What is a Windsor Chair?
A Windsor chair is defined as any chair that the undercarriage and the top is separated by a plank seat. Today we still use the same methods to create each of our chairs as was used 250 years ago. This means that each chair is completely handcrafted using almost exclusively hand tools. We also use the same woods as the original chairmakers did - each being chosen for its different and defining qualities and characteristics.
Red Oak is used for its incredible durability, flexability, and bending 
qualities. The oak is first riven (split) from straight grained logs, then shaped with drawknives, spokeshaves, and hand planes. Next, both arms and bows are steamed and bent to the correct shape.
Eastern White Pine is used to carve the seat with the same tools as 
have been used for centuries. Excess wood is removed from the seat using a gutter adz, scorp, and travisher. Another reason for using this soft wood is that it plays an important role in the structural integrity of the chair. The soft wood grabs the faceted ends of the spindles and helps to prevent them from twisting or pulling out of place.
All turnings, (legs, arm stumps, and stretchers) are turned from hard maple because of its ability to hold fine details, and its strength. Legs are then assembled under compression and fit through the seat. (Compression holds the legs apart, rather than trying to hold them together as is the case with modern
chairs). This means that even if the glue in the joints were to fail, the joint will NOT come apart. When the legs pass through the top of the seat, they are wedged with an oversized wood wedge which "bites" into the soft pine wood of the seat. This further prevents any movement in the legs.
These woods and techniques, all of which have been used for several hundred years, combine to make a truly beautiful yet durable piece which will last for years to come.