1354 Humboldt Ave, Chico     M-F 9-5 Sat 10-4     (530) 342-2510

0
0

Cart (0)

Continue Shopping
Home › Articles posted by Square Deal Team (Page 3)

Archives
Re-Upholstery

New Furniture

Acorn Custom Furniture is built to your specific decorating needs and styles. Please come in with your ideas and talk with one of our estimators to select the options for your piece of furniture or room ensemble.

Concept: Acorn is furniture where you get exactly what you want. Acorn is custom made hardwood framed headboards and furniture in all shapes and sizes. Custom furniture means you don’t have to settle for what is on the floor at a conventional furniture store. You pick the furniture style from several sofa, sleeper, sectional, and chair styles. You select from thousands of designer fabrics. Acorn will then handcraft your custom-made furniture. Have you found your look in a magazine? Bring in the picture and see what we can do.

Construction: Acorn custom furniture is carefully planned, constructed and upholstered to meet exacting specifications. Trained specialist in the areas of fabric cutting, sewing, frame building, and upholstering work on one piece at a time. Every piece of furniture is inspected several times during construction to ensure that craftsmanship is kept at the highest level. Acorn custom made furniture offers a lifetime warranty on the frame and springs to ensure that you receive the most durable product.

Frame: Acorn furniture frames are constructed one frame at a time. Our frames provide exceptional strength made from select hardwoods and furniture grade plywood. All structural joints are double dowelled and glued. We corner block all necessary joints. Our unique frame designs add to the integrity of every Acorn piece of furniture. Acorn frames are constructed in a traditional manner and only genuine improvements in technique and materials have been adopted through the years.

Springs: Acorn guaranteed springs of 8.5-gauge tempered steel are double tied with 16-gauge wire for durability. Most frames are soft edged to add life to the cushions. (Due to design restrictions, a few pieces of furniture are constructed with elasbelt webbing.)

Fabric: Acorn has a large selection of designer fabrics for you to choose from. Tapestries, cotton prints, stripes, solids and plaids are all hand matched and cut one piece at a time for a perfect fit and appearance.

Padding: The interior and exterior surfaces of all frames are padded to offer the utmost in seating comfort while protecting the fabric from the hard edges of the solid wood frame.

Cushioning: The standard cushion fill is high-resiliency polyurethane foam wrapped in dacron polyester. Back pillows are individually filled with soft HR foam and dacron wraps.Other options are natural latex rubber, down wrapped polyurethane foam, solid down, spring filled and more. Throw pillows are filled with cluster fiber, a resilient dacron product. Goose down or duck down are other options. All cushions and pillows have zippers for easier handling and cleaning.

Sleepers: Most styles are available as sleepers in king, queen, full or twin. Foam mattresses are standard and premium innerspring mattresses by Square Deal Mattress Factory are optional.
Lifestyle

Become a Morning Person overnight!

Do you get up in the middle of the night and move to the sofa because you are waking up uncomfortable in your mattress? This may be a sign you need a new mattress or it could be that you just need a little more cushioning for your pressure points at your hips and shoulders.

For many years it has been said a firmer mattress is recommended for your back. Today, the experts are concluding that a medium-firm mattress is better for easing lower back pain, especially for side sleepers. If you still love your mattress but want to add a plushier comfort layer you can add a mattress topper. A mattress topper is a thick cushion of padding that will cover your mattress.

A topper is loose to the mattress which allows it to mold according to your body to provide the ultimate luxurious comfort, supporting of your neck, back and various pressure points to get rid of uncomfortable pain and aches.

Whether you prefer memory foam, latex, feathers, polyester or wool, a mattress topper is a wonderful addition to your bed. If your mattress already has a decent amount of padding, such as a pillow top, a memory foam topper of about 2 inches would be recommended as a good topper. If your mattress is particularly firm or worn out, then a layer of latex or poly foam in the thickness of 3 to 4 inches is suggested to help aid you in a supportive comfort.

Contact us to find out more.
Re-Upholstery

How to re-fill pillows and cushions

Have you ever felt like you are so sunk into your sofa or chair that you need a rope to pull you out? Instead of buying a new couch, love seat, or sofa, why not fix your sagging furniture? If you use your couch or sofa chair daily, over time it will start to sag. This creates an ugly uncomfortable used looking piece of furniture. At Square Deal Mattress Factory and Custom Upholstery we offer a solution to your tired couch cushions by replacing the sagging worn out cushions with a new solid padding. You can bring them in for a service or buy the materials for your next Do It Yourself project.

