Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What kind of wood is used in your furniture?
A. Our furniture is all made of willow. From the frame to the benders, it is all
willow. There are about 300 kinds of willow.
Q. Why do you use willow?
A. There are two main reasons. One is that the willow is so flexible. The
other reason is that it is one of the few woods that keeps its bark on after the tree is
cut and dried if it is properly taken care of.
Q. Can the furniture be used outside?
A. Yes it can. The furniture should be treated with a good quality waterproofer
that contains boiled linseed oil at least once a year. As with anything made of
wood, it will last longer in the shade than in the sun, longer under the porch than in the
yard, and longer in the house than on the porch.
Q. Do you sell more willow furniture for use in the house or in the yard?
A. Right now, we sell more for use inside than outside. In addition, many popular
magazines quite often show the furniture inside.
Q. How do you get the wood to bend?
A. The wood is quite flexible when fresh cut and allows the maker to form it to his
desired shape.
Q. Where do you get the wood?
A. Willow grows most proficiently in soft soil that is very near a constant supply of
water.
Q. How did you come up with the company name?
A. Willow furniture was spread across this country by Gypsies and was frequently used
during the Depression years. Those were truly Hard Times…….consequently
the name…..Hard Time Willow Works.
Q. What about cracks in the wood?
A. Raw wood will naturally crack or check as it dries out. This should not
cause undue concern.
