FAQ's  
   

Custom Work
Do you do custom work?
We can make alterations to some of our pieces, but in general we build only our own designs. We always want to know what our customers are looking for and we welcome ideas. Who knows, perhaps there is something new we could add to our collection.

Do you ever alter your designs, say for tall people?

Yes, we can accommodate any sized person. The process for making custom modifications includes a discussion of needs, a drawing to scale by the designer (to be signed by both the customer and the designer) and then production. Generally, the modifications can be accomplished easily.

Shipping
Why do you use FedEx?
Federal Express takes very good care of our furniture and our customers; they get the furniture there on time and in good shape. We have found that FedEx is not only the most dependable way to deliver furniture, it is less costly than the traditional delivery methods of our competitors. We invite you to compare our shipping costs to other high-end furniture makers.

Orders
After I place an order with you, what is the process and what should I expect?
We will process your order and send you an order confirmation within one business day. This order confirmation will include prices, shipping costs and an estimated shipping date for your furniture. Initially, you will be charged a 50% deposit on the furniture and the balance will be charged when we schedule the shipping. When your order is ready, we will contact you to arrange the precise day you would like to have the furniture arrive. Within a few days of the delivery, we will call to make sure the delivery and assembly went smoothly. We are available to answer any questions you may have during the assembly process.

Assembling the Furniture
How difficult will it be for us to assemble your furniture once it arrives?
Our furniture is precision made so that each piece slides together very easily. Each piece has a simple set of illustrated assembly instructions, written in English by someone who got a BA in English literature. We recommend using two people because some of the components are heavy. The actual assembly can take 5 minutes for a smaller, less complicated item, or 45 minutes for a more complex item. The chairs come fully assembled. (Assembly Video)

Discounts
Do you sell through other retail stores, or through interior designers and architects at a discount?
We sell only directly to our customers through our catalog, website and Portland showroom. We are a small company selling high quality, handmade cherry furniture for a price that reflects the actual manufacturing costs. We have refrained from wholesaling or discounting for the simple reason that it would require inflating the retail furniture prices so we could then sell to retailers at a 50% discount (and after all that, make an even smaller profit). It is also much more satisfying (and educational) for us to grow a business dealing directly with our customers.

Do you offer a discount for total combined purchases over a certain dollar amount?
No, we do not offer discount prices on our furniture.

Care for Your Furniture
Once I have my new piece of furniture, what do I clean it with?

With this durable finish, our head finisher says "The simpler the approach to cleaning the better." There is no need to rub hard or to use polish, wax or any chemicals on your new furniture. These things will only cause build up or compound a problem. For a special cleaning situation, we recommend mineral spirits on a rag, wipe gently in one direction and follow with warm water on a rag to take the smell away.

Finish
What type of finish is used on the wood?

Our finish is a marine quality varnish called Conversion Varnish, over natural American Black Cherry. There is no stain at all under this highly regarded, clear finish; it allows the cherry wood to change color (darken) over time, and our techniques give it the feeling of a wave polished stone. It is very resistant to spills, rings, perspiring vases, and glasses. Maintenance requires simply wiping off with a soft damp cloth. More on Finishing.

How does the your dining room table survive under children’s hands? In other words, how easily does the finish scratch?

Doug uses a highly regarded, marine quality varnish as a finish for all of his pieces. It is a very durable surface and very well protected from water. It is an extremely hard finish, much harder than lacquers or urethanes. While it is not delicate, it can scratch accidentally. For some, those scratches become part of the history and character of the piece. Depending on the depth of the scratch, various repairs are possible that go all the way up to refinishing the entire surface. Green Design’s tables are hearty, solid wood tables and definitely meant to be well loved, bumped, bruised and scratched as you go along in daily, normal life. Since it is solid, it is easily refinished down the road and of course all craftsmanship is 100% guaranteed.

Color changing
I have a room that is very bright - is there something that you can treat the wood with that would prevent it from changing color?

As far as we know there is no product to inhibit the natural darkening of wood unless you stain it. But here in our showroom we have bright areas and dark areas and we notice that the pieces, which have so much variation in color within each piece, all darken up at about the same rate, to a medium red-brown. They blend together within the room to create a very inviting atmosphere.

The catalog recommends that objects should not be left on the surface for extended periods of time. What do you do with objects like a computer or printer, which must be left on the desk so as to avoid discoloration or shading of the wood?

The cherry darkens from exposure to sunlight. In the first 6-8 months, the most dramatic changes occur. An object blocking the light will leave a lighter colored patch that when exposed to light will eventually catch up with rest of the surface. In the first couple of months, you can move the objects around from time to time to even the surface color. If by chance you get a lighter area on the surface, DON’T PANIC! Simply move the item and the color will change over time. More on cherry wood.

Side Chairs
Why don't the arms connect to the back on the Classic Cantilevered Arm Chair? And why are they at an angle?

Very simply, the arms do no connect because they do not have to. And they are at an angle to support your arms in a more natural resting position. To keep the design simple and in keeping with Doug’s own sense of design, which includes eliminating those elements that are not necessary, he designed the cantilevered arm to be quite architectural - like the rest of the chair. The arm is well supported by an angle brace underneath to withstand normal use. We do urge our customers not to sit on or put their full weight over the cantilevered end of the armrest.

Classic Bed
Does the Classic Bed accommodate a box spring as well as a mattress?
Our current Classic Bed design does accommodate a box spring and mattress. I always recommend that you buy a "low profile" box spring so that the two items fit nicely. We have found that mattresses are getting so big these days that they over power the Bed, so with a "low profile" spring the two items fit better on the bed.

Computer Desk Dimensions
How high is the keyboard tray from the floor?

The bottom edge of the keyboard tray is at 25" from the floor and the top is at 27" from the floor. The Tabletop is at 30" from the floor.

How deep is it from the front legs to the back railing?
The inside of the leg assembly is just over 18" deep in the middle of the reversed taper.

How wide is it from leg to leg?

It is 45" from leg to leg.

Drawers on Computer Desk

Is it possible to substitute the sliding keyboard tray on the computer desk for a set of drawers?
Yes, we can make the Computer Desk available with two shallow drawers instead of a Sliding Keyboard Tray. There is a nominal charge for this and it may take a little more time. If you would like to see a picture, please call or info@greendesigns.com our showroom and we would be happy to send a picture to you.

Deliver assembled
Can you blanket wrap and deliver one piece at a time to residential customers around the country?
Yes, we can. It generally will take longer and will cost a little more to get to you, but with the proper scheduling, we can get your items to you in a timely manner.

S2 Media Armoire
What is the height of the shelf for the TV? What is the interior space of the Media Armoire?

The shelf is 31 3/4 " from the floor. The interior space is 36W x 31H x 23D.

What do the vented shelves look like?
The shelves are solid wood frame, open in the middle, with a solid wood bar that adjusts back and forth depending upon how deep your components are.

Are the bottom two doors also pocket doors?
The bottom doors are not pocket doors. The doors open the regular 90 degrees just like our other armoire.

 

   
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February 2004
Read an interview with Doug Green in Connected Home



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