Furniture fashions come and go. Steady through the years has been The Woodshed, a family business that emphasizes quality and service. The showroom on Martin Way is fun to stroll through. The displays make it easy to imagine possibilities for your own home. Six years ago, siblings Jed Hart and Trisha Claridge took the helm from their parents who had owned the store for 25 years.
If you are remembering The Woodshed as a place to buy unfinished furniture, there’s truth in that. Originally, The Woodshed sold primarily unfinished pieces of furniture. “People still think of us as an unfinished furniture store,” Trisha says. However, it’s been close to two decades ago since they started selling mostly finished furniture. “We offer a quality not found elsewhere,” adds Trisha.
Amish pieces made in Pennsylvania and Indiana are especially lovely. The degree of personalization offered to the customer is an added beauty. You pick your wood, the color of the finish, the hardware and even specify sizes. “It’s heirloom quality.” Trisha notes. The furniture is made with solid wood instead of particleboard. The American-made bedroom sets, bookcases, and dining tables and chairs, will be ready for you in about 10-12 weeks and will be exactly what you want. If you are looking for a couch or recliner, be prepared to make choices. There’s a catalogue of upholstery options. You can also find outdoor furniture.
The Woodshed team will greet you and ask what sort of help you want. They can direct you to the right area, help you with your selections, or let you wander and ponder.
One morning returning customers Sheila and Denny Thompson were pouring over the colors and style for an Oriental wool rug. “I dragged him here,” Sheila laughs. But Denny is quick to admit that he loves the wood. Their cedar log house is already home to an Amish-made oak dining table and chairs, an entertainment center and a bedroom set. Associate Mary Foster sat together with the Thompsons to narrow the selection, which includes various shapes and sizes from traditional to modern.
The Woodshed has been a Lacey business for forty-five years. When the senior Harts purchased the store, Jed was 10-years-old and Trisha was 14-years-old. Both worked on Saturdays and during the summer. “I grew up delivering and finishing furniture,” recalls Jed. Trisha remembers that her dad hired her to assemble furniture, which turned out to be helpful information. Although her father has since passed away, her mom can be found working on the showroom floor. Jed worked in finance before coming back to the store and becoming an owner. Trisha seemed to know that she would continue working there through her adulthood. They have an older sister and younger brother who live in the area, but are not part of the store. Both Trisha and Jed’s children work part-time.
From Beds to Mattresses
Earlier this year The Woodshed expanded their offerings into the huge building, formerly state offices, adjacent to their showroom. The Mattress Gallery is filled with beds by Serta and Sealy. Whether your preferences are for coil or foam, you can lie down and see how it feels to you. Adjustable beds are popular. They allow upper body to incline for reading or watching television. The foot end also comes up to offer leg and back relief. If you can’t imagine you and your partner agreeing on up or down at the same time, get a king sized bed with separate controls! Pillows and other bed accessories are also on display.
The extra space also created more room for children’s furniture. You’ll find twin beds and an especially attractive and sturdy bunk bed made locally. The additional room allowed places for sale and closeout items, as well as one-of-a-kind pieces.
For the DIY’ers
Finished pieces aside there remains an enthusiastic group of DYI’ers (Do It Yourselfers) and Pinterest users who love a project. Up-cycling furniture for personal use or for sale is big business. The Woodshed sells milk and chalk paints for creating unique looks for your treasures.
The popularity of HGTV has also had an impact. “Barn doors are popular,” Trisha comments. Now you’ll find the concept incorporated into entertainment centers, dressers, TV stands, and bookshelves. Yes, people still use bookcases, though they are harder to come by with fewer manufacturers. People become inspired to update and change the looks of their homes. That might involve changing everything in a room or simply adding a unique conversation piece to the mix. “We offer options.” Trisha emphasizes.
The friendly team at The Woodshed is ready to help you six days a week. There is plenty of easy parking. On Sunday’s they’ll be at home spending time with their families, but you can shop on their website at any hour. It’s packed with photographs and details. Whether you looking to satisfy sleeping or sitting needs, you’ll be amazed at the choices right here in town. It’s great to look at a couch on your computer but it’s another thing to sit on it yourself. See for yourself.
The Woodshed
6127 Martin Way, Lacey
360-491-0700
Monday – Friday: 9:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Saturday: 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
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