When you shop for furniture at Vermont Woods Studios, you’re not only picking out tables, chairs, or beds— you’re connecting with the heart of Vermont craftsmanship. We’re lucky to work with some of the most talented artisans in the state, two of our favorites being Maple Corner Woodworks and Vermont Furniture Designs.
Both workshops are rooted in Vermont traditions of sustainability, artistry, and excellence in woodworking. Both create furniture that’s meant to last for generations. But when comparing Maple Corner Woodworks vs. Vermont Furniture Designs, the real difference is in their design approach, craftsmanship details, and the story behind each workshop.
Now, let’s dive into what makes each workshop unique:
About Maple Corner Woodworks
Maple Corner Woodworks has been part of Vermont’s furniture-making story since 1982, when founder and master craftsman Robin Chase set up a workshop in the town of Calais, VT. What began as a small studio next to his home has grown into a beloved name in Vermont woodworking, known for designs that balance Shaker tradition with a modern sensibility.
Robin and his small team of artisans are dedicated to doing things the right way— taking their time, working with sustainably harvested North American hardwoods like cherry, maple, and walnut, and building each piece to stand the test of time.
The look of Maple Corner’s furniture is instantly recognizable: clean lines, graceful curves, and proportions that feel calm and timeless. Their Cherry Moon, Vermont Shaker, American Shaker, and Andover Modern collections all share this quiet elegance— pieces that don’t just fill a space, but make it feel more grounded and welcoming.
What really sets Maple Corner apart, though, is the level of care and detail in every step. Drawer boxes are dovetailed from solid wood and glide on smooth, full-extension slides. Bed frames are reinforced with hidden mortise-and-tenon joinery. Surfaces are hand-finished with eco-friendly oils that bring out the wood’s natural beauty while keeping your home free from harsh chemicals.
Our founder, Peggy Farabaugh, has described Maple Corner’s furniture as “elegant, refined, and genuine,” and it’s not hard to see why. Each piece carries the personality of the artisan who made it, along with the values that Vermont is known for: sustainability, integrity, and authenticity.
About Vermont Furniture Designs
Founded in 1970 by master craftsman Arthur Weitzenfeld, Vermont Furniture Designs is now led by his protégés Adam and Rob, who carry forward a legacy of precision, artistry, and craftsmanship.
From their workshop in Winooski, Vermont, they handcraft solid hardwood furniture— using native cherry, maple, and walnut— combining traditional joinery with modern technologies to deliver heirloom-quality pieces at an approachable value.
What really stands out about Vermont Furniture Designs is their exceptional attention to material and technique. They pay premium prices to ensure consistent grain and color, carefully selecting boards so that even wide drawer fronts come from a single, flowing piece of wood.
In keeping with our value of sustainability, Adam and Rob seal their furniture with traditional linseed oil (on cherry and walnut) and tung oil for maple, then top it off with a light layer of wax to bring out the wood’s natural depth— while keeping maintenance easy.
Maple Corner Woodworks vs. Vermont Furniture Designs: Shared Values
At their core, Maple Corner Woodworks and Vermont Furniture Designs share the same values:
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Sustainably sourced wood: Both workshops use locally harvested North American hardwoods— like cherry, maple, and walnut— making sure each piece is as eco-friendly as it is beautiful.
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Heirloom quality: Every joint, curve, and finish is built to last. These aren’t pieces you’ll replace in a few years— they’re the ones that will get passed down for generations.
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Handmade in Vermont: Each piece is touched by real artisans who have dedicated their lives to fine woodworking.
Although each workshop brings a different style of woodworking to their craft, when you step back, what shines through is that they’re both rooted in the same Vermont woodworking traditions.
At Vermont Woods Studios, we celebrate these differences because they give you more ways to make your home your own. Whether you’re drawn to Maple Corner’s style or Vermont Furniture Designs’, you can feel confident knowing you’re investing in furniture that’s responsibly made, heirloom quality, and unmistakably Vermont.
