Craftsmanship

Bone inlay is a centuries-old technique that involves considerable skill and time. Creating these artisan pieces requires meticulous detail and can take several weeks. Ethically sourced animal bone is carefully selected and hand-shaped by experienced craftsmen who cut, grind and sand each piece to fit a specific design. The pieces of bone are then adhered to the furniture using a transposed design template and colored resin is troweled over the entire surface. Once the resin is cured, the surface is sanded smooth and buffed to a shine. This handmade process and natural variations in the material make each piece uniquely beautiful. To protect the finish, wipe with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Chemicals and household cleaners may damage the surface.

Eglomise is a decorative technique used to apply metal leafing to the reverse side of glass. The technique was revived during the 18th century by French decorator Jean-Baptiste Glomy. The French term “verre églomisé” is derived from his name and means “gilded glass.” Eglomise is used in modern furniture to provide a beautiful, mirror-like effect using paper thin sheets of silver, gold, brass or aluminum leaf. The process requires artisanal skill and meticulous attention to detail. A badger brush and static electricity are used to pick up and gently apply thin pieces of metal leaf to glass that has been washed with adhesive. Once the metal leafing is brushed flat, heat is used to dry the adhesive and then it is sprayed to create a solid seal.

• Mortise & Tenon
  Traditional mortise and tenon construction is used to securely fasten pieces of wood, creating a stronger joint for lasting stability.
   
• Door & Drawer Fit
  Doors and drawers are constructed with a precise, tight fit to prevent gaps and sagging, enhancing their appearance and structural strength.

• Table Locks & Guides
  Hidden metal locks are used to reduce gaps on tables with leaves, giving the table a clean, smooth appearance and ensuring durability over time. Premium quality table glides are used to secure the piece, reducing warping and sagging and resulting in a sturdy table frame.
   
• Corner Blocks
  Table legs are constructed with strong corner blocks glued and screwed with lag bolts, increasing the overall strength and rigidity of each leg.

• Materials & Finish
  All wood sides and backs with veneer bottoms are used to create a durable drawer that is less likely to warp over time and humidity changes and to produce a smoother, more consistent drawer function. Each drawer bottom is stained and sealed, creating a smooth interior that is less likely to snap or damage clothes.
   
• Stop Blocks
  Wooden blocks are nailed and glued behind each drawer to ensure that the drawer stops solidly and in the proper position when closed.
   
• Dovetails
  English dovetail construction is featured in the front and back of each drawer (French dovetail is incorporated where design indicates) to deliver a durable drawer box that will remain solid over time.
   
• Drawer Stops
  Wooden stop pins are provided for each drawer with a silver tray to prevent the drawer from falling out of the case when pulled open.
   
• Drawer Box
  A full-size drawer box is used to offer increased drawer volume and maximum storage capacity. Full-size wooden guides are also used to support more cubic feet of storage.
   
• Silver Trays
  A silver tray with a tarnish-resistant cloth cover is custom fitted into a drawer in select dining room pieces to provide a protective, convenient space to store silverware.
   
• Drawer Branding
  Since 1889, the Bernhardt logo has been a symbol of quality and value, and is displayed on each piece of furniture in a solid, cast metal plate.

• Materials
  Heavy duty solid metals are used to create hardware that adds beauty and durability while reducing rattling, rusting, and breakage.
   
• Custom Design & Finish
  Each collection has its own signature hardware that is custom-designed and finished using a multi-step process, adding distinction and a rich appearance to each piece.
   
• Techniques
  A range of methods such as the ancient Egyptian lost wax casting, die-casting or sand casing are used to create hardware with unique shapes, subtle markings and jewel-like details.

• Materials
  A variety of authentic, high-quality materials sourced from around the world are used to enhance the story behind each collection and create a unique design statement.
   
• Style
  Each collection features dramatic design elements that express the story of the collection and allow consumers to reflect their own individual style.
   
• Design Teams
  Recipients of the American Society of Furniture Designer's prestigious Pinnacle Awards, Bernhardt's design teams are among the best in the industry, creating dramatic collections for today's homes and lifestyles.

