In July Schlabach Furniture will celebrate their thirteenth year in business. Jonas and Fannie Schlabach are handing the reigns to their son Daniel who will operate the store in the midst of farm land in central Wayne County.
Daniel has been with the family-owned business for eight years, helping his parents with day to day operations. Having learned from his parents the importance of customer service and high quality products, Daniel will continue the tradition of providing locally-crafted furniture at surprisingly affordable prices. We have low overhead so we can offer high quality pieces for much less than youd expect, says Daniel.
My parents will still work at the store when they are not travelling. My brother Wayne and my brother-in-law John work here as well, says Daniel.
Off the beaten path and miles from the typical tourist attractions the area has to offer, Schlabach Furniture is centrally located between Kidron, Fredericksburg and Apple Creek. Surrounded by dairy and grain farms, the beauty and richness of the region is apparent as you make your way to one of the areas finest locally-crafted furniture stores.
Housed in a former chicken coop, Schlabach Furnitures size is impressive with dimensions measuring 40 x 500 feet. My dad was in the timber business and wanted to be home more often so he decided to raise chickens. After a while a friend of his reminded him of his love of wood and the idea of a furniture store made sense, says Daniel. The building was already here so we put in a floor and insulated it.
Despite its humble beginnings there is little reminder of the buildings former use. The smell of wood in the impeccably clean space draws customers in to an enormous selection of locally-crafted furniture and other household items.
The moment you walk into the store you realize the quality and craftsmanship that goes into creating the furniture offered for sale. Lit only with gas lamps that add a sense of warmth to the completely non-electric store, handcrafted furniture is displayed in every square inch of the space.
All records are kept the old fashioned way without even a cash register at the neatly organized counter. Orders are hand written as well as receipts at Schlabach Furniture which accepts cash and checks as payment.
Schlabach Furniture carries a variety of styles that include Queen Anne, Mission, traditional, Shaker, Country and even modern. Customers can choose from pieces displayed or create their own unique pieces with endless options for finishes and hardware. We can do completely custom work for our customers. If you see a design you like but need it in a different size, we can do it, says Daniel.
Every piece of furniture is constructed of solid wood. Veneers and particle board are never used. Red oak, cherry, quarter sawn white oak, hickory and maple are all used in construction but Daniels says quarter sawn white oak is the most popular right now.
Dining sets from casual to formal are available to enhance your home. Some styles come with padded and upholstered seats. Pub height tables and stools are practical and come in a variety of styles. Whether you are furnishing a large formal dining room or a small corner in the kitchen you will find a dining set that suits your needs.
Kitchen islands are popular and practical and Schlabach Furniture has contemporary models like a slate topped cabinet that compliment the look of your kitchen while offering storage to keep your space neat and organized. Other kitchen items available include pie safes, hutches and jelly cupboards.
Bedroom choices are abundant with vintage looking four-poster styles and more traditional headboards available with styles that include bookcases and other storage options. Customers can complete the look they desire with dressers, chests and wardrobes in matching styles. Mattresses and box springs are available and constructed locally of only the finest materials.
The store may seem old-fashioned but modern conveniences like entertainment centers and computer desks are available for every type of home. Practical aspects like storage and organization are at the forefront when craftsmen design these pieces. Office furniture is even available for home or commercial use.
Schlabach Furniture has childrens furniture like tables, chairs, desks, beds, cribs, high chairs and rocking horses that will withstand the test of time. Pieces are created to last for generations to come.
In addition to indoor furniture, Schlabach has porch swings and rocking chairs for outdoor use. Smaller household items and accessories are available too, like jewelry boxes, wooden clocks, CD racks and wooden pens made by Daniels cousin.
There are so many reasons to shop at Schlabach Furniture while you visit the region. Their selection of quality locally-produced furniture and accessories will last for generations and their affordable prices will make you return for all your furniture needs.
Schlabach Furniture is able to ship furniture anywhere in the world, and they offer a local delivery and set-up service as well. The store can be contacted by voice mail at (330) 695-2249 extension 1 or by mail at 11463 Harrison Road, Apple Creek 44606. New store hours are Monday 9-7 and Tuesday-Saturday 9-5.
