Our Story

Our Story: Crafting Comfort, Defining Legacy

My name is Bill Simpson, and I’m the founder, designer, and craftsman behind DUX Outdoors. My journey began in the Lowcountry, where my earliest lessons weren’t learned in a classroom but in my father’s Charleston cabinet shop—where “good enough” never passed muster. That dedication to doing things right became the foundation of my life’s work.

Armed with a design degree from Clemson University’s College of Architecture, I found myself exploring Atlanta’s architectural world, but I kept coming back to the satisfaction of working with my hands. Years building high-end cabinetry helped sharpen my skills and my commitment to enduring quality.

DUX Outdoors was truly born when my wife and I began renovating an old dairy barn, transforming it into Dream Rock Silo—our creative haven and Airbnb in southwestern Virginia. Here, inspired by both need and opportunity, I began designing original outdoor furniture for our own use. My first cedar creations looked beautiful, but the elements quickly proved they wouldn’t last. I set out to find a material worthy of a real investment—something that would endure for generations.

That search led to a revelation: marine-grade HDPE—known as Starboard ST in the yacht world. Trusted for decades by luxury boat builders, it stands up to salt, sunlight, storms, and time itself, never fading, rotting, or wearing down. Unlike the rough plastics of mass production, Starboard gives me the freedom and finish to design sophisticated, ergonomic furniture that’s made for real comfort.

With the right material and fully equipped shop, I set out to solve a problem most outdoor furniture leaves unsolved: true, therapeutic comfort. Feedback from our B&B guests helped me refine each prototype, and hundreds of test sittings led me to design the DreamRocker in two sizes, engineered for a universal fit. Seeing someone finally relax, tension gone, is still my greatest reward.

At DUX, comfort is not just a promise—it’s the guiding principle for every design. Every rocker, glider, bench, and set is original, personally built, and meticulously finished in my shop. This isn’t a factory; it’s where precision and passion guarantee the kind of quality and comfort discerning families should expect from a true craftsman.

I use only the finest marine-grade HDPE and 316 stainless steel hardware, so every DUX piece is made to thrive—whether it’s gracing a Charleston piazza, a Lake Norman dock, or a Charlotte backyard. My goal is for your DUX furniture to become a part of your family’s legacy: built to last, never meant for obsolescence.

What’s in a name?
“DUX” draws from the ducks gliding through Carolina marshes, but it’s also the Latin word for “leader.” It represents my mission: to set the standard in comfort, quality, and authentic outdoor living. Choosing DUX means choosing furniture that’s as individual, resilient, and enduring as the people who gather around it.

DUX began as a challenge to build a rocking chair that truly delivers comfort outdoors. I believe I’ve met that goal—and most folks who try a DUX agree. Sit down, relax, and experience the difference for yourself. I look forward to building something lasting for your family, too.

Precision craftsmanship still means everything at DUX!

What Drives Me

When I was a kid in my father’s Charleston cabinet shop, “good enough” wasn’t in the vocabulary. We built things to last—because people deserved nothing less. That standard has stuck with me, even as the world shifted to disposable, planned-obsolescence goods.

I refuse to build furniture destined for the landfill. Every DUX chair is engineered for real longevity, from marine-grade HDPE and stainless steel hardware to the time-honored joinery I learned growing up. These aren’t mass-produced—they’re investments, designed for a lifetime of comfort.

I sweat every detail and never cut corners, whether I’m designing a new template, programming a CNC, or hand-finishing each piece. It’s what makes DUX unique: you get the passion and standards of a craftsman who truly cares.

Success, for me, isn’t about numbers—it’s about making something worthy, building for families who appreciate quality, and creating furniture that stands the test of time.

Luxury Comfort, Unique Style

Karen and Bill Simpson at their home, Dream Rock Silo