• Frame Materials
  Bernhardt frames utilize engineered, multi-ply hardwood plywood as well as some 1" and 1-1/4" hardwoods. (Certain frames may also incorporate formed plywood in order to achieve certain frame contours.) All exposed wood frames employ 1-1/4" mixed hardwoods.
   
• Sturdy Construction
  Bernhardt's artisans assemble upholstery frames using methods that ensure superior quality, such as sturdy mortise and tenon joints. Because corners are pressure points that must withstand stress and wear, Bernhardt craftsmen securely fasten corner blocks and braces to provide additional support and strength. Finally, they pre-test every frame for strength and durability.
   
• Limited Lifetime Warranty
  Bernhardt stands behind its fine upholstered furniture by backing it with a limited lifetime warranty to give consumers a feeling of confidence.

Top grain leathers are produced using the outer layer or the epidermis of the hide. The fiber structure of a top grain leather is compact which gives it a higher tensile strength or resistance to tear, a softer feel, and a wonderful draping quality. Top grain leathers offer the best quality and durability available in upholstery.

Full Grain simply means that the natural grain of the hide remains unaltered. Just as our finger prints vary, so too will the natural grain of the hide. Thus, grain variations are clearly visible. Also clearly visible will be any natural markings such as healed scars, insect bites, neck, and belly wrinkles, etc. These markings are a testament to the leather’s authenticity.

Corrected Grain is the term used to describe leathers where the natural grain of the animal’s skin has been removed, and an artificial grain has been embossed or imprinted in the hide.

• Extremely soft hand or feel. Naked to the touch.
• Offers no resistance to staining and soiling from body oils and liquids
• Hides are aniline dyed all the way through for final color
• Only 3% to 5% of raw material in the world is acceptable for making Pure Anilines
• Shade variation common from hide to hide and within each hide
• Natural markings are clearly visible (e.g. brands, insect bites, healed scars)
• Natural grain of skin remains (i.e. Full Grain) making grain variation visible
• Fat wrinkles, stretch marks and backbone are visible adding natural beauty
• Will fade if exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time

• Soft, buttery hand. Not as "natural" or naked as Pure Anilines and Nubuks
• Offers some resistance to staining and soiling from body oils and liquids
• Hides are aniline dyed all the way through for base color
• Light protective top coat applied (wax/polyurethane)for protection and color
• Shade variation common from hide to hide and within each hide
• Natural markings are clearly visible (e.g. brands, insect bites, healed scars)
• Natural grain of skin remains (i.e. Full Grain) making grain variation visible
• Fat wrinkles, stretch marks and backbone are visible adding natural beauty
• Will fade if exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time

• Softest hand available in a fully pigmented (painted) leather due to natural grain
• Offers very high resistance to staining and soiling from body oils and liquids
• Hides are aniline dyed all the way through for base color
• Protective, pigmented topcoat applied for final color and protection
• No shade variation
• Minimal visibility of natural markings such as brands, insect bites, healed scars
• Natural grain of skin remains (i.e. Full Grain) making grain variation visible
• Fat wrinkles, stretch marks and backbone are not visible
• Less susceptible to fading than Pure Anilines, Nubuks and Semi-Anilines

• Least natural hand due to artificially embossed grain
• Offers very high resistance to staining and soiling from body oils and liquids
• Hides are aniline dyed all the way through for base coat color
• Protective, pigmented topcoat applied for final color and protection
• No shade variation
• No natural markings visible such as brands, insect bites, healed scars
• No grain variation
• Fat wrinkles, stretch marks and backbone are not visible
• Less susceptible to fading than Pure Anilines, Nubuks and Semi-Anilines

• Hair-on-Hide is a 100% natural product and will vary in color and hair length
• Leather seat cushions and back pillows are not reversible
• Leather application varies from fabric due to the unique sizes of hides. Therefore, seaming and panels are unique to leather application

• Frame Construction
• Our fully upholstered seating is produced in North Carolina and is designed for both indoor and outdoor use.
• The frames are crafted of exterior grade Birch plywood with an all-weather webbing seat deck. Joints are reinforced using waterproof glue and stainless steel and nickel-plated hardware. Weep holes are added to the frame to prevent water from pooling.
• The upholstery process begins by covering the frames with a weather barrier material. Our outdoor rated fabrics are applied to the frame with stainless steel staples and all seams are sewn using a synthetic thread with UV protection.
  
