Author: rdkrafka

A customer came to us last year around this time with a proposition. He had a pile of wood from a family barn that had been torn down and asked if we wouldn’t mind using that wood in a number of projects throughout the house he was having built. We were only too happy to oblige. This tray ceiling was accented with that very same rough sawn fir lumber. The fir boards were satin finished then cut to length and installed on site. It was decided to leave the lumber unsanded to maintain that rustic barn quality, which contrasts magnificently with the sleek, straight, white lines that comprise the rest of the room.

These adorable house puzzles were commissioned by a realtor and friend who wanted housewarming gifts made for clients who have small children. These house puzzles were made of plywood and finished with water based latex paint.

What a thoughtful housewarming present, handmade locally, sustainably and with a personal touch. We are so grateful that clients keep coming to us with these wonderful ideas, which we are only too happy to bring to fruition.

These pocket crosses were commissioned by a client who wanted them made from Derecho wood to commemorate graduation from Xavier High School in a year that was a struggle for so many reasons. Each graduating senior received a pocket cross made from various trees that fell during the Derecho, from oak, to cherry, to walnut. We hope these pocket crosses help to remind their recipients that they can and have already overcome a great many obstacles.

This beautifully designed and crafted sliding barn door was handmade for one of our clients. They saw a design online and wondered if we could make something similar. We were only too happy to oblige. This door was made out of locally sourced poplar and painted a stunning flat black. Our client was thrilled with the outcome. Not only were they able to support a local Iowa business, they were provided some peace of mind knowing they were given a fair price and the project was sustainably sourced and made.

The latest edition of things made from the cherry tree that fell through our client’s roof during the Derecho. We have made great use of that tree! 

When we saw the character in these boards we knew we wanted to highlight them as a feature in one of our client’s projects. Unfortunately these beautiful wood characteristics and imperfections aren’t great in terms of structural integrity so we couldn’t incorporate them into the table or the chair seats, so we decided to use them in a personalized cutting board the client ordered. 

To ensure the wood doesn’t crack and split at the imperfections we filled the cracks and gave the underside a finish coat of food safe epoxy. The top side is finished with food grade tung oil. We designed this board so the top side could be used as a traditional cutting board and the bottom side could be used as a charcuterie board or as a centerpiece for the table. It turned out to be a gorgeous multi-functional cutting board.

Along with the Redemption Table we were commissioned to use the same wood from the cherry tree that fell through our client’s dining room during the Derecho to make matching chair seats. Our client ordered the metal chair bases from Etsy and had us make the wooden seats for them. The seats are contoured for comfort and finished with a durable satin polyurethane. This dining room set is bound to be passed down as a family heirloom, with quite the backstory, for generations to come.

As it was being built this table was affectionately referred to as the redemption table. During the Derecho last year a massive cherry tree fell through the roof and into the dining area of this client’s home. The client and his family decided to salvage the wood and have this table made from it. 

This hardwood cherry harvest table features breadboard ends, true mortise and tenon joints with wood dowel pins, and a satin polyurethane finish. Without extensions the table starts at 7ft long by 3.5ft wide. With two 18in extensions the table reaches a mammoth 10ft long.

The name Redemption truly encompasses the nature of this table. The tree that destroyed part of the house was redeemed and made into this gorgeously functional work of art. No doubt it will be passed on as a memorable heirloom in the family for generations to come.

This planter box was built to fit directly under this pergola so vines could grow up the lattice and across the pergola overhead. Not only was it designed for function, it was built with structural integrity and aesthetic appeal in mind. This plantar box is made of CedarTone premium pressure treated lumber, which ensures long lasting durability as well as protection against termites and rot. It’s sure to endure many of Iowa’s harsh seasons to come.

This white oak and walnut portable folding altar was designed and built for the Iowa Knights of Columbus. It features the engraved Knights of Columbus emblem on both ends, a solid walnut top and tapered, solid white oak legs. This gorgeous piece was built to travel and made to last.

These retrofitted walnut cabinet doors were built to replace old white painted cabinet doors. The wood grain in this walnut was exquisite and really added a sense of vibrancy to the doors, which contrasted well with the white fireplace and mantle next to it.