“Can you bottle this?” I asked Joe Pollak, co-owner of Maine Dovetail, a drawer box manufacturer at 36 Rochester St., Westbrook. My request was in reference to the aroma of wood shavings. Once my senses adjusted to the incredible scent, I took in the sight of the stacks of finished wood products awaiting pick up: shelves, cabinets, and lots of drawers, the specialty of Maine Dovetail. The dovetailed corners of the drawers resemble the clasped hands of someone in deep thought, wood fingers at each corner interlocking in perfectly angled symmetry.
Maine Dovetail was established in 2000, and became a woman-owned business in 2003, when Ann Pollak became principal partner and president. Their customer base consists of custom cabinetmakers, 90 percent based in Maine. A few years ago, Maine Dovetail had an interesting commission. They were asked to build drawers for huts located along the Appalachian Trail. The sturdy drawers had to be helicoptered to their remote destinations, which is how I’ve always wanted to do the trail.
I was introduced to Maine Dovetail when I required nine drawers for my newly adjusted kitchen. I wouldn’t call it remodeled, it has been more of a structural process that began the moment I slammed my ankle into the open door of the dishwasher. The adjustment was necessary because of the narrow passageway between the open dishwasher door and the island cabinet.
Maine Dovetail was happy to manufacture the required drawers. In addition to the new drawers, I needed drawer fronts to match my existing kitchen cabinetry. No problem.
Maine Dovetail works with a New England manufacturer who matched the style and thickness of my cabinetry. My kitchen cabinets had a high-end “stressed” finish, and I accepted the challenge to replicate that look on my new drawer fronts. I drove a couple of small nails through a scrap of wood so only a couple millimeters protruded. Choosing a few random spots, I hammered my small tool into the drawer front creating fake wormholes. I returned the now stressed drawer fronts to the shop. There, they were put through Maine Dovetail’s state-of-the-art spray room. The drawers emerged glossy and beautiful, with an authentic look of being gently nibbled by worms.
Maine Dovetail drawers are made of solid side panels of ash or maple. These hardwoods are chosen as they have consistency in wood grain and color, which means there are fewer knots and less wasted material. Ann and Joe purchase most of the material used in the manufacturing process from suppliers based in New England, most of whom are also smaller family-owned businesses.
The amazing part of this whole process was not just the cost savings. The best part of my remodeling job was the patience and flexibility Maine Dovetail offered. Matching my existing cabinetry style and color required thorough and effective communication. Joe and Ann Pollak both understood and heard my numerous requests, corrections and questions.
Making things in the USA is like making homemade bread: it doesn’t happen often enough, but when it does, it is fantastic.
Cathy Nichols is a resident of Falmouth.
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