Construction Details: Kyoto Collection

Woods & Stains

This collection is available for order in the following standard woods and stains. Additional options may be available upon request for an upcharge of 10% - 20%. Contact us for details.

Click here for more information about the woods we use.

The Copeland Furniture Finish

Our standard top coat is a pre-catalyzed lacquer. The "pre" refers to the fact that the acidic catalyst is added by the finish manufacture, as opposed to post-catalyzed lacquers where the components are combined at the time of spraying. Copeland's finishes are Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA) rated - meaning they are made to withstand the type of heat, grease and spills typically found in a kitchen setting. This durability is a significant advantage over the industry's standard conventional lacquers. Also noteworthy is the matte, satin look and feel of our finish which contrasts favorably with the heavy build-up and high gloss of conventional finishes.

Water Based: The Next Generation

As the public's concern over indoor air quality continues to grow, Copeland is becoming the leader in non-toxic, eco-friendly water based finishes. Conventional petroleum based solvents contain large amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOC)s which are harmful to the atmosphere. While most of these VOC's are released at the time of manufacturing, a small amount remains on the product and can off-gas in the home. Individuals with particular sensitivities sometimes report that this has an adverse affect on their health. That's why most of Copeland's furniture can now be requested in a non-emitting water-based finish. Technically, this finish is called an Acrylic Emulsion meaning that the resin is made up of acrylic polymers mixed in a water solvent. Since there is no petroleum based solvent, our water based finish is extremely low in VOC's and completely free of formaldehyde. As important, the finish is every bit as durable as our standard pre-catalyzed lacquer with the same satin feel. There is a slight difference in color - the water based finish tends to be a bit whiter than the pre-cat - but it's slight enough that unless you were looking at the two finishes side by side you might never know the difference. As this technology develops we anticipate a day when water based becomes the standard on all our furniture, however presently it is only available on about 3/4 of Copeland's pieces. Please contact us to request this finish on your furniture.

Drawer Boxes

Copeland's drawer fronts are solid wood, 3/4" thick. Drawer sides and backs are also solid wood - cherry, maple or ash - and are a full 5/8" thick. Drawer bottoms are 1/4" high-grade plywood panels.

You'll notice that our drawers are joined with an asymmetrical English dovetail joint. Asymmetrical refers to the fact that the pins (seen on the drawer front) and tails (seen on the drawer side) are of different widths. This is the gold standard in traditional joinery and is both aesthetically and structurally superior to other common techniques.

The drawer front integrates directly with the drawer side. Often you will find furniture where the drawer front is simply screwed on to a pre-existing drawer box. This is usually because the manufacturer has opted to purchase pre-manufactured drawer boxes rather than going to the trouble of designing, engineering and building the components to match their individual designs. Sadly, many manufacturers who market themselves as Made in the USA engage in this practice, effectively outsourcing components that make up nearly half of the product.

Some manufacturers cut corners, leaving drawer boxes unfinished. Not only is this unsightly, it is potentially hazardous to your clothing. Delicate garments can be snagged or even torn on rough unsanded surfaces and this becomes more pronounced with age as the unprotected wood is exposed to changing humidity. Copeland's drawer boxes are fully finished and sanded on the interiors.

Solid Wood Case Sides

Forty-five Degree Miter construction refers to the angle in which solid wood tops and solid wood sides are joined to create a perfectly seamless perimeter. Stylistically, these cases are highly refined and visually Modern. The technique to produce this style of case requires extreme precision and is only attainable through exacting detail. The leading edge of the cases is beveled to present a thin delicate, line that belies their considerable heft.

Case Sides

This collection uses an Under Mounted Soft Close glide. These full extension glides provide a gentle bump as the drawer is fully extended and a soft automatic retraction as the drawer closes. Since they are under mounted there is no visible hardware.

Frame and Panel cases derive their main structure from the four legs which are joined by an apron assembly near the top and bottom of the case. These parts make up the frame. A solid wood top is affixed and 1/4" top- grade veneer panels are integrated into the case sides and back. Because the panels are framed on all four sides this, a veneer is the ideal material. Were we to use a solid panel the expansion of the wood in high humidity could potentially cause the frame to break apart.