There are a variety of filler padding to choose from, such as, down, down envelopes, high density poly foam, spring filled, and natural latex as cushion fillings.  At Square Deal we use a fine grade of down available in either duck or goose.  Goose is the higher grade and tends to be loftier, for an even more luxurious feel.  We can either use solid down cores or if you love down but not the required maintenance, we also offer a down envelope.  Down envelopes consist of a center core of high density foam surrounded by an envelope of down which gives you the feeling of the down, but the shape stays from the foam. You have the choices in high density polyurethane foam which comes in several firmness’s.  Our high-density foams mean it is a 2.5-pound foam with firmness’s ranging from 20 up to 70.  We do have samples in our showroom to help you decide which firmness is best for your situation. We offer spring filled cushions which are either wrapped with poly foam or cotton. The latex rubber we offer is hypo-allergenic and all natural.  It is called Naturalux and has no fillers in it.

At Square Deal we can also replace your throw pillows. We offer all sizes and shapes.  We carry cluster fiber cores which are reasonably priced yet hold up to usage without going flat.  Goose down or duck down cores are also available.
Wellness

Print This Out: Your Checklist to a Year of Good Sleep

A good night’s sleep starts with a healthy mind and body. Over the last four months, we’ve talked to wellness experts from all across Butte County to get their input on the best ways to stay healthy during the cold, flu, and pandemic season.
With spring finally here and summer just around the corner, we couldn’t be happier to bid farewell to cold weather sniffles–but unfortunately the pandemic is still here and life can still bring the unexpected. Staying healthy is just as important!
So, to wrap up our Year of Good Sleep wellness series, we made you a little cheat sheet! Below are our top tips from every installment in the series, in a handy-dandy printable for you to pin to your fridge or share with a friend.

Get a good mattress
Consider your favorite sleep position, how hot or cold you sleep, and the right size when making your choice. That crick in your neck will thank you.

Be your own Bob Ross
Ward off stress and anxiety with a toilet paper tube sculpture, a scroll through online museum exhibits , or just a smartphone photo sesh around your neighborhood.

Take a hike
Stock up on some extra steps and a little Vitamin D with one of Hike Butte County’s 35 pre-vetted hikes. Free swag included.

Eat the rainbow
Move over Wonder Bread. We’re here for the fresh fruit, veggies, and whole grains to power through a productive 2021.

Exercise Your Rights
To the life you want. A long walk outside or a power sesh at the gym keeps your body and mind strong enough to tackle your everyday to-dos.

Find a Furry Friend
Time spent with animals (whether your own or borrowed) means lower blood pressure, less loneliness, and a whole lot of cute pet pics on your mobile.

And of course…prioritize your sleep! A good night’s sleep is the best gift you can give for a happier and more productive life, so we hope you continue to make this the Year of Good Sleep for you and your family!
Bedroom

How to measure a mattress

When investing in a new mattress, knowing what size to order is a simple but critical decision. Even if you are fairly sure about your mattress size, measuring it before you begin shopping will add confidence to your decision. If you are preparing to order a custom-size mattress for a specialized application, knowing how to accurately measure your mattress or future mattress foundation will ensure you achieve the most accurate fit possible. This guide includes clear instruction on how to measure like a pro, along with diagrams and photo examples.

Traditional Mattress Sizes

If you are ordering a mattress for your home, it is helpful to know the standard measurements available in most mattress retailers. If your measurements are not within a 1.5 inch tolerance of these traditional sizes, you may need to order a custom size. Please see our Mattress Custom Services page for a list of commonly ordered custom sizes and more details. The traditional mattress sizes are as follows:

Twin/Single: 38” x 74” Twin XL: 38” x 80” Full/Double: 53” x 74” Queen: 60” x 80” Eastern King: 76” x 80” California King: 72” x 84”.

