Where do you get your wood?

 I buy wood from several different local and regional suppliers, and all of it comes from regional forests. I used to use tropical woods in my work, but have come to feel that I'd rather not use lumber that arrived here in a shipping container. There are so many great hardwoods that grow here in the Northeast that there's no reason for me to go elsewhere. 

What kinds of woods do you use?

 I like walnut, hard maple, white oak, etc. but also have had some good luck with chestnut, myrtlewood, and other less common furniture woods. 

How much does a typical (chair/table/bookshelf/other) cost? 

 As you might imagine, that's a difficult question to answer. It depends on the complexity of the design and the price of the materials. That said, bookshelves tend to run in the $1600-4000 range, simple dining chairs from $700 on up, and tables can start at $2000 and go up to $5000 or more. I'm now able to accept credit cards, if that is your preferred method of payment. 

I’ve traveled the world for thirty years looking at custom furniture and yours is the best I’ve seen; how do I go about ordering a piece? 

 See the "Ordering a Piece" page. 

What kinds of finishes do you use?

 I favor non-toxic finishes, things like shellac that I mix myself, natural oils with either no driers or at least not much of them, beeswax, etc. Nothing I make will "off-gas" fumes into your home. 

Where did you learn woodworking? 

 I learned by working with other woodworkers and by study and practice, but I also learned a great deal from the Northwest Woodworking School, studying under Gary Rogowski and taking his two-year Mastery Program. For more information on him and his school, see the links page. 

Are all the pieces you make of your own design? 

 Generally, yes, although I have worked from drawings provided by clients, usually interior designers or architects.