Blog

Questions about beds and mattresses answered. And some stories told.

Crate Designs Furniture is a Canadian company specializing in solid wood furniture, based in Chesley, Ontario. Their factory continues a long local manufacturing tradition: in fact, Crate Designs traces its roots back, through predecessor firms, to the early 20th century. Over time, the company evolved from making occasional furniture into a broader portfolio of bedroom, living room, dining, and office pieces — with particular emphasis on quality wood construction, customization, and durability.

Crate Designs describes its mission simply: to “manufacture solid wood furniture that lasts a lifetime.” They emphasize Canadian-made quality and the ability to choose among many sizes, finishes, fabrics, and styles to fit different needs. Their product line includes numerous styles of beds — such as panel, Shaker, mission, timber-frame, “WildRoots,” and “HarvestRoots” collections — as well as storage beds, daybeds, and bunk beds. They also supply furniture to institutions like private schools and group homes, in addition to serving individual homeowners.

Because they do their manufacturing in Ontario and maintain control over production, Crate Designs is often recommended by Canadian retailers for custom or made-to-order wood beds. The company also participates in the “Ontario Made” program, reinforcing its identity as a local, high-quality wood furniture manufacturer.

In short: Crate Designs is a solid wood furniture brand with deep Canadian roots, a commitment to craftsmanship, and a wide, configurable line of beds and bedroom furniture.

What Distinguishes Their Wood Beds (and Why One Might Buy Them)

If you’re in the market for a wood bed — that is, a bed frame primarily constructed from solid wood — there are several reasons someone might opt for Crate Designs over more mass-market alternatives.

1. Solid wood and high-quality materials

Crate Designs emphasizes that their furniture is made from solid wood rather than veneers or particle board. Solid wood tends to age better, resist wear, and is often repairable — you can sand, refinish, or touch up scratches over time. For anyone seeking durability and longevity, a solid wood bed is a stronger investment than most flat-pack or composite options.

2. Made in Canada and local craftsmanship

Because Crate Designs manufactures in Ontario, buying from them supports local industry and reduces reliance on imports. Shorter shipping distances also mean a lower risk of damage in transit. Local manufacturing allows for stricter quality oversight, higher accountability, and greater flexibility for customization.

3. Customization in sizes, finishes, and styles

One of the company’s biggest selling points is flexibility. Crate Designs offers multiple styles — from Shaker to mission to contemporary panel designs — along with various headboard heights, finishes, and optional add-ons like storage drawers or trundles. This range means their beds can easily fit your room dimensions, style preferences, and functional needs, something you often can’t get with mass-produced furniture.

4. Design that ages gracefully

Crate Designs furniture tends toward clean lines, simplicity, and timeless proportions. Their designs are not overly trendy or ornate, which means a bed purchased today is less likely to look dated in a decade or two. For furniture intended to last for decades, that classic sensibility is a real advantage.

5. Durability and long-term value

Because their beds are built to last, the higher upfront cost compared to cheaper alternatives can pay off over time. Fewer replacements and fewer repairs translate into better value per year of use. And if damage does occur, solid wood beds are far easier to repair or refinish than composite ones.

6. After-sales support, parts, and servicing

Crate Designs is known for offering strong customer service and access to replacement parts. Since they are based locally and specialize in wood furniture, they can often provide repairs, refinishing, or replacement components years after a purchase. That kind of long-term support is rare among big-box furniture companies.

7. Sustainability and ethical considerations

Solid wood furniture, when responsibly sourced, is typically more sustainable than furniture made with plastics or particle board. Maintaining and repairing a wooden bed over time creates far less environmental impact than disposing of and replacing cheaper pieces. Crate Designs’ identity as a Canadian manufacturer also aligns with sustainable values: supporting local jobs, reducing transportation emissions, and promoting long-lasting goods over disposable ones.

8. Strong reputation and specialization

Crate Designs has built its reputation on wood furniture — particularly beds. This specialization means the company has deep knowledge of how wood behaves over time: how it shrinks, expands, and responds to finishes. That expertise translates into better joinery, sturdier frames, and fewer surprises for the customer.

Nine Clouds Beds sells all Crate furniture models please contact us today.