About Sustainability -

Questions about sustainability and environmental friendliness are being asked more and more these days about the wood and wood products that go into our work.  Since environmental responsibility runs deep in our personal lives we are compelled to address these concerns.  We can assure our clients that they are getting a product that not only will last for generations but one that was made in consideration of those future generations.

Because environmental stewardship has finally become a mainstream issue many woods, veneers and other wood products are now available certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).  All domestic solid woods like cherry, maple and walnut are available with FSC certification, as are many exotics such as mahogany, bubinga and teak.  We also always buy certified plywoods whenever possible and all of the fiber based platform material (mdf) we use is from 100% recycled wood fibers with no added formaldehyde.  Our commitment to environmental sustainability is such that if the material is available certified, there is no reason not to use it.

We also recently have implemented this reasoning into our finishing and are exploring new waterborne finishes that deliver the same high quality results as the more traditional solvent based finishes.

About us

For over 25 years our founder Carlos Taylor-Swanson has been creating objects of lasting beauty out of wood. From a picture framing shop in the Chicago area, Taylor-Swanson moved to work in one of Seattle’s prestigious fine art galleries. He later purchased a custom framing and gallery business in LaConner, Washington. During the next 7 years Taylor-Swanson achieved notoriety winning several regional and national awards for his creative framing designs. Eager for new challenges, Taylor-Swanson capitalized on his extensive art and design background and found a challenging career in the luxury yacht industry specializing in the custom veneering of the interior woodwork. The opportunity to work at a level without compromise proved to be both educational and rewarding. Over the last 10 years he has been involved in creating several of the most elegant yacht interiors built in the US.

Building Madera Fine Decorative Furnishings, LLC has taken time. Starting out as a part-time venture, Taylor-Swanson’s work has included built-in entertainment centers, a residential stair hand-rail system, woodwork repair in a vintage Rolls Royce, a lighted pedestal for a sculpture by Dale Chihuly, custom-designed entry tables and a complete remodel of the salon interior for a 65 - foot yacht. Now Madera Fine Decorative Furnishings has his energies full-time. Madera and Gallery Madera will grant Taylor-Swanson the opportunity to join together his love of woodworking, his passion for art and his desire to promote community.

Where to Find Us…

From I-5 Northbound and Southbound, take the downtown Tacoma exit (I 705) merge right to exit to the Tacoma Dome. At the end of the ramp (S. 26th st.) turn left.  At the second light (Pacific Ave.) turn right, proceed to S. 23rd and turn right.  Turn left onto Court A (alley) and we’re halfway up the block on the left.

For customized driving directions from your location and a larger map, see our address through MapQuest.