Bernhard Woodworking:
A European Tradition with
21st Century Knowledge By
Jennifer MartinFor the highly experienced craftsmen at Bernhard Woodworking, Ltd., architectural woodwork goes
beyond simple manufacturing. It involves translating
the client’s taste into a finished product that reflects the time-honored crafting traditions of Europe but also 21st-century sophistication. Bernhard works to create
a marriage of knowledge, skill and service to deliver a unique and beautiful product to each customer.
The firm generates a wide palette of fine wood
creations, including wall panels, molding, casework,
display cases, tables, cabinetry and even cash
register stands. Its products can be found not only in private homes but also in public institutions such as Macy’s, Saks Fifth
Avenue, Water Tower Place and The Art Institute of Chicago.
“Each project begins with a detailed consultation with the client, and the client signs off on both the drawings and the estimate
before a single cut is made,” says President Mark Bernhard. “Any aspects of the design that require special attention are
identified and resolved before the project begins.”
Bernhard’s father, Pius “Pete” Bernhard, founded the company after arriving to America from Germany in 1951. Then a 21-year
-old, Pete Bernhard worked for a time making cabinetry and church furniture before launching his own woodworking company.
Mark Bernhard learned from his father a dedication to high quality.
“He would tell people, ‘You’ll never say that I do cheap work,’ and he meant it in the best sense,” Bernhard says.
Bernhard Woodworking take special care in the selection and matching of materials. Craftsmen perform a veneer lay-up on
a custom-built veneer press, allowing them to balance the grain, burl, texture and color of each panel to bring out the
characteristic beauty of each wood species.
The company uses highly specialized machinery with many types of saws, joiners, routers and sanders, and even grinds its
own molding knives, with more than 500 in stock. Its multi-head molder can mill almost any profile. Panels, frames, drawer
glides, glass, trim and other sections are assembled from the ground up at the company’s 100,000-square-foot facility in
Northbrook.
The company also uses a custom-engineered, German-built finishing system to bring out the best in stains, lacquers,
enamels and urethanes. The finishing process uses a highly efficient water-wash system, unlike dry systems that result in
unhealthy working conditions, surface contamination and poor finish quality.
Pete Bernhard was a man who cared about details and also cared about his staff, and that philosophy continues at the company today. Bernhard carefully selects employees who are passionate about their craft, then provides them with the support they need to create a superior product. “Our average employee has been here for 12 years,” Bernhard says. “These are people who love what they do.”
That dedication to quality has drawn attention as Bernhard Woodworking products have been sought out by major corporations such as Dean Witter/Discover, Alliance Capital, BP Amoco and Old Orchard Mall. The company has even been commissioned to do yacht fixtures, including a 177-foot ship in New Orleans. But regardless of the size or scope of the project, the approach of striving for excellent customer service and fine craftsmanship remains the same.
“Everything pays off when you see a beautiful, finished product every time, and a satisfied customer,” Bernhard says. “My father chose a very rewarding trade.”
Bernhard Woodwork Ltd.3670 Woodhead Drive
Northbrook, IL 60062
847.291.1040
847.291.1184
www.bernhardwoodwork.com