FAQ
Where do you get your wood?
All of our wood comes from trees that are already down. We believe in the ideals of conservation, recycling, and repurposing. We also operate with the idea that there is beauty to be found in the work of mother nature, from the seedling to the spalting that occurs as a result of disease or initial stages of decay.
How is live edge milled?
In our pieces, we “live saw” a log, “gang-sawing” the entire log (or a manageable length of the tree). This is also called “sawing through and through”. Live sawing produces wider boards than other methods, and these boards show mostly mixed grain – flat grain near the center of the face, and quarter grain near the edges. This is an alternative to plain sawing and quarter sawing a log.* We also mill our logs into rounds, creating a true cross-sectional result, revealing the growth rings and grain patterns that also tell the history of the tree.
How is the wood cured?
We typically allow our logs to air dry, even to the point of not milling them for about the first year after they are downed. This allows a more natural, even drying and allows the cracks to develop before we start working with the slabs, giving us an opportunity to incorporate them into the design.
What is used to finish the wood?
There are lots of options when it comes to wood finish. We typically don’t stain the wood, preferring to enhance the colors that nature has created. But occasionally a little applied color can really jazz up the piece and we may choose to stain it. Wood needs to be sealed to be preserved. There are lots of options depending on how the piece is to be used, what type of piece we are making, the wood we are using, and of course – personal preference.
- Epoxy / polyurethane will give a depth to the piece and create a thick, glass-like finish.
- We like to use a product commonly used for gun-stock finishes. It doesn’t discolor the wood, allowing the true colors and characteristics to come through. It creates a durable finish, and to some degree helps harden the wood.
- If we are making a cutting board or kitchen work island, we lean toward the non-petroleum products such as olive oil, avocado oil or a general purpose cutting board oil.
If you have a preference for finishes, call or email us to discuss the pros and cons and we’ll be happy to accommodate your wishes.
Can you customize to fit my space?
I love this table top, but I really wanted a different height / I love those legs – can you put it on that table top?
Absolutely! In most cases we can change out the legs that are there for the height you want. Additionally, if you see a piece you like, chances are we have other similar cuts from the very same tree. We are more than happy to build it to order. If you see a leg style you like, we probably can adapt it to your requirements. Drop us a note or let’s talk!
Why does this dining room table cost $850 and that one cost $5000?
This question continues to bewilder me to some extent, even though we spend a LOT of time doing pricing and product research. The most obvious answer is that of supply and demand.
- Rare woods cost more because they are rare.
- Shipping expenses can certainly add to the cost.
- Wood with exciting colors, patterns, and aesthetic appeal will command a higher price
- Intricate detailing in the finishing process can add to the cost.
- Finishing details like the construction of the legs (metal vs. wood, etc.) can add to the time we spend on a piece which adds to the cost.
We treat each of our projects as the art work that it is. Each piece is individually crafted and one of a kind. And like any artwork, we have signed and dated each one. We think that buying an excellent piece, that has been thoughtfully created and beautifully executed should be considered an investment.