


I built this custom designed black walnut live edge slab dining table and bench specifically for my clients' home. I worked closely with my clients (one of whom is a talented interior designer) to get the details just right including the hairpin legs and the hickory butterflies to compliment the new hickory floors in their home. The table and bench are hand finished in a traditional oil and wax finish to highlight the figure of the wood and provide easily refreshed protection for everyday use.
Rugged Cross Fine Art Woodworking Llc
My name is Aaron Maes. I'm an artist, designer and master furniture maker. My work is known for its quality craftsmanship and attention to detail.
My formal training is in studio art. I like to draw and paint, but in school I quickly gravitated to sculpture in wood and metal.
The physical process, the immediate feedback and the noise and smells and dust-the overall experience really engaged me creatively. The transition to furniture making was a natural one. I have always appreciated the art of finely crafted furniture, the beauty of the wood itself and the design challenges involved. It also lends itself well to my perfectionist nature as I strive to create art in a functional and beautiful piece.
My work is based on my love for the craft. I especially appreciate the design of the Arts and Crafts Movement and the simple lines of Shaker furniture, but I also thrive on the challenge to create a beautiful and well engineered piece that compliments an existing space or existing furniture.
Just thrilled. This was a different sort of project - an unconventional piece of furniture (a standing desk, set up for computer access) in a mission/arts and crafts style. Aaron put in a ton of time at the front end to ensure that the design was exactly right. Tremendous attention to detail, and beautiful craftsmanship. Delivery coincided with the 2012 Fine Furnishings show, at which it was featured and highly complimented. Aaron was a pleasure to work. Thanks again.
I love, love, love my new dresser. From beginning to end Aaron was fabulous. From planning to execution to delivery the experience was flawless. Helpful in planning, great communicator and such gorgeous work. I would highly recommend Aaron for any furniture project!
Aaron is great to work with. He built 2 cherry end tables and a coffee table for me that turned out even better than my expectations. While I had a very good idea of what I wanted, Aaron's suggestions helped reduce the overall project cost without compromising quality of the product. His communication was great - usually got back to me in hours (or less) and kept me informed through pictures every step along the way. He will be my first choice for any future custom furniture project. His knowledge, skill and craftsmanship are top notch.
Aaron and his son just left after delivering out bedroom set. We are THRILLED!! The pieces are gorgeous and extremely well made - they will last more than a lifetime. Aaron has been a pleasure to work with as we worked through details of the design, dimensions, hardware options, etc. He has always been extremely responsive to messages and has regularly kept us posted on the progress. This has been a particularly challenging year for him and his family, which led to a delay in delivery (hence the lower rating on "timeliness"), but the pieces were really worth waiting for. If we have other furniture needs, we will definitely contact Aaron.
Aaron did a great job making a custom mantle clock for me. His drawings in the bid were just like the final project. He was a pleasure to work with. I wish we had more custom wooden things we needed!