Handcrafted Furniture for a Lifetime
Located in the heart of Thornbury, C&G Solid Wood Furniture is a family-owned business with a rich history of craftsmanship and community. Owned by Laureen Carragher, the store is known for its locally sourced, custom-built furniture that blends quality and functionality. After nearly 50 years of operation, C&G Solid Wood Furniture has made a name for itself as a trusted provider of high-quality, made-to-order pieces that cater to the unique needs of the Thornbury community.
A Family Legacy of Craftsmanship
The story of C&G Solid Wood Furniture began nearly 50 years ago when Laureen's father and his friend purchased the Pine and Oak Shop. "They changed the name to C&G, using the first letters of their last names, and continued selling quality furniture," explains Laureen. "After they bought the Pine and Oak Shop, it became a well-known business in the area."
For decades, the family business operated under the name C&G Pine and Oak Shop, but as furniture trends changed, so did the company's approach. "About 20 years ago, we saw a shift in the furniture industry. We were known for pine and oak, but other types of wood were becoming more popular. So we decided to rebrand as C&G Solid Wood Furniture," Laureen says. "We wanted to reflect the broader range of wood products we were offering while keeping our legacy intact."
"I grew up on the shop floor, making furniture with my dad," Laureen recalls. "I remember gluing planks together, sanding the boards, and going into the finishing room. I learned the trade from the ground up, which has stuck with me throughout my career."
The Birth of a Thornbury Store
Laureen had long been a part-time resident of Thornbury, and after years of working in Cambridge, she opened the Thornbury location to be closer to her community. "I really wanted to be part of this town," she explains. "I love Thornbury. It has a unique energy and a place where people come to relax, enjoy, and entertain. Our furniture pieces are designed to reflect that lifestyle.”
Made-to-Order, Locally Sourced Furniture
At C&G Solid Wood Furniture, the focus is on locally sourced materials and custom-built pieces. "We don't import anything," says Laureen. "Everything we do is made locally. We work with materials sourced within a two-hour radius of Thornbury. Our customers can choose from a variety of options, from wood types to finishes, to create the perfect piece for their home."
Every item is made to order, and the store offers a wide selection of furniture, from dining tables to custom-built cabinets. "It's not just about the furniture," Laureen notes. "It's about offering a personalized experience where customers can be involved in the design process. If you want to change the size, colour, or even the hardware, we can do that for you."
Popular Pieces and Custom Creations
Dining tables are among the most popular pieces at C&G Solid Wood Furniture, a reflection of the social and family-focused nature of the Thornbury area. "People here entertain a lot, and the dining room is an important space in their homes," Laureen explains. "We create custom tables that can accommodate large gatherings, and it's always fun to figure out the design that works best for each customer."
According to Laureen, one of the most rewarding aspects of the business is seeing the final product in action. "I had a customer who wanted a large dining table for their family, and after we delivered it, they sent me a photo of their first Christmas dinner at the table. It was amazing to see how happy they were. It really makes all the effort worthwhile."
Support for Local Businesses and Community Growth
For Laureen, being a part of the Thornbury community goes beyond just running a business. She's actively involved in local events and looks forward to contributing even more as her full-time presence in the town increases. "I'm excited to be part of the BIA and get involved in events like the Old-Fashioned Christmas," she says. "It's the kind of community where businesses support each other, and that's something I'm proud to be a part of."
Looking Ahead: More Community Involvement and Personal Connections
With the closure of the Cambridge location, C&G Solid Wood Furniture is focusing on its Thornbury location for the future. "I'm excited to be able to focus all my energy on the Thornbury store," says Laureen. "I'll be more involved with the community, and I'm looking forward to meeting more people I've worked with for years but haven't had the chance to meet face-to-face."
Being part of the Thornbury community is something Laureen values deeply. "Thornbury is such a welcoming, vibrant town," she says. "It's nice to walk into the store and see familiar faces. I love talking to customers and making connections. It really brings a sense of purpose to the work we do."
A Business Rooted in History and Looking to the Future
With nearly 50 years in the business, C&G Solid Wood Furniture has become a staple in Thornbury and a trusted name for custom, locally made furniture. Laureen is excited to carry the legacy forward, focusing on what makes the store special: personalized service, quality craftsmanship, and a deep connection to the community.
If you're in the Thornbury area, visit C&G Solid Wood Furniture at 59 Arthur St W to explore their selection of custom furniture and home décor. Learn more at cgsolidwoodfurniture.com and follow them on Instagram and Facebook.