Where Is Stickley Furniture Made? Exploring Its U.S. Origins
Aug 1st 2025
For more than a century, Stickley has stood as one of the most respected names in American furniture craftsmanship. Today, more than 90% of Stickley furniture is made in the United States, primarily in Manlius, New York, and Archdale, North Carolina.
This choice isn’t just about geography — it reflects Stickley’s commitment to heritage, sustainability, and enduring quality. Every piece is crafted from solid hardwood, shaped with traditional joinery techniques. It is finished by skilled artisans who carry forward a tradition first defined by the Arts & Crafts Movement of the early 1900s.
In a marketplace crowded with imports and mass-produced furnishings, Stickley remains distinct. Its American-made approach ensures that when you bring Stickley into your home, you’re investing in timeless design, heirloom durability, and values that support local communities.
This article will explore where Stickley furniture is made and why American production matters. Keep reading to see how the company continues to blend traditional craftsmanship with modern living.
Stickley Furniture Manufacturing Locations
You’ll find most pieces crafted at key locations in the United States, where skilled artisans work with solid hardwoods. These sites focus on quality, attention to detail, and traditional construction methods.
Primary Factory in Manlius, New York
The main manufacturing facility sits in Manlius, New York, covering over 400,000 square feet. This is the heart of the operation, producing many wood-frame pieces like case goods and seating.
About 225 employees work here in various roles. They handle everything from sanding and planing the wood to assembling and finishing the furniture.
This factory has been in operation since 1985 and remains central to the production process. You can expect furniture from this plant to represent the core qualities of local craftsmanship and durability.
Much of the Mission and Arts & Crafts style collections are made here.
Other U.S. Facilities
Besides Manlius, manufacturing also takes place in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Archdale, North Carolina. The North Carolina plant focuses mainly on upholstered furniture, supporting the variety in the product range.
Together, these locations maintain strong domestic production, with over 90% of pieces made in company-owned factories in these states. This commitment reflects the value of American-made furniture and supports local communities and workers.
The balance between wood and upholstered furniture across these sites allows you to find well-crafted pieces suited to different rooms and needs.
Expansion and Modernization of Production
While the focus remains on high-quality American manufacturing, there have been efforts to expand and modernize at these facilities. Investments in technology and workflow improvements help maintain precision and efficiency.
These upgrades do not compromise traditional craftsmanship but support artisans in delivering consistent quality. You benefit by receiving furniture that stands the test of time, combining handwork with modern production standards.
Materials and Sourcing
You look for furniture made from high-quality wood that will last for generations. The wood and materials come from trusted forests and careful sources.
At the same time, the company ensures its practices protect the environment for the future.
Sources of Wood and Raw Materials
The furniture is crafted mainly from solid hardwoods like oak and cherry. These woods are chosen for their durability and natural beauty.
Each piece begins with carefully selected wood that meets strict standards for strength and grain. The plants use about 1.2 million board feet of wood yearly.
This volume reflects dedication to solid wood construction rather than veneer or composites. You benefit from long-lasting furniture made with robust, genuine materials that age gracefully in your home.
Commitment to Sustainable Sourcing
Sustainability is a central part of material sourcing. More than 90% of products come from factories in New York and North Carolina, following strict environmental regulations.
These include federal, state, and local laws protecting air and water quality. The company is part of the Sustainable Furnishings Council, which promotes responsible forestry and responsible manufacturing.
This means your furniture supports healthy forests and lower environmental impact while maintaining top craftsmanship.
Handcrafting and Traditional Methods
This furniture line is crafted using time-honored processes that focus on durability and quality. Every piece highlights solid hardwood construction and traditional joinery that ensures strength and elegance.
Skilled artisans shape each furniture item with attention to detail and respect for the material.
American Craftsmanship Processes
Most products are made in workshops located in New York and North Carolina. These locations retain strong ties to American woodworking traditions.
You get furniture built with solid hardwoods like cherry, maple, and oak, avoiding particle board or veneer. The construction uses traditional joinery methods such as mortise-and-tenon joints and hand-fitted dovetails.
These techniques avoid the shortcuts of staples or glue, adding strength that lasts for generations. This approach guarantees your furniture will stand the test of daily use while remaining beautiful.
Artisan Techniques in Furniture Making
Each piece is carefully assembled by skilled craftsmen who follow precise steps to honor classic designs. Quarter-sawn oak, known for its durability and grain pattern, is often used to enhance both function and style.
Your furniture undergoes hand-finishing processes to bring out the wood’s natural texture and color. Every joint is fitted by hand, creating a seamless and sturdy structure.
This focus on meticulous craftsmanship means your furniture is more than just a product—it’s an heirloom made to endure.
Quality Control and Standards
You can expect furniture to meet strict standards for craftsmanship and durability. Every piece undergoes detailed checks and meets recognized certifications that guarantee quality and safety.
Inspection and Testing Procedures
Each furniture piece goes through several stages of inspection during production. Skilled workers check wood quality, joinery, and finish to ensure durability and consistent appearance.
Components are tested for strength and stability before assembly. After assembly, pieces undergo final inspections to confirm they meet design specifications.
These include checking for smooth surfaces, proper fit of parts, and flawless finishes. Any item not meeting standards is reworked or rejected.
This thorough process helps maintain consistent quality. It ensures your furniture is built to last and keeps its beauty over time.
Certifications and Industry Recognition
The furniture holds certifications that confirm its craftsmanship, sustainability, and safety. These include third-party verifications for solid hardwood sourcing and compliance with environmental standards.
