08/05/2025

Posted By: DreamingCode Admin

At Oregon Corrections Enterprises (OCE), we believe in creating opportunities that build skills, foster teamwork, and result in high-quality, long-lasting products. One standout example of that mission in action is the making of our Rogue Chair—handcrafted with care by adults in custody (AICs) in the Wood and Upholstery Shops at Two Rivers Correctional Institution (TRCI).

This blog takes you behind the scenes, following the Rogue Chair's journey from raw material to a finished, upholstered masterpiece. Through each phase of production, you'll see how precision, collaboration, and craftsmanship come together to create a piece of furniture built to last.

Step 1: Milling the Wood

Every Rogue Chair begins as a simple stack of raw lumber. Before the milling even starts, the materials are carefully selected and staged — a process that sets the tone for the precision and care that follows. From this point forward, the transformation is entirely driven by the skill and teamwork of AICs in our Wood and Upholstery Shops at TRCI.

Step 2: Cutting, Shaping, and Joinery

Next, the chair legs and frame components are cut and shaped. Mortise and tenon joinery is used—one of the most trusted woodworking techniques for durability and strength. It's here that skill and attention to detail really shine.

Step 3: Sanding and Finishing

Once assembled, each part is sanded smooth and prepared for finish. Our teams apply spray finishes in a controlled environment to ensure consistency and beauty. This step brings out the natural warmth and character of the wood.

Step 4: Foam and Fabric Cutting in the Upholstery Shop

Meanwhile, in the Upholstery Shop, foam is precision-cut and shaped to fit each chair. Fabric is also cut and prepped according to each chair's specifications. These pieces are then brought together as the upholstery process begins.

Step 5: Applying the Upholstery

With foam and fabric ready, upholstery glue is sprayed, and each seat is carefully assembled. AICs in the Upholstery Shop work with precision to ensure that every seat is comfortable, cleanly finished, and built for everyday use.

Step 6: Final Assembly

The final step is bringing all the components together. Upholstered seats are attached to finished frames, and each Rogue Chair is inspected to meet OCE's quality standards. The result: a chair that is both functional and beautifully made.

Teamwork Makes the Process

What makes this chair—and every OCE product—truly special is the collaboration behind it. The Wood Shop and Upholstery Shop work together, each contributing their part to the process. It's not just a product; it's a reflection of shared effort, mutual respect, and personal growth.

This project highlights what's possible when training, teamwork, and dedication meet opportunity. The skills developed here—woodworking, upholstery, machine operation, problem-solving—are ones that can serve AICs long after their time in the program.

Built to Last

The Rogue Chair, like all OCE furniture, is made with durability in mind. It's built to withstand years of use in office, hospitality, or public spaces—combining comfort, style, and strength.

Whether you're sitting in one of our chairs, working at one of our desks, or walking past one of our signs, you're experiencing the outcome of a program that's helping rebuild lives, one skill at a time.