Sustainability has been a core value since our founding in 1980. We’re pushing to make sure 100% of the wood we use is sustainably sourced by the end of 2025. Right now, we’re at 95% through a combination of North American and certified wood. We’re excited to tackle the last 5% by working with our vendors to verify sourcing and changing it where needed.  “Wood is our most-used material. Sourcing it responsibly just makes sense,” shares Emily McGarvey, Director of Sustainability.

The Challenges Ahead

Using wood isn’t just about cutting down trees. When not done right, it can lead to deforestation, disrupted watersheds and increased carbon emissions. Finding wood that avoids these problems and stays true to our quality and sustainability principles is top of mind. We also work with vendor partners to understand where they meet or exceed the guidelines in our stringent Sustainable Wood Sourcing Policy.

Homegrown Wood

Most of our wood—80% in fact—is harvested in North America. Why does that matter? Forests in the U.S. and Canada are carefully managed through a combination of government oversight, third-party reviews and ownership regulations. By sourcing within North America, we also cut down on transportation emissions and support smart forest management practices.

The types of wood we use are as important as their origins. We lean toward hardwoods like maple, oak, ash and walnut.  They are both beautiful and durable when used as solid planks or for high-quality veneer.

In addition to traditional sources of wood, our Urban Wood Project uses reclaimed wood from across the U.S.to create modern furniture with an eye toward sustainability. The wood comes from buildings slated for demolition and trees removed for maintenance. In 2023, we kept the equivalent of 300 trees out of the waste stream; our goal is to divert the equivalent of 1,000 trees annually by the end of 2025.

Certified Wood

About 15% of our wood is certified by organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council^® (FSC) or the Sustainable Forest Initiative (SFI). These certifications ensure the wood is harvested in a way that protects the environment and is fair to workers.

The foundation of our wood sourcing policy, however, is the 80% of wood that is harvested within North America. “This commitment supports sustainable forestry practices with rigorous overview, respect for the land and governance to ensure the health of our forests,” says Emily.

Sourcing (and Building) Close to Home

Emily notes that we lead the industry where imported products are often the norm. We manufacture more than 90% of our furniture in the United States. This boosts local economies, reduces our environmental impact and ensures our furniture is crafted with care.

Our push for 100% sustainably sourced wood shows our dedication to quality and sustainability. We believe we can make a difference, one tree at a time.