emerged, manufacturers went off-shore to source furniture. They found cheaper labour and materials, and there was a marked drop in quality as a result. Consumers began to settle for disposable furniture. So many people have a “piece” in the foreign product pie. With foreign pieces, there are duties, tariffs and shipping freights to apply along the line, meaning the final price far outweighs the actual materials and labour.

In contrast, Canadian-made furniture is made by craftsmen and women. Often furniture making has been in the family for generations.
Did you know the first Canadian furniture company was started in 1830?

Our national products are quite often made with primarily, if not wholly, Canadian hard and soft woods. Once harvested and turned into furniture, these trees will adapt to life in our Canadian homes better than other woods. They literally grew up around here! Unlike some of the offshore woods, which grew in a much more humid environment, the Canadian woods will “move” with the changing temperatures in our homes. They will survive the dry winter heat of our homes. The foreign woods can dry too much and will crack!

You will see the markers of quality construction in our Canadian furniture, including corner blocks, dovetail joinery and hardwood frames (not particleboard!). Hardwood gives upholstery the stability it needs to have a long lifespan. Our Canadian companies also tend to use environmentally friendly products. They use quality foam that will give better support and longevity to the seats of your couches and chairs. They will often use padding along the sides and backs of the upholstered products to help with the overall look and feel of the furniture. (Try knocking on the side or back of an imported piece, it will feel hard like cardboard.) The webbing and springs used by local manufacturers will make a difference in how the furniture will age.

Canadian furniture also has one amazing plus over imported pieces....CUSTOMIZATON! The options are so incredible, from different fabrics and leathers, to different shaped arms, different legs, and seating configurations. When a retailer buys a container off off-shore goods, they are generally buying the product already manufactured. With a Canadian manufacturer you can make it your own and get just what you want! All of this contributes to a higher cost, but all of the money is covering the materials and labour. You are getting top of the line product. You are supporting fellow Canadians like the forestry workers, the skilled labourers at the factory, the truck drivers, and those in the retail stores. Your money is staying at home, and your furniture will make your house a home for a long time to come!

Come in to your nearest Bennett’s store to ask a Decorator Consultant to show you the difference that Canadian-made makes. We have the knowledge (and some neat visual aids) to explain all the finer points. Look, feel, and experience the difference of fine craftsmanship.

When you visit us look for Canadel, Durham, Taelor and Rockwood, just to name just a few of our Canadian vendors. Invest in the best when you furnish your nest.

Until next time,

Janet
Bennett’s Furniture Stylist and Interior Decorator