Custom Concrete Faux Bois Furniture

In her Virginia studio, Diane Husson practices the 150-year-old art form known as concrete faux bois (meaning false wood in French). Starting with simple steel rebar and hi-tech cement mixes, Diane takes inspiration from the natural world around her and creates lasting faux bois furniture that appears to have grown in place by the unseen hand of nature.

In Diane Husson’s world, each piece of furniture tells long forgotten tales of distant mountains, mysterious seas and secret gardens yet to be discovered.

Welcome to the world of faux bois! Believe it or not, everything you see on this website is not actual wood, but it is sculpted concrete. It is my goal to design and create beautiful, comfortable heirloom quality custom faux bois garden benches, tables and chairs.

In recent years, our gardens have become our safe havens and our “happy places”. While the vast majority of artists design for indoor spaces, I realized that the great outdoors was wide open to new and unique forms of sculptural expression. I wanted to design and sculpt practical works of art that would not only adorn a garden space, but also help people enjoy a deeper experience in their secret gardens.

That journey led me to teach myself the art form of faux bois. For me, designing and creating custom faux bois furniture is the perfect way to express myself as a contemporary sculptor.

My furniture is enjoyed by a wide variety of people. Whether their homes are on the coast, in the mountains or out in the countryside, what they have in common is their love for art and nature. I love making beautiful furniture that will adorn their special landscapes. One client who has commissioned a number of pieces from me told me, “I dream about your furniture.” That was one of the most wonderful compliments of all.

~ Diane Husson ~

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Diane Husson faux bois — Diane Husson, faux bois artist

Frequently asked questions about my faux bois furniture

Do you make the furniture yourself?

Yes, I personally work with each client and design and sculpt each piece myself in my studio.

Can it stay outside in the wintertime?

Yes, it can remain outside in any season, in any climate. Some people in severe climates opt to cover it with a tarp in wintertime. Covering it is not necessary if you want to enjoy it as a year-round sculpture.

Does it need any special maintenance?

The high-quality sealer protects it from stains. Just use a garden hose to wash off any dust, pollen or other debris.

How long will it last?

It was designed to last 100 years or more.

How strong is it?

My furniture is very strong. My faux bois benches are made of 10,000+ psi cement and can easily hold hundreds of pounds. My faux bois tables hold up well to the rigors of everyday use.

How comfortable are the benches and chairs?

I design my seating to be comfortable for people of various ages, heights and body types.

What is the practical advantage of new, custom faux bois over buying a vintage piece?

My faux bois is made from very strong technologically advanced fiber cement that does not degrade over time, even if exposed to severe weather. I uses the highest quality, permanent colors and high quality sealers available.

Vintage faux bois is charming, but the cement has become brittle and the and metal armatures have corroded over time. If vintage pieces are left outside in wintertime, the freeze thaw cycles can cause the cement to crack and spall.

Vintage pieces must be brought inside in the winter or they will be damaged beyond repair.