Made from fir wood that has dried for several years before it is cut into the sizes needed for production, Steinbach nutcrackers are still quite labor-intensive to make. The major processes still include cutting, shaping, hand-turning, lathing, carving, polishing, drilling, priming, spraying and painting. Usually standing on a base created from on average 60 pieces and 100 processes, these nutcrackers are carved and painted by hand to provide the high-quality finishing touches expected of a Steinbach nutcracker.