Building a table

Once the design is approved, the creative work truly begins. Step Two in our process is where ideas take physical form—where rough slabs become the table that will one day gather your family and friends. This is the part I love most: the rhythm of the shop, the smell of fresh-cut walnut or cherry, the sound of planes and chisels, and the slow, deliberate transformation of natural materials into something timeless.

Every project starts with personally selecting the right wood. I spend hours at my suppliers’ mills, inspecting slabs and boards for color consistency, grain character, and stability. The perfect piece of wood doesn’t just look beautiful—it feels balanced and alive. I look for figure and flow, subtle movement in the grain, and even the occasional imperfection that might add personality. When I find the right boards, I set them aside, knowing they will soon become something exceptional.

Back in the shop, the raw lumber goes through the first stage of milling. This is where the natural chaos of the material begins to find order. I flatten one face, square the edges, and plane the boards to exact thickness. Milling isn’t glamorous, but it’s essential—it’s what allows joinery to fit seamlessly, tabletops to sit perfectly flat, and legs to align squarely. Every cut and pass is deliberate, guided by both precision instruments and intuition developed through years of practice.

Many slabs have their own story written in the wood—knots, checks, and cracks that speak to decades of growth and weather. Rather than hiding these features, I often stabilize or highlight them using epoxy fills, butterfly keys, or subtle grain-matching repairs. These techniques preserve the strength of the wood while keeping its natural beauty intact. Each repair is an act of respect for the material—working with the wood, not against it.

Once the structure begins to emerge, I shift focus to joinery and stability. Table legs, aprons, and stretchers are assembled with strong, traditional techniques—mortise and tenon joints, threaded inserts, and solid bracing that ensure longevity. A custom table is more than an aesthetic object; it’s a piece of functional architecture that must withstand decades of use. I often test-fit every component multiple times before final assembly, ensuring that everything feels tight, aligned, and graceful in proportion.

Throughout the process, I keep clients informed with frequent photo and video updates. This transparency turns what could be an invisible manufacturing step into a shared creative experience. You see your table taking shape in real time—from rough lumber to refined finish—and that connection builds anticipation for the final delivery. Many clients have said these updates make them feel part of the craft, deepening their appreciation for the finished piece.

As the table nears completion, the focus shifts to the tactile details that define fine craftsmanship. I use hand tools—planes, scrapers, and chisels—to refine surfaces and soften edges. Machines can achieve accuracy, but only hand tools bring warmth and subtlety. A finely tuned plane leaves a surface so smooth it almost shimmers in the light. I run my hands over every edge, feeling for imperfections and adjusting until it’s perfect.

Finally, the finishing stage transforms craftsmanship into art. Each table receives a hand-applied finish—usually a blend of oil and wax that enhances the natural depth of the wood grain. The finish isn’t just about sheen; it’s about protection and touch. It should invite you to run your hand along the surface and feel the quiet luxury of natural wood. Multiple coats are applied and hand-buffed between layers, producing a finish that glows rather than shines.

When the last coat cures and the light hits the grain just right, I often pause for a moment before packing the table for delivery. It’s a private moment of reflection—the intersection of design, skill, and patience. Every table that leaves the shop carries a little piece of that feeling, and of me.

Step Two is where craftsmanship meets commitment. It’s the bridge between your imagination and the finished heirloom that will soon have a place in your home. From hand-selecting materials to the final polish, every action is intentional, every detail considered. This is more than woodworking—it’s the art of creating something meaningful and enduring, built to be part of your life for generations.

Read more about working together on custom tables.