Curly Koa Display Case

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Big Box Stores vs. North Shore Koa Designs

The only similarity between a product from a big box store and a handcrafted product is that they both fulfill the same need. When comparing true handcrafted products with the pieces you find that are mass produced, some people see the difference in price and opt to purchase the cheaper item. Many consumers do not understand how a handcrafted product could cost so much.

So why are our handcrafted products so expensive?

Wood - We take our time selecting the right board(s) for every product we produce. In some cases, we work directly with a local source here on Kauai to find the perfect wood. All custom made products are solid Koa wood. The majority of wood products in stores specializing in kitchen items/home décor are made from particle board or plywood covered with veneer.
Handcrafted - We make all of our products one by one, start to finish. We handcraft all of our products here on the island of Kaua'i. Our items are never outsourced. Each item is handmade by the husband and wife team, the owners of this small business. A laser machine is never used to cut wood and we do not mass produce items. Our process is geared toward quality, not quantity.
Sanding - We hand sand every product starting at 400 grit, up to 1500 Grit. By hand sanding each item, we are able to achieve glass-like surfaces in the end product. Factory made wood products are machine sanded: many items are completed in a short amount of time. The fast process in a factory does not include time for the detection and treatment of imperfections of a wood piece.
Finish - We prefer a matte finish, so the natural beauty of the wood can stand out. However, if a customer wants a glossy finish we will honor that request. Individualizing the finish on each product is a service that we provide. We apply the sealant and finish by hand on each product. We use high quality sealants/finishes and recommend such products to our customers so they know how to clean, maintain, and protect their wood product. Home décor stores do not advise consumers on how to care for their wood product nor do consumers have a choice of the type of finish they want their product to have.
Longevity - The longevity of our handcrafted products will span generations, in other words, our pieces are made to be heirloom gifts. To save on expenses, factories producing wood items will use lesser expensive finishes and apply it with a machine; By doing so, the wood finish will not hold up over time.
Design Input - We have the ability and time to work with each customer, communicating via email, phone, or facetime. Customers talk directly with us. They decide the size, shape, and type of wood. They decide on the grade of wood, and the wood finish. The customer's design input is non-existent prior to purchasing a wood product in large department stores and home décor stores.

The Company

Handcrafted items

Facts about Koa Wood

North Shore Koa Designs creates a wide range of items: Headboards, Nightstands, Coffee tables, End tables, Kitchen tables, Foyer tables, Desks, Jewelry boxes, Clocks, Napkin holders, decorative wall art, and seasonal products. Most items are made with Hawaii grown Koa wood but other products have been made out of Monkey Pod, Eucalyptus, Mango, Walnut, Beech and Mahogany. The combination of different woods are often selected for contrasting wood color and grain. More often than not, it is the combination of woods that enhances the beauty of Koa.

Computer assisted equipment such as the machine called Computer Numerical Control (CNC), is never used to make any item. Although power tools directed by David are used, he also uses a hand planer, hammer, and chisel to create Koa items. All fine sanding and finishes are done by hand.

Within the gallery you will find a pictures of products made by North Shore Koa Designs as well as pictures of custom made furniture. Due to the scarcity of Koa wood, orders must be placed well in advance; Furniture designs may not be possible due to the availability of Koa wood.

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Facts about Koa Wood

The Koa tree is rare and endemic to Hawaii.

The wood is harvested only from trees that have decayed or have fallen due to natural causes.

Koa wood is known for its deep, rich colors and interlocking grain – which causes curly figuring.

This extremely strong hardwood is revered and prestigious to Hawaiians.

Historically, Koa wood was used for

The Koa tree is rare and endemic to Hawaii.

The wood is harvested only from trees that have decayed or have fallen due to natural causes.

Koa wood is known for its deep, rich colors and interlocking grain – which causes curly figuring.

This extremely strong hardwood is revered and prestigious to Hawaiians.

Historically, Koa wood was used for canoes, paddles, weapons, and furniture belonging to the Hawaiian royalty.

Premium Curly Koa lumber can cost $150-$200/board foot. Prices are increasing as the wood becomes scarce.

Although its population is stable, Koa trees are considered to be an endangered species. North Shore Koa Designs purchases their Koa wood from a source in Kalaheo, Kaua'i, called Forrest to Function. This small business harvests Koa wood responsibly, sustainably, and legally.

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Koa Wood Ranches Blog - What is Koa?

Creative Team

Facts about Koa Wood

Creative Team

As a husband and wife team, David and Sharlene, are the owners of North Shore Koa Designs. The staff consists of these two alone. Residing on Kauai's North Shore, their garage is David's workshop where he makes all of their products. His passion for woodworking began in high school wood shop class. Throughout his life he has refined his c

Throughout her life, Sharlene has developed her ability to design and create things. Seeing her ideas come to fruition with David's woodworking skills, has given her a sense of satisfaction and pride. She modifies or adds features to her designs to fulfill a buyer's vision of an end product. By doing so, most final pieces become heirlooms for the customer - the rarity of Koa wood and the time spent working on an item is a value that cannot be measured. Without saying, products made by David and Sharlene are indeed one of the kind items that can not be found in stores.

David has been on Kauai's north shore for over 12 years. Sharlene was born and raised in Hawaii. After 24 years of being an elementary school teacher, Sharlene is retired and devotes her time to designing new Koa wood products. David is a retired software analyst/programmer, a career that spanned 39 years.

Send David and Sharlene an email if you have ideas on something you would like crafted. They are a team that welcomes a challenge.

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WHAT DOES KOA WOOD GRAIN LOOK LIKE?

Three main types of grains

Straight

Straight wood grain runs in one direction. It has little waving or curl, the grains are mostly parallel.

Curly

Curly wood grain has been compressed and produces alternate stripes perpendicular to the wood's straight grain. This compression creates the visual illusion of a three-dimension surface. This is Koa’s most desirable characteristic.

Figured

Figured wood grain is similar to curly in the sense that compression and other factors cause a desirable looking effect. Unlike curly, however, it is not necessarily perpendicular to the wood's straight grain. It may contain uneven twists and unpredictable turns in the grain.

Our source for this information is the Koa Wood Ranch: https://koawoodranch.com

Welcome To North Shore Koa Designs

Site Content

Big Box Stores vs. North Shore Koa Designs

The Company

Handcrafted items

Facts about Koa Wood

Facts about Koa Wood

Facts about Koa Wood

Facts about Koa Wood

Facts about Koa Wood

Creative Team

Facts about Koa Wood

Creative Team

Commissions

US Navy League Commission

WHAT DOES KOA WOOD GRAIN LOOK LIKE?

Three main types of grains

Straight

Curly

Figured

Featured Products

Our Blog

Welcome To North Shore Koa Designs

Site Content

Big Box Stores vs. North Shore Koa Designs

The Company

Handcrafted items

Facts about Koa Wood

Facts about Koa Wood

Facts about Koa Wood

Facts about Koa Wood

Facts about Koa Wood

Creative Team

Facts about Koa Wood

Creative Team

Commissions

US Navy League Commission

WHAT DOES KOA WOOD GRAIN LOOK LIKE?

Three main types of grains

Straight

Curly

Figured

Featured Products

Our Blog

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