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The Process

Each piece of my furniture is made from trees felled by arborists or homeowners and would have otherwise been chipped or burned had I not “rescued” them. For appearance, durability and sustainability, I prefer to build rustic wood furniture with native and naturalized hardwoods to Cascadia. A partial species list includes Apple, Big Leaf Maple, Cherry, Chinese Chestnut, Hazelnut, Locust, Madrona, Pacific Dogwood, Red Alder, Vine Maple, Walnut.

After harvesting, the wood is air-seasoned for two or more years before being selected for its unique shape, species and dimensions to become an integral part of a furniture piece. It is then hand peeled and sanded, retaining its unique character. I allow the natural form of the wood to dictate the furniture I make; forks, arches, twists and graceful curves cry out to become legs, arm rests, or chair backs. Okay, maybe I’m hearing things, but once completed, there’s no denying what meets the eye. Whether it’s a table, bench, chair, rocker, headboard, mirror or mantle clock, each piece of furniture is one-of-a-kind; there are none others like it, as I do not use templates or plans in its construction.

Most of the joinery in my rustic wood furniture is mortise and tenon, with high quality glue or epoxy as an adhesive. Other joints sometimes necessitate the use of screws that are then plugged for a uniform wood surface. Following final sanding, the furniture is finished with coats of tung oil or occasionally linseed oil. For outdoor application or additional durability, a couple of coats of varnish are applied as well.