  
• Seat Cushions

Designed for luxurious comfort, our Exteriors Plush Seat Cushion is used on all our fully upholstered seating. It is constructed of high resiliency 1.8lb/cu ft polyfoam core, topped with a lofty layer of anti-microbial synthetic down and fully encased in a water-resistant ticking. A mesh panel is stitched on the underside of the cushion to allow for water drainage.

• Back Cushions and Pillows

• Tight Cushion Seating

Our tight cushion seating, used mainly on accent chairs, is constructed with our Exteriors Plush Seat Cushion atop outdoor-grade webbing which has been attached to the frame with stainless steel staples. This seating is designed for luxurious comfort and maximum water resistance.

• Loose Cushion Seating

Our loose cushion seating is designed primarily with our Quick Dry Foam Seat Cushion for a soft sit and a nice tailored look. It is constructed of high resiliency, reticulated foam with a soft polyfoam wrap for just the right amount of crown.  The open cell foam allows for quick drainage if exposed to water and moisture.

• Back Cushions and Pillows

• Decorative Throw Pillows

All our throw pillows are created using a synthetic down filling, fully encased in a water-resistant ticking for a luxurious look and feel.

• Our teak furniture has a hand applied polyurethane finish to achieve a weathered look and feel. A six-step process is used applying multiple layers of PU stains, hand sanding and a final artisan dry brush finish, giving this furniture its desirable aged appearance.
• Like natural teak, our finished teak will slowly change color over time. After one to two years of exposure, the finish will give way to the natural silvery patina of aged teak.
• Imperfections, such as hair-line cracks, are natural to the teak aging process.

• Our all-weather wicker is made of superior strength, high-density polyethylene.  Each fiber is created using a proprietary color blend that gives it rich visual depth.
• This high-performance material is intricately hand woven in a variety of artistic patterns, over an aluminum frame. Some of the woven patterns on sofas and chairs can take an artist several days to complete.
• This material is UV and mildew resistant and has been tested to maintain its color and to withstand cracking for up to five years.

• Our rope and knitted materials are designed with multifilament yarns artfully woven or wrapped in unique, dimensional patterns that give our furniture its distinct look. 
• They are made from durable, solution dyed Olefin yarns. This fiber is UV, mold and mildew resistant.

• Our stainless steel is 304-grade with a powder coat finish. This finish helps guard against corrosion and other deposits, when cleaned regularly. 
• Although stainless steel is generally resistant to corrosion, superficial dark spots that may show on the surface do not affect the strength or integrity of the furniture.

• All our aluminum frames are powder coated and fully welded for strength.

• GRC or Glass Reinforced Concrete consists of high-strength glass fiber embedded in a concrete composite.
• Our concrete and GRC furniture is hand finished with a protective layer of polyurethane.
• The organic beauty of concrete furniture is evident in the natural variations in color, small surface depressions and non-structural hairline cracks that can develop over time.

• Our stonecast products are made of a composite of crushed stone, indigenous to Southeast Asia, mixed with resin and/or fiberglass. 
• To create some of the sculptural shapes and to provide structure, some of our stonecast products may have an internal frame made from treated wood or metal.
• The finish of our stonecast products may patina over time.

• We have partnered premium brands, like Sunbrella, to create a unique collection of fabrics designed to perform, endure and correlate beautifully with our furniture.  The ultimate goal is to create a premium product that will not only last, but will also elevate the look and feel of your outdoor space.
• The collection boasts a fresh, modern color palette with an array of patterns, luxurious textures, as well as clean, classic plains.
• All our outdoor fabrics are made from 100% solution dyed yarns, so the performance features are not just an applied finish but are engineered into the fibers. As a result, each fabric will maintain its rich color and durability through normal wear and tear and exposure to the elements.
• Our premium vinyl offers a look and feel so close to real leather that we are confident in calling it Endurance Leather.
• Our exclusive line of trims offers the perfect finishing touch and allows you to create a look that is uniquely your own.
• Below is a general overview of the contents, features and cleanability of each brand. For detailed cleaning instructions by brand and stain type, click on the links in the chart.

*Some patterns may contain small amounts of other fibers