Such certifications show that production follows ethical practices and materials meet specific requirements. Industry awards and recognition verify the commitment to maintaining tradition while adapting to modern quality guidelines.
These validations assure you that your investment is both responsible and reliable, supporting long-lasting, American-made furniture.
History and Evolution of Production
The company’s journey began over a century ago with a focus on solid wood furniture crafted by skilled hands. Its production methods and locations have changed over time, reflecting shifts in demand and manufacturing technology.
Founding of L. & J.G. Stickley
- & J.G. Stickley was founded in 1900 by two brothers who emphasized solid wood craftsmanship and simple, sturdy designs. Their work helped define the American Arts and Crafts movement, known for clean lines and functional beauty.
From the start, the focus was on creating furniture that lasts, with attention to detail and high-quality materials. This legacy still influences how the furniture is made today, blending traditional skills with modern techniques.
Stickley and the American Arts & Crafts Movement
Stickley’s roots are closely tied to the Arts & Crafts Movement, which emphasized honesty in design, natural materials, and utility over ornament. Gustav Stickley and his brothers helped define this era in American furniture, creating pieces that were not only functional but also expressions of integrity and craftsmanship.
As the Smithsonian explains, the Arts & Crafts Movement represented a pushback against mass production, valuing handmade objects that reflected authenticity. Stickley’s decision to keep most of its furniture production in the U.S. reflects this heritage — ensuring each piece continues that tradition of meaningful, lasting design.
Historic Manufacturing Facilities
Originally, production took place in New York, where the business grew through the early 20th century. The main factory was in Fayetteville before moving to several sites as the company expanded.
Today, manufacturing centers are located in New York and Pennsylvania, with key plants in Manlius and Harrisburg handling different parts of production. These facilities combine advanced equipment and handcrafting to maintain the furniture’s durability and style.
International Production and Partnerships
The furniture maker carefully combines its American roots with international efforts to meet demand. This involves working with outside manufacturers and managing materials and processes globally.
These steps help keep quality consistent while expanding production options.
Third-Party Manufacturing
Some furniture pieces are made through partnerships with factories outside the U.S. These third-party manufacturers follow strict guidelines to ensure craftsmanship matches the brand’s standards.
You might find select models or parts produced abroad to help manage costs and supply. These partnerships are closely supervised.
The company maintains control over design, materials, and finishing to preserve quality. Typically, over 90% of products are still made in American facilities, with third-party manufacturing supplementing this output when needed.
Global Supply Chain Integration
Raw materials and components come from several places worldwide. This global supply chain supports the craft by ensuring the timely availability of quality hardwood, fabrics, and hardware.
The integration helps keep production flowing without compromising durability or style. You can expect that the supply chain prioritizes sustainability and traceability.
Each stage, from sourcing wood to final assembly, is monitored to meet environmental and quality standards. This approach supports the furniture’s reputation as lasting and authentic.
Impact on Local Communities
The production of these handcrafted pieces supports local economies and shapes the community around the manufacturing site. Its influence extends beyond jobs, creating meaningful community programs and fostering regional pride.
Employment and Economic Contributions
You benefit from furniture made in a facility that employs around 225 workers. These employees handle everything from sanding and planing wood to assembling and finishing each item.
Their skilled work ensures each piece reflects quality craftsmanship. This factory has operated since 1985 in Manlius, New York.
Its presence provides steady jobs in various roles, helping the local economy stay strong. When you invest in this furniture, you support skilled tradespeople and the nearby economy.
Community Initiatives in Manlius
The company actively gives back to its home community. Buying furniture here means contributing to local projects and community support efforts.
Its engagement helps improve lives beyond just manufacturing jobs. In Manlius, these efforts include environmental sustainability practices and cultural initiatives.
The commitment to responsible sourcing and local involvement adds value to your purchase and builds community resilience over time.
Experience American Craftsmanship Today
For those who value heritage, durability, and timeless design, Stickley furniture represents more than just décor — it’s an investment in American craftsmanship. With over 90% of production still rooted in New York and North Carolina, every piece reflects a tradition of integrity that has endured for more than a century.
Visit The Mission Motif showroom in Atlanta or explore our collections online to discover Stickley pieces that bring history, artistry, and enduring beauty into your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
This furniture uses carefully selected solid hardwoods sourced mainly from North America. Most pieces are crafted in company-owned factories, ensuring consistent quality and design standards.
What is the origin of the materials used in Stickley furniture?
The wood is primarily American-grown, including oak and cherry. The focus is on durable, natural materials that suit the Mission and Arts & Crafts styles.
Are all Stickley furniture pieces handcrafted?
Many parts involve handcrafting, especially joinery and finishing, but some processes use precision machinery. This mix helps maintain quality and efficiency.
Is Stickley furniture exclusively produced in the United States?
More than 90% of the production is done in factories owned by the company in the U.S., mainly near Syracuse, New York. Some limited components may come from other sources.
How does the manufacturing process of Stickley furniture in Syracuse differ from other locations?
The Syracuse plant handles much of the fine woodworking and assembly, emphasizing traditional techniques blended with modern quality controls. This keeps heritage craftsmanship alive in a large-scale facility.
Can one tour the Stickley furniture factory?
Tours might be available by special arrangement. Contact the company or an authorized dealer for opportunities to see production areas and craftsmanship firsthand.
What distinguishes the craftsmanship of Stickley furniture from other luxury brands?
The blend of solid hardwoods, visible joinery, and careful finishing stands out. The design respects Arts & Crafts ideals while delivering lasting durability and aesthetic appeal.