Journey of the Rocker

Stage I - Richness of Heritage
Koa is the most highly prized wood grown in Hawaii. Koa was to create some of the most beloved furniture of the Hawaiian monarchs, such as Queen Lili'uokalani's rocking chair and bed at Washington Place. In the mid'19th century, Koa was used by merchants and missionaries to Hawaii in creating their beautiful plantation homes. Today, solid Koa wood furniture is found in gracious homes throughout the state of Hawaii. Martin & MacArthur selects only from the highest quality of Koa available, all grown on Hawaii Island, due to the richness of color, grain, and texture of the Koa grown on the volcanic soil of the Big Island.

Stage II - A Warm Welcome
We purchase fresh cut Koa wood and transport it from Hawaii Island to Honolulu Harbor on barges. We tenderly Kiln dry all Koa wood ourselves for thirty days per inch of thickness, that translates to over three months for the Koa used in one of our famous rockers.

Stage III - Perfect Match
Koa is the most highly prized wood grown in Hawaii. Koa was to create some of the most beloved furniture of the Hawaiian monarchs, such as Queen Lili'uokalani's rocking chair and bed at Washington Place. In the mid'19th century, Koa was used by merchants and missionaries to Hawaii in creating their beautiful plantation homes. Today, solid Koa wood furniture is found in gracious homes throughout the state of Hawaii. Martin & MacArthur selects only from the highest quality of Koa available, all grown on Hawaii Island, due to the richness of color, grain, and texture of the Koa grown on the volcanic soil of the Big Island.

Stage IV - One-of-a-Kind
Every rocker is unique, consisting of Koa with one-of-a-kind grain and texture. Pattern for each part of the rocker is laid on the wood and drawn to make sure we have enough.

Stage V - Mastertouch
Our specialist master craftsman cuts all the Koa pieces out in our timeless patterns that Jon Martin created over forty years of furniture making. The back slats and the arms are cut and sanded on a curve, and they take most skill for a smooth and accurate face. Then the other pieces are sanded. He then bores all the holes for the Mortise and Tenon joinery.

Stage VI - Seat of Strength
Our specialist master craftsman then assembles the seat, using glue and birch biscuits for extraordinary strength. Our rockers are guaranteed to last a lifetime because we are so particular with the quality and detail of our work.

Stage VII - In the Groove
Once the glue dries, he skillfully grinds and sands the contour groove of the seat. Despite the fact that it is only ground to 3/8th of an inch, it is very comfortable for the user even when he remains seated for several hours.

Stage VIII - Smooth as Silk
An apprentice craftsman then finish sands all the other Koa pieces with a very fine (220 grid) paper, to create a smooth as silk finish.

Stage IX - Stability Assured
All the pieces are one-by-one glued, clamped and adjusted for level. Our special five piece corner blocks are glued to the four corners under the seat to ensure extra stability.

Stage X - Assembly
One day later, before the arms are attached, the seat is fitted with precise measurements to allow for climate related expansion or contraction. Then the arms are fitted and glued to the front and back legs. Then, the next day, the rocker plate is attached to the bottom of the four legs and set to dry another day.

Stage XI - Finishing
The assembled rocker is then declamped and moved to the finishing area where it is sanded all over again with a 220 grid paper to get rid of glue stains, and raised grain from the water used to wipe off excess glue. It is then coated with 1 coat of our 'secret' oil and allowed to dry overnight.

Stage XII - Sand, and Repeat
Next morning, it coated with oil again and sanded with an even finer 400 grid paper, and again left overnight. The third day it is sanded again coated with our oiled again. The fourth day it is Sanded again and treated with special Koa wax to create that special Martin & MacArthur patina.

Stage XIII - A Signature Product
Finally, Jon Martin personally signs and dates every rocker under the seat. The company name is embossed and brass plaque is embellished to prove its authenticity and show our love for every piece we make in our factory. The plaque has a Serial Number and an Item Number allowing us to track the furniture and our valued customer.