prie Dieu

The Sandal Woods prayer kneeler

prie Dieu, prayer bench

 

Welcome!

Below you will find the Price List for my custom-made kneelers. On the list I show the various native woods I suggest, and the main features of the kneelers. I invite you to visit my Photo Gallery; there you will see how I built a couple of units, for two special clients – I let the photos tell the story.

Thanks for taking the time to visit! If you need additional information, please contact me as follows:

• Via e-mail, to the following address: alnavas.sandalwoods@gmail.com.

• If you prefer to call me, my mobile number is: .

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This was the beginning —
donated to a Silent Auction, for a parish school:

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Our only daughter and her family are Roman Catholic. Her girls are growing up quickly; they know that God is in their lives every day, and every waking hour. Some years ago their parish had a fund raiser for the parish school; I made this pried dieu (kneeler) using some quarter-sawn sycamore harvested from our property, and donated the kneeler to be sold at their Silent Auction.

This model featured folding legs, to allow moving in a more compact form. Once in its new location, the legs are unfolded to provide much better stability. In the folded position the unit is top-heavy. But it takes only a second or two to unfold the legs!

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Price list:

• Oak or walnut, 1-1/2-inch thick top*, folding legs, similar to the model on the image on the right: $525
• Oak or walnut, 1-inch thick top, folding legs, similar to the model on the image above: $485
• Maple or cherry, 1-1/2-inch thick top*, folding legs, similar to the model on the image on the right: $562
• Maple or cherry, 1-inch thick top, folding legs, similar to the model on the image above: $525

For the same woods and features, but non-folding legs, subtract $50:

• Oak or walnut, 1-1/2-inch thick top*, non-folding legs, similar to the model on the image on the right: $462
• Oak or walnut, 1-inch thick top, non-folding legs, similar to the model on the image above: $412
• Maple or cherry, 1-1/2-inch thick top*, non-folding legs, similar to the model on the image on the right: $500
• Maple or cherry, 1-inch thick top, non-folding legs, similar to the model on the image above: $462

Note 1: Kneelers with non-folding legs will be shipped with the legs disassembled. Hardware will be supplied for assembly by the client.

*Note 2: Although I believe the thicker top is aesthetically more pleasing, it makes the kneeler top-heavy; yet it is the top thickness I recommend. However, some customers have mentioned to me that they think the thicker top makes it top-heavy.

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The kneeling cushion:

The kneelers I build feature a removable cushion. Made of high-density, fine-furniture grade foam, this cushion will provide long life and comfort. Although more work is required to make the kneeler this way, I believe it should be removable so that the client can replace it at a convenient time, and before it deteriorates too much. I recommend that clients purchase their own fabric and ship it to me (I will provide a shipping address). Or, if you choose, I can select a standard-grade fabric at no extra cost, once I know the color you prefer..

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What happened after I built the first kneeler:

To document my build of the prie dieu, I published on the blog several text-only articles. In addition, three video episodes of the build of that first prie dieu resulted in requests for quotations from prospective clients from all over the U.S. (including Alaska and Hawaii), Europe, Asia, and even Australia! I invite you to read the various articles, and to watch the videos, at this link.

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Details of handling and shipping charges:

1. Handling/crating: For each unit I build, I create a custom-made crate. I first wrap the entire kneeler in non-stick bubble wrap, from top to bottom; I have found this is the best thing to use to prevent marring of the finish. I then create the back wall of the crate using double-walled, 275-lb. test cardboard attached to 1X3-inch pine boards, cut to the length of each unit; the cardboard faces the bubble wrap-this way, the wood cannot mar the finish on the kneeler. I proceed to make the second wall, for the front of the unit, in the same fashion as the back wall, and finally I connect the front and back walls using 1″X3″ boards. To the outside of this crate I staple 275-lb. test cardboard, leaving an air space approximately 1-inch wide to provide additional protection to the prie dieu. As the size varies according to the person’s kneeling height, each crate is made special for each unit. Typical crating/handling cost: $55 to $65, depending on the size of the unit.
2. Shipping cost: I charge the exact shipping cost via UPS, no more and no less. Typical shipping costs have run in the range $55 to $85, and will vary according to the total weight of each prie dieu, and the zip code of my clients.
3. Finish applied: At no extra cost to you, I use a very durable, hard, and chemically resistant varnish, for long-term protection of your beautiful prayer kneeler/bench.

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Native woods available to me locally:

• From one saw mill, and from one local distributor: We have several saw mills close to our home. However, I deal primarily with Simpson & Sons Saw Mill (you will find them listed on the Sidebar, just under my blog sponsors), just South of town, and also with Liberty Hardwoods, a huge lumber supply company about 45 minutes South of us.
• I use native woods primarily: I have found that my clients prefer native hardwoods for their prie dieu models. Once I receive an order, I proceed to purchase the lumber, and store it in the shop until the moisture level stabilizes. This results in the least waste, and best results; it means the wood will not warp or cup, and the units remain beautiful. The price of lumber fluctuates some, but local availability, and working with the local suppliers pretty much ensures I can deliver your prie dieu in a timely manner.
• Wood choices: Cherry, walnut, red oak, white oak, ash, and maple.

I thank you for your attention, and for wanting to have one of my prayer kneeler models!

— Al Navas, Woodworker

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Postscript: From the Merriam-Webster dictionary:

1 : a kneeling bench designed for use by a person at prayer and fitted with a raised shelf on which the elbows or a book may be rested
2 : a low armless upholstered chair with a high straight back

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