About Troutman Chair Company - Still Made in the USA

Founded in 1924 in the foothills of North Carolina, Troutman Chair Company has long been known for making the best oak rocking chairs, chairs, and stools. Troutman products are constructed without glue, using a technique called swelled joint construction. Having their own sawmill allows Troutman to use this technique. Larger posts (front and back) are seasoned 6 to 9 months and smaller rounds (rungs) are kiln dried. With the variance in moisture content, the small posts absorb moisture from the large and swell, while the larger posts lose moisture and shrink, making a much tighter fit than if they had been glued together. A Troutman chair will get tighter over time.

Their "tight fit" also comes from interlocking joinery. This process is one in which the front and back frames of the chair and rockers are assembled separately. When these two parts are snapped together, the boring on each frame notches the dowel on the front post and back post making it near impossible for the front or back assembly to be pulled apart.

These processes are just two of the many that make Troutman products built for lifetimes of use. Troutman considers the art of rocking a time honored southern tradition and are steadfast in their mission to preserve that tradition and share it with the rest of the world. Troutman products are designed an built to be handed down as heirlooms.

Ever been to the Charlotte NC airport and seen rockers lining the terminals? Those are Troutman rockers! Read the Statesville Record & Landmark article published June 24, 2012.

Troutman Chair Advantages

NO GLUE is used in their North Carolina made products. Shaker design and construction techniques are used in putting the chairs together. Troutman chairs are tomorrows heirlooms.

SWELLED JOINT CONSTRUCTION - a technique of furniture construction borrowed from Shaker design. Larger posts (front and back) are air dried 6 to 9 months and smaller posts (rungs) are kiln dried. With the variance in moisture content, the small post swell and the larger posts shrink, making a much tighter fit than if they had been glued. A Troutman chair will get tighter over time.

INTERLOCKING JOINERY - the front frame and back frame are assembled separately. When these two parts are clamped together, the boring on each frame notches the dowel on the front post and the back post making it nearly impossible for the front assemble or back assembly to be pulled apart. This is another technique of shaker construction. No one else uses this technique. Consumers expect to pay more for quality handcrafted items.

Troutman Trademark Extras

• Curved backs on rocking chairs
   
• Double scooped seats in rockers, chairs, and stools
   
• Stainless steel nails and arm braces - no rust!
   
• Trademark design on rockers, which is why they are so comfortable.
   
• Steam bent back posts on our chairs.
   
• Flexible finishing - ask to have your seat in a contrasting stain or color on a deluxe finish chair.
   
• No shortcuts - We will not take any shortcuts that would interfere with the comfort and integrity of our products.
   
• Guarantee that we will continue to improve our products and services.

Troutman Chair Company in the News

February 17, 2009 - Troutman Chair acquires rights to Kennedy rocker
Also buys inventory, equipment from P&P Chair.
Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, February 17, 2009
TROUTMAN, N.C. — Troutman Chair has acquired the rights to the Kennedy Rocker from fellow North Carolina manufacturer P&P Chair Co., which shut down its operations in December.