Craftsmanship

Through attention to detail, unique materials and meticulous craftsmanship, we combine traditional techniques with modern technology to create the finest hospitality and commercial furniture in the world. 


Veneer & Finishes

Veneer Characteristics

Veneers have long been used in fine furniture making and are stronger and more durable than solid wood. They resist shrinking, swelling, warping, and cracking due to humidity and other environmental changes.

Veneer Selection

Premier woods are hand-selected and matched in color and wood grain to give a consistent look to each piece while enhancing the natural beauty of the wood grain. Unusual veneers and "fancy face" patterns are often used to add decorative detail.

Finish Steps

An extensive, multi-step finish process gives each piece of furniture depth, accentuating the wood grain pattern and producing a range of finish looks from a high sheen to a natural "aged" appearance.

Unique Materials

Bone Inlay

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

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.

German Silver

German silver has been used in architecture and decor for more than 2,000 years. The material does not actually contain silver, but is an alloy made of nickel, copper and zinc. Our German silver pieces are built using a variety of woods, such as mango or reclaimed teak, meticulously carved or embossed with a unique design. The carved wood frame is then covered in meticulous detail with sheets of German silver by skilled craftsmen. The entire process can take more than a week and each piece is unique. Some pieces are finished with a high luster, while others may have an intentionally aged appearance. A protective topcoat is added to protect against oxidation and stains. If a spill occurs, use a dry cotton or absorbent cloth to wipe the liquid away. Strong chemicals or detergents may damage the finish.

Gypsum

Gypsum is an abundant mineral used in construction techniques for thousands of years, dating back to the ancient Egyptians. Today the mineral is mined or quarried and can be developed into a wide range of products. We use alabaster gypsum in the construction of our furniture, known for its soft ivory brilliance and luminosity. Each piece of gypsum is meticulously adhered by hand and a protective topcoat is added, making it more resistant to stains and spills. If a spill occurs, use a dry absorbent cloth to wipe it away. Strong chemicals or detergents may damage the surface.

Gold & Silver Leaf

Gold and silver leafing techniques began as early as the ancient Egyptians and were later refined during the Renaissance. The same time-honored method is still used today. A tissue thin piece (leaf) of gold or silver is hand-applied with a soft brush to a surface sprayed with glue. Wrinkles, lines and overlapping are a natural result of the process, marking an important difference between a painted and a hand-leafed product. Details and blocks will vary, creating a unique piece unlike any other. This technique and a lacquer topcoat create furniture that is as durable as it is beautiful. To clean gold or silver leaf pieces, wipe the surface with a damp cloth.

Petrified Wood

Petrified wood comes from the Greek word petro, which means “rock” or “stone” and it is literally wood turned into stone through fossilization. The transformation process begins when trees become buried in sediment. Mineral rich water passing through the sediment carries away decaying wood molecules and replaces them with minerals, usually silica. Over thousands of years, the minerals crystallize producing a metamorphic stone fossil with the appearance of wood. Our use of this unique material ranges from larger stand-alone pieces to thin slices for tabletops. Petrified wood naturally varies in color, size and shape and our pieces are collected from areas with ancient volcanic activity. This type of collecting does not damage the environment and is in compliance with all environmental regulations.

Teak

Teak is a dense hardwood native to India and Southeast Asia where trees can grow to a height of up to 200 feet. Prized for its beauty, weather resistance and durability, teak has a long history in building and design. It has been widely used in India for more than 2,000 years, where beams in good condition are often found in buildings that are centuries old. Outdoor furniture made of teak became common during the Victorian era and in more recent history, the material was sought after among mid-century modern designers. The close movement of the grain and rich luster of teak lends warmth and lasting beauty to any design, from simple refined forms to sliced organic pieces. Special care should be taken to guard against marks left by liquids and the scraping of heavy items.

White Onyx

Onyx is a gemstone formed by layered parallel bands of chalcedony. The bands range from white to almost every color and the use of onyx dates back to the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. It was commonly found in jewelry, but today onyx has a wide variety of uses. The onyx we use is mined from a quarry in the mountains of Torreon, Mexico, where complete blocks are cut into slabs, then hand-cut into smaller tiles and given a perfectly honed finish. The onyx tiles are meticulously adhered onto the furniture surface and a final coat of sealer helps protect the stone. Spills should be blotted immediately rather than wiped. Strong chemicals or detergents may damage the stone. This product is not suitable for outdoor use and yellowing may occur when exposed to sunlight.

Construction

Cabinetry Details

  • 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.

Tables

  • 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.

Drawer Construction

  • 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.

Hardware

  • 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.

Design

  • 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.

Upholstery

Upholstery

  • 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.

Leather

Top Grain

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

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

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.

Pure Aniline

  • 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

Semi-Aniline

  • 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

Protected Full Grain - Fully Pigmented

  • 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

Protected Corrected Grain - Fully Pigmented

  • 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

Leather Application

  • 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

Outdoor

Fully Upholstered Seating

  • 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
Our back cushions and pillows are filled with polyester fiber wrapped in a water-resistant ticking that offers fullness yet relaxed comfort.

Non-Upholstered Seating (Woven, Metal and Wood)

  • 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
Our back cushions and pillows are filled with polyester fiber wrapped in a water-resistant ticking that offers fullness yet relaxed comfort.
  • 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.

Teak

  • 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.

All-Weather Wicker

  • 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.

Rope & Knitted Material

  • 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.

Stainless Steel

  • 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.

Aluminum

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

Concrete & Glass Reinforced Concrete (GRC)

  • 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.

Stonecast

  • 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.

Outdoor Fabrics

  • 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.
BRAND CONTENT* FEATURES/BENEFITS CLEANABILITY
Sunbrella 100% Solution Dyed Acrylic

• UV stable
• Fade resistant
• Water resistant
• Stain resistant
• Mold and mildew resistant

Mild soap and water solution
1 cup bleach, 1/4 cup mild soap to 1 gallon water

Revolution 100% Solution Dyed Olefin made with upcycled fibers • UV stable
• Fade resistant
• Water resistant
• Stain resistant
• Anti-microbial
Mild soap and water solution
1 oz bleach to 30 oz water
Outdura 100% Solution Dyed Acrylic • UV stable
• Fade resistant
• Water resistant
• Stain resistant
• Mold and mildew resistant
Mild soap and water solution
10% bleach to water solution
Inside Out Endurance Leather 80% Thermo Polyurethane, 20% Polyester • Water repellant
• Fade resistant
• Mold and mildew resistant
Mild soap and water solution
1 oz bleach to 30 oz water

*Some patterns may contain small amounts of other fibers