We use this term because our products are well made, durable and of high quality, worth keeping for a long time. We use high quality materials and finishes, and each item is carefully assembled by hand to withstand the toughest of kids. Here is an example. It begins with selection of material measured for both dimension and thickness, which is then cut and sanded. Pockets are routed where two pieces are joined and holes bored for cross dowels and screws. Before assembly each piece is prep sanded, finished and sanded up to 4 times. Often, as in the case of the Duck Stool or train wheels, the part is masked to allow two color finishing. Mae Lou’s Duck Stool contains 42 pieces, all joined using both glue and 28 mechanical fasteners. The cut, finish and assembly represents the work of 5 separate craftsmen, all to insure that we meet the “heirloom” standard. We take “For this Generation and the Next,” seriously.