Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Funshine For The Sunshine

Quality is the key word at Funshine Furniture.

Ken Richards, owner of the area's new company, said they are shooting for early May as the official opening date.

However, product is being made at the plant already.

In fact, Richards is working on a contract for 500,000 six-foot rough-wood tomato stakes to be sent to California for that state's growing season. As of Monday, April 13, all lacking to complete the deal was a purchase order from the California grower.

Once the facility is fully operational, Richards hopes to employ 20 people for the production of outdoor wood furniture products.

Richardson moved his plant from Haughton, La. to Prescott to be closer to the supply of raw material.

However, once he arrived in the area, he learned of the need and demand for specialty wood products.

He said the production of the wood furniture products will be seasonal, but the company is working on methods of keeping people going all year long.

Some of the furniture to be built include square picnic tables with 46-inch tops with benches attached. Eight adults should be able to sit at this table comfortably.

The company's standard picnic table will also seat six to eight adults.

Adirondack chairs will also be manufactured at the plant. These chairs have gentle, sloping designs to be more comfortable for the lower back and makes getting up easier as well. These chairs will be available in both normal and rocker styles.

Wooden gliders are also on tap at Funshine Furniture. The gliders come with U-shaped frames and the same comfort features as the Adirondack chairs. A settee is offered with straight legs instead of the U-frame as well.

What home is complete without a swing. Funshine's swing and A-frame are solidly built with rounded fronts for more comfort. Chains are outside the armrests, which also have beverage holders built in.

These swings can be used with the frame or as standard porch swings.

Funshine will also make planters once the plant is up and running.

The best part about the furniture Richards will be making is how easy it is to care for. Basically, there's no maintenance, other than an occasional cleaning.

All furniture is made from hand-selected southern yellow pine. Richards uses an exclusive Ultrawood treating process for protection.

The furniture can be left in its natural state, stained or painted, according to the owner's taste and desire.

The furniture is built from 1.25-inch and two-inch lumber, with the Ultrawood process garnering a limited 50 year warranty for water repellency, rot, decay and termites.

This wood, Richard said, weathers more slowly than other wood treatments. With this treatment no other water seal treatment is needed.

The furniture is designed for comfort as well as style, and will come mostly assembled.

For more information about the furniture, call 887-1947, or toll-free, 1-888-276-9981.

Funshine Furniture is located at 222 East First Street North in Prescott.