By Kate Bartlett
Chautauqua Woods is a family run, woman and minority owned business with a legacy of creating bespoke, high-end solid wood doors for clients across the United States. Based in Dunkirk, their manufacturing plant houses the entire hand-crafted process, ensuring exceptional quality and attention to detail. Their doors can be found in many local projects, including The White Inn, as well as prestigious institutions further afield such as Princeton and Cornell Universities.
Founded in 1990, the Chautauqua Woods team is led by Bia Khan, the owner and President of the company. “Bia has long admired the tradition of woodworking in this area,” says Kiran Khan, Bia’s daughter, and creative director for the company.
Inn in Fredonia (pictured). Chautauqua Woods replaced the main entrance
doors as well as all interior wood doors on the fi rst fl oor of this historic reconstruction
project. Their work can also be seen on the Dunkirk Library, Chautauqua
Institution, Niagara Falls Customs House and on many residential projects
throughout WNY. Photo/Jeremy Lesch-Wragge www.jeremylw.com
Upon completing her degree in fine arts and photography, Kiran joined Chautauqua Woods in 2004. “I’ve been able to merge my passion for photography and business,” says Kiran. “I’ve always had an interest in entrepreneurship, so it’s been a great fit.” In line with the company’s focus on historical and landmark projects, Kiran continues to develop her expertise in all technical aspects of historical design. A deep understanding of woodworking and construction methods have made her an integral contributor to the engineering and design team.
With a team of highly skilled woodworkers and craftsmen, each door features hand-crafted artisanship at their facility in Dunkirk. “Everything is made from the finest grade of lumber,” explains Kiran. Each board is hand selected and every step in the process from machining to finishing is completed in-house. “We pay very close attention to detail,” explains Kiran. “Our craftsmen have very high standards, and a keen eye for detail.”
For exterior doors and entryways, Chautauqua Woods recommends using hardwoods like White Oak and Mahogany as they are most stable for the weather conditions in the Northeast. For interior doors, Cherry, Poplar, and Walnut are commonly used.
Styles range from traditional to contemporary to elaborate designs with carved components. “Nearly every door we create is one-of-a-kind,” says Kiran. “Our customers seek us out because they want something special and unique; Some want a design that can’t be found in a catalog while others want a distressed finish that no one else can replicate.”
All projects are by request, and details of the design fine-tuned in collaboration with the customer. “Whether you seek a classic aesthetic for your home, a contemporary design for your commercial space, or a precise replication for a historical building, each door is meticulously tailored to your exact specifications.” says Kiran.
While Chautauqua Woods is well known for their doors and entryways, they have also been commissioned for specialty projects including custom furniture, conference room tables, and wall panels. Chautauqua Woods has completed work both locally and around the United States, most commonly along the East Coast. They’ve replaced over 200 historical doors at Princeton University, as well as numerous Landmark projects for the New York Public Library.
Locally, Chautauqua Woods recently completed doors for the historic White Inn in Fredonia. “It was an honor to work on this renovation project in our community. It’s so meaningful to us to complete work locally and for our community, to enjoy.” Chautauqua Woods replaced the main entrance doors as well as all interior wood doors on the first floor of this historic reconstruction project. Their work can also be seen on the Dunkirk Library, Chautauqua Institution, Niagara Falls Customs House and on many residential projects throughout Western New York.
Chautauqua Woods also has a focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing. All the lumber is FSC Certified and carefully sourced from trusted suppliers with sustainable practices. “Our company participates in reforestation initiatives and use sustainable sourcing practices to minimize our environmental impact.”
In recent years, Kiran has noticed a renewed interest in the craft of woodworking and is thrilled to be a part of this movement. “It’s such a beautiful artform and our craftsmen take such pride in everything they create. We’re always seeking new individuals to join our team. Anyone with a passion or interest in woodworking is encouraged to reach out.”
For more information visit www.cwdoors.us or email customerservice@cwdoors.us
To schedule a tour of the facility at 134 Franklin Ave, Dunkirk, please contact Kiran Khan at kiran@cwdoors.us
Continuation Caption: Locally, Chautauqua Woods recently completed doors for the historic White Inn in Fredonia (pictured). Chautauqua Woods replaced the main entrance doors as well as all interior wood doors on the first floor of this historic reconstruction project. Their work can also be seen on the Dunkirk Library, Chautauqua Institution, Niagara Falls Customs House and on many residential projects throughout Western New York.