Michael Thomas - Detailed Construction


Springs A very successful manufacturer published a national ad a few weeks ago. In order to justify their use of "no-sag" springs, the ad stated that 8 way hand-tied springs were as archaic as the typewriter. "No-sag" springs have been around since the typewriter in economically priced furniture and, obviously, they are still used today. When there is a more durable spring system, we will consider using it. Meanwhile, we will continue to use 8 way hand-tied springs because it is, quite simply, the best.

Fabric Cutting Fabrics are cut by hand, once piece at a time. We do not stack fabrics or use automated cutting machines because we match everything. Our cutters work with patterns so the "theme" will match on your furniture just as it is seen on the uncut bolt. We have over 800 fabrics in stock but will gladly accept your fabrics.

Upholstery Many of our craftsmen learned their trade from their parents. Your furniture will be hand crafted by an experienced upholsterer to the best of his or her ability. Pride runs deep and it shows: Fully lined skirts, crisp welts, detailed throw pillows and matched patterns are accomplished only by caring hands . . . one at a time.

Wood Finishing We offer a variety of colors and textures that are hand applied to compliment any décor. Our exposed wood pieces are meticulously sanded in preparation for your selected finish. Some of our finishes require as many as fourteen steps to insure tone and luster. These steps cannot be hurried. After all, quality takes careful hands and time.

Leather Many of our pieces are available in all leather or leather/fabric combinations. With proper care, leather can endure for generations. We select only the finest leathers. We have aniline dyed, drum dyed, corrected and buffed leathers in stock. All are top grain, high quality products carefully selected to enhance your particular lifestyle.

Final Inspection During the manufacturing process, each piece goes through several "in-line" inspection points. The final inspection is the most critical. Our inspectors look for proper pattern matching, deep pleats, crisp welts, etc. They even look for errant strings beneath the skirts. Finally, they insure each piece is expertly padded and packed to make sure your new furniture arrives in perfect condition.

Cushions & Loose Back Pillows Since our founding in 1983, Michael Thomas has used, as standard, Super Spring-down® cushions. There are many spring-down cushions available and most manufactures charge $150 to $300 for the option. Most of these cushions contain a "Marshall unit" spring system consisting of approximately forty springs per cushion. Our Super Spring-down® (not an assembled unit) consists of hand set springs with 85 or more springs per cushion. This construction insures years of enduring comfort.
Foam: All Michael Thomas cushions are hand cut to insure a proper fit in seating cavity to your new furniture. Skilled hands using electric knives for precise edges cut high-density polyurethane foam.
Springs: The springs are manufactured in a continuous belt, each encased in it's own pocket. This method keeps the springs upright and operating together. The "belt" of springs is then placed by hand into the cushion core. The top of the cushion is glued into place and the "heart of the cushion" is formed.
Blendown: A precise mix of Dacron® polyester fiber and down, Blendown is blown into a down-proof, tightly woven muslin ticking. This luxurious blanket is then sewn around the cushion core that will give each cushion a high crown look and feel.
Backs: All loose pillow backs are Blendown. Each pillow has Blendown blown in the down-proof ticking. These pillows contain two or three channels that run horizontally across each pillow. This reduces the "settling" effect of the Blendown. Like any pillow, the back should be "fluffed" occasionally.