Measuring

To determine the dimensions of your mattress there are two points of reference. The first is measuring your existing mattress, and the second is to measure the space or bed frame the new mattress will fill. We recommend enlisting someone to help you hold one end of the measuring tape for the most accurate results. If you would prefer the Square Deal team to take the measurements for you, we will schedule a house call. There is a $35 minimum fee for this service that can be credited toward your account once the order is placed.
Measuring the Existing Mattress
Placing the measuring tape on top of the mattress surface is the best way to acquire the length and width. Simply hold one end of the tape to the seam or bead of the quilt and measure the distance to the opposite end. If the surface of your mattress seems especially worn or misshapen, feel for the edge of the innerspring and measure from that reference point instead. Do this for the length and width.
For the thickness it is important to measure from the mattress base to the crown, not just stopping at the seam. Lay a yardstick or similar long flat object in the center of the bed and position it so the end extends past the edge of the mattress. Measure from the boxspring or slats to the bottom of the yardstick to acquire the thickness (Method 1). Alternatively, hold the bottom of the tape against the boxspring or slats and wrap the tape over the seam until it reaches the true level surface of the quilt (Method 2).
Measuring the Frame
If you only have the frame to reference, there is still enough information to determine an accurate size. Place the tape inside the frame and find the lip that the mattress or foundation will rest on. Measure from the head/headboard bracket to the opposite end. Move toward the center and measure the width from one inside wall to the other. It can be helpful to note whether this space is enclosed on two or three sides (such as a headboard/footboard or day bed).
If your frame has a side rail you would like the mattress to rise above, measure from the bottom lip inside the frame to the top of the side rail. If you have an enclosed area that causes a height restriction, measure from the bottom lip inside the frame to the top of the enclosure. This number will be helpful to reference in proportion to the final thickness of the mattress.
Another useful measurement to have on hand is the distance from the floor to the bottom lip of the frame. Knowing this distance will help us accurately calculate how tall your bed set will sit when complete.
When using these measurements to inform what size to order your mattress, there are some convenience factors to consider. Some customers prefer to make their bed about a half-inch smaller than the frame on all sides to make it easier to change the bedding. Others may need additional flexibility to install the bed in tight spaces. Please mention any convenience factors like these to your salesperson during your showroom consultation.
Bedroom

A Two-Sided Mattress Still Exists

Mankind has always sought a better surface upon which to sleep. From the dawn of history and for thousands of years thereafter these surfaces were made up of grasses, leaves, twigs, furs, Spanish moss, corn shucks or anything at hand that was softer than the ground. Later, in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, mattresses became manufactured items.

In 1920 Ennis Rife established Square Deal Mattress Factory to provide a quality bedding sets for Northern California. In the late nineteenth century, a bedspring of spring steel coils held together with a border rod was invented and became the “New Mattress”. The bedspring offered a new dimension of comfort that hadn’t existed before. Now there was an action surface upon which to place the upholstery filling materials over. Innerspring mattresses were filled the same on both sides and can be turned over or end-for-end periodically for added comfort and longevity. Mattresses with two-sides were still a struggle for one person to flip and most people ignored or forgot to follow the warranty directions. Unfortunately, this neglect causes the layers of foam and padding to compress or sag. The first one sided No-Flip design was introduced in 2000. Shortly after all the brand name manufactures changed over to the single sided beds making it the industries “New Mattress”.

Using today’s technology, it was suggested to be the improvement to the older designs and did not require flipping over. A maintenance free mattress sounds great to consumers and quickly became all the rage. In 2005, a safety law requiring all mattress sets built and sold in California to comply within a strict guideline for fire laws. On July 1st, 2007 (CPSC) the Federal government made this fire safety law a requirement on all mattresses built or imported into the U.S. Most two-sided mattresses were eliminated by manufacturers due to the additional material costs in having the mattresses fire tested. Square Deal Mattress Factory decided that this new design would lessen the quality of bedding sets and the company made a conscious decision to continue with a two-sided construction.

Today’s mattresses require just as much if not more maintenance than ever before. It is the recommendation to regularly service your new bed by monthly flipping and rotation. Two sleeping surfaces along with the latest development of innerspring coils, more durable padding materials such as high-density foams, latex natural rubber and visco-elastic foam will help to extend your mattresses life and keep you waking up refreshed and ready to tackle the day. Square Deal Mattress Factory is dedicated to continuing research, development and testing to assure that you are receiving the finest bedding sets available.
Wellness

The Art of zzzs: Your Next Masterpiece Might be a Good Nights Sleep

Next up in our Year of Good Sleep wellness series: art for better sleep!

