At Windward Design, one of our core principles is that the best furniture is the kind that’s crafted, not produced – but what does that mean to us, and what does that mean for hotel decision-makers looking to get the best-quality pieces for their property? Today, we’re going over not just what it means to invest in “quality, not produced” pieces, but how to spot them in order to take your hotel’s outdoor furniture to the next level. Let’s go ahead and get started.
What “Crafted, Not Produced” Means to Us
At Windward Design, each and every piece of furniture in our arsenal is thoughtfully and carefully hand-crafted to the highest possible standards of quality. Our pieces are never quickly assembled in a production line, and we find it unacceptable to cut costs by using lower-quality materials in our furniture. When furniture is crafted, it is both designed and manufactured with the highest degrees of precision, care, and expertise in order to look beautiful, be functional, and last as long as possible.
How to Spot Quality Products Made with Care
It’s easy enough to say that pieces should be constructed with care, but how can we guarantee that ours are? More importantly, how can you seek out and find quality pieces for your hotel in an increasingly digital market? The best way to start is by asking yourself a series of key questions about the furniture’s manufacturer and the pieces itself.
Where Are They Made?
First and foremost, be inquisitive about the production process of any pieces you’re considering; the manufacturer’s website should be forthcoming about their philosophies and procedures for the manufacturing process in order to give you a clear understanding of how exactly the pieces are made. If this information is murky or difficult to find, it could be a red flag. Generally speaking, look for pieces that are both sourced and produced in the United States. This not only promotes job creation domestically, but it also indicates that the manufacturer keeps a close eye in order to guarantee quality throughout the manufacturing process. Domestic manufacturing can be costlier than mass producing pieces internationally; if a manufacturer is willing to invest resources into a costlier process in order to create higher-quality products, it’s an excellent sign.
How Are They Described?
Pay close attention to the way a furniture manufacturer describes their pieces and production process. Most importantly: what is their value proposition? What do the manufacturers themselves consider to be the biggest selling point when it comes to their pieces? For example, if a furniture provider’s website is rife with statements about their furniture being quick to create and cheap to buy, it’s a sign that they may prioritize speed and cost-effectiveness over thorough quality assurance. On the other hand, if a company’s biggest selling point is the durability and quality of their furniture, it’s clear that this is where their priorities lie.
What Are the Manufacturer’s Values?
In addition to the manufacturing process and the language used by a manufacturer to describe their furniture, take care to get a feel for the manufacturer’s values. Are they a family-owned company that has been in business for decades or a major corporation known for churning out pieces of furniture in massive quantities? Does the manufacturer have ties with reputable small businesses and local organizations, or can their pieces be found just about anywhere? What does the company claim its values are, and how does this stack up against the way they produce their furniture, deal with other businesses, and implement their procedures? Ultimately, a company’s values will inform the degrees of care and craftsmanship that are used to construct their furniture. Additionally, these values will also set the foundation for their business relationship with your hotel.
Finding quality furniture pieces that are crafted, not produced starts with finding a manufacturer who prioritizes durability, functionality, and integrity. By paying close attention to the signs outlined above, you’ll be well set up to find a world-class provider for your hotel’s outdoor furniture. To get started, you are welcome to browse through our hotel patio furniture collections.