Working with us
If you are interested in discussing a project that you have in mind, please send us an email with as much information as you can. Pictures indicating layout, features, material choices, etc. are very helpful in showing us what you desire. Because of the unique nature of our designs and the variability in the materials it is nearly impossible to quote a price based on an incomplete design. Depending on the complexity of your ideas we may require a design retainer to nail down the details before we can quote you an accurate price.
How much does a table cost?
The short answer is that our most basic tables start at around $750. This would be a smaller size, using 1" thick maple for the top, a simple painted base, and modern fasteners to joint the pieces. Wood stained to look old, antique barnwood, slabs, complex bases, and true mortise and tenon joinery all increase the price from there. We often find that it is easier to design a piece into your budget than to try and guess how much you are willing to spend.
Why choose a rustic style?
A lot of modern furniture features perfectly smooth surfaces and pure white finishes. While this can look good when it is perfectly new, every scratch and stain stands out against the sterile surface. By starting with a more rustic appearance the imperfections become simply a part of the story. You can't get much more unique than a table, made from an old barn, that was once a tree in the farmers yard.
Finishes
Our preferred finishes all start with soaking the wood in a custom blend of Boiled Linseed Oil. Everything is then coated with Shellac to seal the surface and provide slightly smoother surface for easier cleaning. When desired, a second coat of shellac is applied, then lightly sanded and followed with a third coat for a shiny and smooth finish. Table tops, and other surfaces subject to wear or slight moisture then receive 2 coats of polyurethane for durability.
Joinery
One of the most important aspects to consider when working with wood is the fact that all wood will expand and contract across its grain with changes in humidity. Weather using traditional joinery or modern fasteners, it is very important to allow for this movement. failure to do so can cause boards to tear themselves apart.
Materials
We prefer to work with hardwood that is typically rejected by large manufacturers and those on a limited budget. While it is much easier to work with near perfect select-grade hardwood or dimensioned lumber from a big box store, you can not compete with the character of live edge slabs, reclaimed barn timbers, and yard trees saved from the chipper.
Sustainability
Wood products, when designed to last with a timeless style, can remain relevant and useful for generations. While wood is already a renewable resource, we strive to turn each board into a product that could potentially last longer than it took to grow the original tree.