Frequently Asked Questions

Is the lumber completely knot-free?

My standard cedar products are made from clear, knot-free Western Red Cedar. I select the lumber carefully after milling and drying, and any part that reveals a hidden knot or develops another cosmetic imperfection during production is set aside rather than used in a standard product.

Some of those usable parts are eventually used in my Cosmetic Second products, where the cosmetic imperfections are clearly identified and reflected in the price.

What makes Tofino Woodshop Adirondack chairs different?

The difference begins with the lumber used in my Adirondack chairs. I source old-growth Western Red Cedar logs, mill the boards in-house and select only clear, knot-free material for the chairs I make.

I also handle each stage of the build myself and use higher-cost hardware chosen for outdoor use. The chairs are not mass-produced, and the price reflects the material, milling, construction and time that go into each one.

Do the cedar products need to be stained?

Western Red Cedar can be left untreated, but I recommend applying a good-quality exterior wood stain before assembly. Staining helps protect the cedar from moisture and sunlight, slows down weathering, and helps maintain the wood’s colour and appearance.

What stain do you recommend?

I have had the best results with SICO ProLuxe 1 Primary Coat RE. In my own testing, it has held up better than several other brands and types of exterior stain I have tried.

I have only used the Natural tint, which is also the finish shown in my product photographs. I chose it because it helps bring out the natural colours and grain of the cedar without covering them or making the wood look overly dark.

What happens if cedar is left untreated?

Untreated Western Red Cedar will gradually weather to a silver-grey colour as it is exposed to sunlight and rain. The surface may also develop checking or small cracks as the wood expands and contracts with changes in moisture. This is a natural part of how untreated wood weathers outdoors.

Cedar is naturally durable, but leaving it untreated will not preserve its original colour or appearance. Applying and maintaining a suitable exterior stain will help protect the surface and slow the weathering process.

Do the products arrive assembled?

No. I previously offered partially assembled chairs, but they cost more to ship, often required roughly twice the shipping space, and were more likely to be damaged in transit. For those reasons, I now ship my products unassembled.

Clear, full-colour assembly instructions are included with every product, and I have also created step-by-step assembly videos for the items I sell at Tofino Woodshop.

What tools are needed for assembly?

The tools depend on the product you are assembling:

Adirondack chair: tape measure, 11 mm or 7/16-inch wrench or socket and ratchet, and an electric drill for driving the screws

Cedar lounger: pencil, tape measure, 10 mm or 3/8-inch wrench or socket and ratchet, and an electric drill

Side table: electric drill

Footrest: 11 mm or 7/16-inch wrench or socket and ratchet, and an electric drill

The required hardware and colour assembly instructions are included with each product.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes. Tofino Woodshop ships throughout Canada and to international destinations.

Shipping costs are calculated based on the destination, parcel size and weight. The exact amount will appear after you enter your shipping address in the cart or during checkout. I charge only the carrier’s shipping cost and do not add a markup.

Can I pick up my order in person?

Yes. Local pickup is available for any Tofino Woodshop product and can help you avoid shipping costs.

I do not have a formal showroom, but I keep one of each product available for customers to see and try. Please contact me before visiting so I can arrange a pickup time and make sure I am available.