Research shows time and time again art can play an influential role in reducing stress and promoting relaxation. It lowers cortisol levels, builds perspective, and increases coping abilities. Lower stress levels, in turn, leads to a more relaxed mind, less tossing and turning, and therefore an overall better quality of sleep.

Interestingly, good sleep can also lead to less stress: according to the National Sleep Foundation, “the brain chemicals connected with deep sleep are the same ones that tell the body to stop the production of stress hormones.”

We’re here for a good night’s sleep, so we asked Pat Macias, the Executive Director of monca (the Museum of Northern California Art) to get her expert opinions on how you can use art to get better zzzs.

 

First off, could you tell us a bit about monca and your own experience with art?

The idea for monca started in 2011, with a group of Butte County residents interested in showcasing great art. We did art pop-ups around town from 2011-2017, and then moved into the previous Veterans Memorial building on Esplanade, where we’ve been ever since. I personally am a printmaker by trade and degree and was an art teacher for 36 years in various cities across the US. I moved to Chico shortly after retiring and briefly worked as the director of the 1078 Art Gallery. Since then, I’ve been actively involved with monca!

 

You’ve clearly been exposed to many types of art over the years. What would you consider to be “art”?

Having taught all ages, I’ve definitely heard the “Oh, I can’t draw” or “that’s not art” fears from many students. Art gets this awful reputation of being elite or something only certain people can do. But that’s simply not true! Art is anything you can see or consider to be creative. Think about going on a walk and taking a picture with your phone–it’s art! The photo you took most likely includes principles of art you don’t even realize are artistic, like color compositions or shapes. You’ve framed it up with your phone lens, taken the picture, and voila–it becomes art.

 

In your experience, what are the benefits of creating art?

To me, it calms me down. If I am sitting and thinking, the physical part just calms down also. Another artist currently on display at monca recently shared: “I can be all riled up about something, and then I go into my studio, start my art, and my mind starts to focus on the art–not all the other stuff that’s happening around me.”

Art helps you find a solution to what’s coming next, and it might take you to another place in your mind where you get excited because you see a connection to what you’re doing or remind you of a peaceful memory or image.

 

Let’s talk about COVID-19. What are some ways art can help people cope with stressors from the pandemic?

It can help in three ways:

  • Doing art: taking your mind off of anything else than what you’re doing at that moment.
  • Reading about art: this is interesting way to see what other people have come up with
  • Looking at art: In a book, magazine, or even Google. It might take you somewhere calming in your mind. (Bonus: here are some collections of calming pictures from Pinterest, Unsplash, YouTube, and artnet)

 

Great! Any specifics on some art projects we can try for “doing art”?

For Adults/Couples

  • Draw a portrait of each other at the same time. Sit across the table from each other, use any medium you want, and see what comes up.
  • Find shadows. Maybe it’s light reflecting through a glass of wine, or a leaf in the park, or even a unique angle in your WFH office. Take photos of those things, then come back and sketch them or use them as photo art.
  • Start a weekly book or diary. Writing is art! Come up with a word for each day or week, and write a page or a few sentences about that word together. When you look back on your reflections together for the year, it will be an incredible compilation.

Families

  • Take a photo of your favorite meal. Then paint a picture of it! With a kid and adult you’ll see different things. Or, you can work on the same painting together as a shared family piece.
  • Add-on monster. Create a “monster” by pasting together magazine cutouts, stickers, paint, you have it. Green grass could be a skirt, or a bunch of cut-out chairs glued together could be hair. Make one big monster piece together.
  • Toilet paper tube sculpture. Cut and slice them so you can wedge them together without glue or tape. If it’s nice rough afterwards, you can take it outside and spray paint it.

 

It doesn’t take a lot of supplies or expenses to do an art project, and art comes in many forms. Cooking, knitting, crocheting, quilting, interior decorating, putting up pictures, origami, lint creatures with string, chalk on the sidewalk–they all count as art!

 

What if a person doesn’t consider themselves to be “creative”? Can they still make art?

