This was a fun challenge. The owner wanted an installation to surround his bed, that had to: 1) match the Victorian house architecture, 2) have drawers big enough to hold iPads, 3) NOT have a headboard, but 4) prevent anything slipping behind the bed, as the heater held it away from the wall. This is what happened. Cabinet-grade birch plywood with poplar drawer elements. Hand-forged drawer pulls, white lacquer finish.
A Maker who has been a valued part of this community for several years.
Customers say that this Maker ships promptly after completing a project.
This Maker has consistently demonstrated excellence in craftsmanship and customer service.
Furniture, woodturnings, installations, and reproductions. Made in Grand Rapids with solid wood and love.
I came to furniture and woodworking the long way through general construction, spending many years rehabbing urban rowhomes on the staff of Sandtown Habitat for Humanity in Baltimore, where I was forced to think abstractly and learned to love solving problems and working within restricted budgets.
This translates well to the work I do now, where the projects I love taking on the most involve critical thinking, imagination, and the challenge (and joy) of finding just the right solution to a tricky situation. The projects I love best involve elements I've never done before, which both make me a better carpenter and produce my most creative works.
I try my best to use sustainably harvested and local lumber, or reclaim lumber from barns, houses, and factories around me. I use solid hardwoods, not only for their natural beauty, but because it fits best with my own woodworking philosophies of building to last generations and reflecting the natural properties and character of different wood species. I aim for simplicity and elegance in my work, employing traditional joinery when it's needed, not simply for ornament. I love what I do, and hope you do too.
Avery Gordon
For Table ProjectIf you're not interested in absolutely stunning, masterfully designed, perfectly crafted wood furniture, please read no further. My experience working with David on a custom dining table was incredible from start to finish. For the entire duration of our project, he was perfectly communicative, updating me every step of the way with changes, feedback, and much more. I walked into this entire process unsure of what I wanted, but I knew I wanted something unique but not too wild, with many different styles of wood and low-key-and-simultaneously-striking patterns. Basically, my wants weren't the easiest to decipher, but regardless, David always knew exactly what I was referring to and asked all the necessary questions along the way to further understand my desired style. When he delivered the final piece, my mind was totally blown - it was PERFECT and EXACTLY what I was looking for. I'm absolutely in love with my new table - it's unquestionably my favorite piece of furniture that I own and I wouldn't hesitate for one minute to work with David again for my next project. I truly cannot recommend him highly enough, which is likely obvious at this point. Thank you so much, David!
Julie Raimondi
For 12, 50cm. stackable, open-back boxes, varying lengths in NYCDavid is a creative, communicative, and expert carpenter. The project he created for me, which he delivered mid-storm, turned out much better than I had hoped--and I hoped for a lot. It was a pleasure to work with him every step of the way. My only regret about David is that I wish I had found him sooner.
Jessica Christina
For Jessica's Dining tableWorking with David was the easiest purchase ever. He knew what I was looking for and made a beautiful table within my budget. I am so happy to have a custom piece in my home with such craftsmanship!!! Thank you so much!
Suraj Savalia
For Serving Trays, Batch #2David was great to work with. Provided the details, gave me good options of other batches he had done, and promptly delivered them to me before my anniversary. Thanks David! Assuming you make some other products as well, I'll be a repeat customer.
Lauren St. Pierre
For Lauren's castle for a little boyThis was an amazing experience. David was extremely diligent and communicated with me regularly. My project was beyond my expectations. I couldn't be happier. Great result. I highly recommend David at Riftsawn Carpentry!!!
Michael Korie
For New Final Measurements for Kitchen Dresser ProjectI couldn't be happier with David's work from Riftsawn Carpentry. He did a superb job -- it's built to last, with all of the specifications that I wanted including design, wood type, wood color, hardware, handles. The design is exactly what I wanted when I first imagined the project, and he was able to make it even better than what I imagined. It was finished in a timely manner with great communication -- highest recommendation!
Kent Bennett
For Shuffleboard tableAmazing experience with David (Riftsawn Carpentry)! He dove right into the project and although he had never before made a shuffleboard table he did a fantastic job (we just played a match and it's perfect) helping us translate our idea into reality and also came up with several creative solutions, including how to decorate and finish the table. The end result is stunning and pretty much exactly what we had envisioned. We are actively thinking about other projects we can do with David because we're so impressed with his craftsmanship here. Beyond good quality product he was a joy to deal with - communication, timeliness, professionalism and delivery were all perfect experiences. Highest recommendation!
Tom
For Knife BoxesThis was a great experience, the maker understood exactly what I wanted and made great suggestions to make it better. It is a beautifully crafted product and a great value.
Brian Hayes
For Reclaimed Chestnut Sideboard TableI had visions of a high and long sideboard table to fit underneath a wall-mounted television in my living room. When I saw a really beautiful image on custommade.com, I knew that was sideboard I wanted. It was a statement piece that fit nicely with our style. When I listed the project on here, I received approximately 15 offers. David's offer was by far the most reasonable. The offer combined with the professionalism and sincere interest he showed in the project made the decision an easy one for me. Throughout the construction stage, David communicates with me regularly and provided photo updates of the progress. We made some size and stylistic changes during the process. David coordinated delivery/pickup in a very fair and reasonable way. Upon sight of the project yesterday I was in awe of the attention to detail, the craftsmanship, and the shocking similarities to the piece that originally inspired my idea. It looks amazing and is already making a statement in our home. This was my first time using custommade.com but I know I will be using the site again. I already have future projects in mind and I would be honored if David were able to complete them for me.
Beth Ridley
For Logo BookcaseDavid made our company a beautiful 3D logo that also functions as bookshelf. He delivered it personally to Boston and installed it directly in the office. We weren't entirely sure what we wanted and he worked with us to solidify our ideas into a design. The final piece is gorgeous and we are extremely impressed with his craftsmanship. David was very responsive and proactive throughout the process and went above and beyond to work within our budget and constraints. I would highly recommend David for any future project.
A guide to the best items from the best makers and the stories behind them.