1. Can I order furniture directly from you?
2. What is "RTA" furniture? Why would I want this type of furniture?
3. What is "metal-to-metal"hardware?
4. Should I be using glue when assembling your products?
5. I have a piece which I purchased last year, and I've noticed some color change. If I buy a new one now, can I expect it to match?
6. Do you have any special considerations when it comes to manufacturing bunk beds?
7. Do your beds require a box spring? Will they work with futons?
8. The doors on my wallsystem aren't aligned, what can I do?
9. Now that my furniture is here, how do I keep it looking it's very best?

A - We do not offer any form of direct sales. However, we do have a large network of authorized dealers across North America, and in some Pacific Rim countries. To find the dealer nearest you, simply use the contact form or email us at canwood@canwood.com.

Q - What is "RTA" furniture? Why would I want this type of furniture?

A - Ready to Assemble. The primary advantage of RTA is that it is shipped as a flat package. This means reduced packaging, shipping, and warehousing costs. Also, the packages are palletized and handled by forklifts, greatly reducing the risk of handling damage, more common in standard case goods. This ultimately means better affordability and value for the customer. See our demonstration assembly video (Requires Real Video Plugin)

Q - What is "metal-to-metal" hardware?

A - All critical connections are held together with a system of hardware which uses two interlocking metal pieces. Metal-to-WOOD hardware, such as wood screws, will eventually work loose when subjected to stress and are only used on non-critical, low stress connections. We employ several systems, depending on the requirements of the joint, with the end results being strength, safety, durability, and ease of assembly. Case pieces generally use a cam-lock system, while bed rails use a bolt and barrel-nut assembly.

Q - Should I be using glue when assembling your products?

A - Since all dowel and hardware connections fit snugly, gluing is not necessary. Also, many people like the fact that the furniture can be disassembled for long distance moves, thereby reducing freight costs. Gluing will eliminate this option.

However, should you wish to reinforce these joints with glue, we would recommend the following procedure:

Make sure that the correct parts are being connected in the proper sequence. Apply a small amount of glue to the dowel before inserting it into the hole. Tap it immediately to the bottom of the hole. Since the fit is very tight...for example, only 31mm combined length in two components is available for a 30mm dowel... if a large amount of glue is squeezed into the dowel holes, there may be insufficient room for the dowel. Then, when the two components are joined, and some force applied, the excess glue will not be able to escape and the surrounding wood may crack.

Q - I have a piece which I purchased last year, and I've noticed some color change. If I buy a new one now, can I expect it to match?

A - The "warm amber patina" you're noticing is the natural result of aging. This beautiful evolution can only occur in a real wood product. It is most pronounced in the first two years, generally, after which time the process slows. Any new pieces will catch up, given 6 months or so. You may also notice a colour difference when an area is concealed for a time, such as having a lamp or vase on a surface. These areas will also catch up to the surrounding surface when exposed to the light.

Direct sunlight accelerates the process, so try to keep your furniture out of direct sunlight whenever possible.

Q - Do you have any special considerations when it comes to manufacturing bunk beds?

A - Safety, of course, is the primary concern when you're dealing with children's furniture. We take a number of measures to ensure that our bunk beds are truly among the safest in the industry.

In fact, our Alpine, Base Camp and Whistler College Loft Beds have been tested by Detroit Testing Laboratory Inc, an independent laboratory in the US, and found to exceed the stringent requirements of the American Society for Testing & Materials regulation ASTM F1427-01.

Here are some safety features of our Bunk Beds:

• The head and footboards are connected to the side rails with metal-to-metal connectors. The connection will remain sound for years. Compare this to beds which simply rely on a heavy screw into the end grain of a side rail, metal-to-wood, which will fail when the grain is stripped out.



• All guard rails are securely fastened to the side rails with metal hardware.



• Upper and lower bunks are joined with metal-to-metal fasteners to provide a unified construction.



• All openings are less than 3.5". A child will not get caught in the openings.

Q - Do your beds require a box spring? Will they work with futons?

A - Our Alpine, Chateau and Mates beds are a "platform" design, which includes a full set of slats, and center support. This eliminates the need for a box spring, allowing the customer to use simply a mattress or futon.

We realize that some people prefer the solid foundation of a box spring, so the Sleigh & Cutter beds are designed to accommodate this arrangement. However, the Cutter beds can also be purchased in a platform configuration, by utilizing the Platform Footboard.

Q - The doors on my wallsystem aren't aligned, what can I do?

A - All of our doors are attached using fully adjustable European hinges, which allow the doors to be aligned. See table for details

Q - Now that my furniture is here, how do I keep it looking it's very best?

A - Canwood furniture is easy to care for. Wipe with a soft cloth containing a mild detergent and buff with a soft dry cloth. For added protection and lustre, a good quality wax or polish may be applied.

Fine furniture should not be exposed to strong sunlight or dampness.

Also, some rubber products such as computer feet or electrical cords may discolour the finish. Marks may be prevented by placing a strip of leather or felt under accessories.