Absolutely! Creative really has no limits, and you don’t have to be a Van Gogh or Monet to make art. I’d recommend you start by simply experiencing your surroundings. Go for a walk. Visit Bidwell Park. View the building where you’re picking up take-out. Start a dance party in the house with your kids. You can’t look enough. A lot of creating art is being able to put those observations together.

 

A great place to look is also museums, so what’s the best way to look at art when museums are closed or too far to reach? 

The monca has a really wonderful #museumfromhome right now where you can experience our Virtual Pop Up Museum and view all the art currently on display at the museum. The Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento is also doing something similar with weekly at-home programs. Google has gotten onboard by showcasing art highlights from some of the most famous museums around the world.

Any last advice for Butte County during this time?

  • Be kind.
  • Be mindful.
  • Be creative.
  • Be safe.
  • Stay tuned…

Year of Good Sleep Challenge: 

This week, try one of the projects suggested above, take some pictures on your phone, or visit an online art gallery. All of these ideas are great ways to reduce stress and give your body the gift of a good night’s sleep.
100 Anniversary

How to Survive a Recession As a Small Business: Three Ways We Made It Through (And You Can, Too!)

Older than the Declaration of Independence, legendary soap and skincare company Caswell-Massey turned 268 this year. Coca-Cola was incorporated 128 years ago. The Walt Disney company hits the centennial mark in 2023. These iconic big businesses are still going strong after 10 decades or more, despite multiple economic downturns.

But how does a small business like Square Deal Mattress Factory weather the same financial storms?

Answer: We’re scrappy.  This year, we celebrate 100 years in business thanks to a few key business practices even the larger companies could follow during uncertain times. We hope you find them helpful in navigating  your own choppy waters.

The Great Depression

Practice #1: Get resourceful: find new ways to reuse existing products instead of buying new.

In 1932, the world was three years into the Great Depression. Millions were unemployed, and thousands of businesses were shutting their doors forever. But our great-grandfather Ennis Rife wasn’t ready to give up. In those days, mattresses were hand-stitched and buttoned, and most people bought mattresses for life. Ennis and his family kept things afloat by repurposing fluffing and ticking materials to stuff the mattresses. When buttons were in short supply, they traded candy for any spare buttons neighborhood kids brought in.

Survival Tip: Look for ways to repurpose existing resources. Get creative and don’t shy away from tried-and-true methods.

 

2008 Recession

Practice #2: Hibernate: find ways to reduce expenses when income goes down.

In 2008, the world suffered a massive financial and economic downturn, often called the Great Recession. When the housing market crashed, unemployment went up, savings evaporated, and people stopped spending wherever possible—especially on retail. Square Deal hunkered down to ride out the storm. By consolidating deliveries, personnel, and samples, we pinched enough pennies to keep lights on until the crisis passed.

Survival Tip: Think long-term. Recessions will end: what can you do to ride it out until the end? Evaluate where you can cut costs and reduce or consolidate spending.

 

COVID-19 Pandemic

Practice #3: Get innovative: find new opportunities to deliver the same great product

There are no strangers to the 2020 pandemic, with small businesses hit the hardest. Since March, we’ve pivoted to increase wholesale business and move more of our products online. Most importantly, we’ve put significant time and resources into connecting with you—our customers.

Survival Tip: Innovate around your why. Meet your customer where they are at. What’s at the heart of your business? Get back to your roots and figure out how you can innovate while remaining true to your product or service.

The world has been through a lot in the last 100 years, 100 months, 100 days—But with a little gumption, a lot of integrity, and a bucketload of creativity, it’s possible to make it. We have no doubt you’ll thrive through whatever comes your way!
100 Anniversary

Square Deal and the Status Quo: Jess & Jamie Talk Shop about Running a Women-Owned Business

A strong woman looks a challenge dead in the eye and gives it a wink.”- Gina Carey

On top of some pretty impressive accolades—100 years in business, family-run since day one, and headquarters in the same location for over a century—Square Deal Mattress Factory is also a women-owned business. Sisters Jess and Jamie are the current owners after several family generational owners before them. Together, they’re championing the idea of women in leadership with compassion, expertise, and an eye for the future.

This month, we sat down with our boss babes to get their thoughts on all things women-owned business. Enjoy!

