Not only holding history, but valued possessions. Anything from the most simple wooden box to an extravagant limited edition trunk. Once this piece of furniture is in your family it will always be a valued heirloom. Chuck’s Woodbarn is owned and operated by Charlie and Sherry Zeller. Specializing in the lost art of steam bending wood to create beautiful hand crafted trunks and wood chests. Someti
mes also called dome topped chests or steamer trunks, a true family heirloom. A unique work of art, no two alike. Emphasis is put on fine craftsmanship and quality construction. We personally design and construct everything from the beginning jigs to finalizing with finishing the interiors. Charlie designs the piece then builds the specific jigs necessary for each project. Some items have as many as seven different jigs. Each jig has a specific compound curve that must be engineered perfectly. Hand selected premium pieces of wood are cut to size and then placed in a steam cabinet. Steaming the wood softens the fibers making it pliable for a short time. When the wood is taken out of the steam cabinet it must immediately be secured in the jigs before it starts to cool and is no longer bendable. After the wood is dry, it is removed from the jigs. Assembling the pieces then begins, with each piece worked with until it fits flawlessly. After construction we begin the process of aging and distressing the wood to give it the appearance of many years of use. Sanding, staining, and hand waxing the wood chest to give it a beautiful antique finish. Attractive authentic reproduction hardware is attached with clinched trunk nails and screws. Interiors of the trunks can be left wood or lined with fabric, leather, or cedar if desired. . Chest can be personalized with names, pictures or personal memorabilia. When complete each item is personally signed by the artist, Charlie Zeller It gives us great pleasure to create a piece of furniture which will be a valued family possession for many generations to come. We also make military chest, treasure chest, quilt chest, and bridal chest. Other unique items are wooden hat boxes, coffee tables, end tables, TV cabinets, wine carriers, wall crosses, and boot jacks. Custom orders are welcome, give us your idea, we can build it especially for you.