 

SD: Business is in your blood! Have you always been interested in carrying on the family legacy?

Jamie: We really feel it’s a big accomplishment to be a family-owned business for FOUR (our kids make five) generations. The trade has been passed down from the founder, our great-grandfather Ennis, to his daughter (our grandmother Lois), then onto our father Richard, and finally us. It’s truly a special business and one we’ve been excited to join since we were young.

SD: You’re in an interesting position as co-owners and sisters. What’s that experience like?

Jess: We’re like Irish twins! At only 13 months apart, we’ve always been extremely close and —

Jamie: —basically finish each others’ sentences!

Jess: Ha, exactly. We’re fortunate to usually know what the other is feeling and how she’d approach a situation. Not to say that we don’t push each other’s buttons from time to time, but we definitely enjoy working together.

Jamie: We’re also really careful to stay in our lanes and ensure everybody shines where they’re most talented and skilled.

 

SD: Sounds like smart operating practices.  Can you share a bit more on some of our other priorities in leading a women-owned business? 

Jess: ”Be the change you want to see in the world” has really become a mantra for us. The mattress industry has traditionally been more of a male-dominated space, so we’re intentionally about respectfully chipping away at the status quo. Women in general have come so far in the last 60 years, and we’re both proud and humbled to be a part of the tribe of women-owned businesses.

Jamie: As part of challenging the status quo, we also believe our households are a partnership. As hard-working moms, we value the ability to have a flexible schedule and to support our families and our employees when they need to spend time with their children.

 

SD: What qualities have you honed over the years to be able to lead a company with these kinds of values?

Jess: I think it goes back to that mantra—we really want to see other women succeed in owning businesses, and we hope we can inspire them to feel confident in their own right. They don’t need to be anybody’s sidekick. Hard work, empathy, and honesty have always been at the heart of how we work with our employees, customers, vendors, and partners.

 

SD: 2020 has brought some unique challenges. What keeps you going during tough times (like COVID-19)?

Jess: Fortunately, we bring a century of quality and expert knowledge to the field, so we’re well-versed in adapting to change and diversifying the business. We’re much more than mattresses these days! Being 100 years in operations means you know because you’ve tried, failed and tried again in order to be successful.

Jamie: Since March, we’ve pivoted to increase wholesale business and move more of our products online. We’ve reworked some of our offerings and even collaborated with unique partners like bed-in-a-box companies. Most importantly, we’ve put significant time and resources into connecting more personally with our customers and their needs.

SD: Okay, last question. Any advice for other women out there interested in starting their own business?

Jess: Look for a mentor with experience and trustworthiness. Our dad, the previous owner, is still much involved in the company and is often a sounding board for us.

Jamie: I’d also say focus on honesty. It’s the best thing to do in business.
100 Anniversary

“100 years says a lot about a company not just being able to survive but to thrive”

Owner Jessica Lash Interviewed on KPAY News

In the news! Jessica Lash, one of Square Deal Mattress Factory’s fourth-generation owners, spoke with KPAY radio host Scott Michaels on The Morning News segment Thursday, May 21, 2020. KPAY News-Talk 93.9 FM is a Northern-California radio station based out of Chico, California and transmitted across Butte, Tehama, Glenn, and Colusa counties in Northern California.

Lash’s great-grandfather, Ennis Rife, founded Square Deal Mattress Factory in 1920 at the same 1354 Humboldt Avenue address the company stands now, making it one of Chico’s oldest family-owned businesses. This year, despite the COVID-19 restrictions Square Deal enthusiastically celebrates and supports 100 years of serving the community with a good night’s sleep.

In the interview, Lash shared more about how the company has pivoted to provide masks and face-shield foam during the pandemic, all while supporting staff and business through PPP loans and safety precautions. “My employees, they’re my number one,” Lash commented. “Secondarily, my customers. We’ve got to take care of them.”

Meanwhile, Square Deal continues to create custom-made mattresses as they have for the past century. “We are fully open except for Saturday,” she said. Current hours are Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with plans to reopen Saturday hours and other more personalized delivery services in June.

“100 years says a lot about a company not just being able to survive but to thrive,” Michaels observed.

  • Categories
Main Menu
0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Product has been added to your cart
Skip to content