Suzanne needed a very specific size rustic mantel to fit in with a living room redesign. I used a reclaimed beam from an old church. Stained with an oil based stain, clear coated with shellac, then finished with a paste wax. A large check on the wood is held together with a metal butterfly dutchman patch I created from an old carpenters framing square.
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.
Custom design and fabrication specializing in recycled materials.
A guide to the best items from the best makers and the stories behind them.
Martha
For Martha's Dining TableAs an Interior Designer/Decorator, I want only the best for my clients. Most of my projects require at least one custom made product. Whether it's window treatments, cushions, art or furniture. This project required a custom sized table to fit in front of a custom designed and built banquette. My client wanted a specific stain color and tone as well as a specific table base. Matt is beyond professional and his workmanship is top notch. My client is more than happy - thrilled would be the better word! Matt really listens to the requirements and wishes - delivers on all points. I would highly recommend working with Matt. Extremely happy. Really looking forward to working with Matt again on the next project! Martha Nazzaro Grace~full Interiors Reading, MA
david sloss
For Metal Frame Desk / ShelvesWorking with Matthew was an excellent experience and I'm happy very with the final products. My desk and shelves came out even better than I had hoped. Matthew is knowlegable, flexible, and a pleasure to work with. I would recommend his services without reservation.
Emiliano Rial Verde
For Emiliano's Book shelvesExcellent communication; good work and great value. Anything I need made in wood I would definitively reach out again.
ann lauritsen
For Barn door ProjectWe had a great experience having Matt build our barn doors. He built them exactly to our specs, on time, and even helped with delivery and install. A true craftsman and professional - we would definitely want to work with him on any future projects.
Grant Byczek
For Lift Top Coffee TableExcellent experience. Great end product. Highly reccomend
dawn ader
For Console / sofa table ProjectMy experience with Mark was excellent. He is knowledgeable, helpful, creative and talented. I appreciate that he was patient with me as the design fluctuated. Definitely would use him again.
habib salim
For habib's DaybedMatthew Karl did a good job.
Mike Dobeck
For Mike's bed frameMatt is knowledgeable, communicative and professional. He helped with the design phase and asked the right questions to ensure a quality product. I recommend Matt.
John Kimble
For Desk-Bookshelf ProjectMatt created and delivered exactly what we were looking for and even suggested elements we hadn't considered that made the project even better. He was always extremely responsive and organized, and he walked us through the process so that we always knew what to expect, including sending us samples of materials so that we could confirm what we wanted before he used them. He's incredibly talented, and we're very happy that we were able to find him for our project.
Dan Weinstein
For Dan's custom sized free standing shelvesGreat final product. He put up nicely with my lack of communication. Matt installed the shelves he made and was very flexible about installation. When he arrived, we changed our mind of where we wanted the shelf to go and he agreed to come back to finish the job. And he's a nice guy.
Stephanie von Zerneck
For Stephanie's butcher block vessel sink consoleI couldn't be happier with the entire experience working with M.Karl Inc. He was a true professional, prompt, and very helpful in helping me decide on the best options and design for my needs. The finished piece is simply beautiful and shows the high level of Matt's craftsmanship.
mat r
For Mat's Industrial Console BarExcellent feedback throughout the engagement, a very collaboration to finalize the details of the design, the result is exactly what I wanted. Highly recommended, especially (but not limited to) if you live in NYC metro area.
ayako hara
For Industrial Garment Rack With Top ShelfI really like what he made for me. size, color, shipping etc.. everything perfect!!! thank you so much.
J. Kent Pepper
For Wood Base for a TansuMatt genuinely cared about every aspect of my project and was determined to over deliver—he actually came and made all the measurements himself to ensure that he understood exactly what I needed. He was very flexible and helpful when it came to determining exactly what materials would be best suited to my needs, even though the best solution required more work. Throughout the project, Matt provided multiple updates and finished the project exactly when he said he would. He delivered and installed it personally to make sure everything was perfect (which, of course, it was). I would absolutely use Matt again and highly recommend him.
sarah marcus
For Loft bed ProjectWe worked with Matthew on a custom made loft bed for our 6 year old son. We needed it to be long enough to fit over our existing trundle bed plus the height needed to be lower than the average loft as to not hit our low ceilings. Plus we wanted real wood! Matthew was extremely professional throughout the entire process; kept to schedule, communicated clearly, and was totally responsive to every request ( a removable ladder, a toy box for storage, rails on the side, etc.) He did this and remained within our budget! I would definitely recommend him and will certainly reach out to him again! We love our loft and so does our son.
laura scott
For Bench ProjectMatthew made me a beautiful bench! Sturdy and solid. He was thorough about details, which is great since i know so little about wood and carpentry. Friendly, phenomenal service. Absolutely no complaints!!! Thank u matthew
Beth Goodwin
For Beth's condiment caddyDiane Morgan
For Diane's coffee tableWhen we ventured out to get a Custom Made coffee table we had no idea what to expect. We took a gamble on Matthew Karl and it TOTALLY paid off. We provided him with a photo of a table we saw online as guidance, gave him measurements, and then the complicated part: we told him how we wanted our table to differ from that in the picture. Keep in mind my husband and I know nothing about wood work. The table was also a little complicated, complete with lift top mechanism so part of it converts to an dining table/desk. Matthew made what could have been a stressful process very easy. He was in constant communication with us, sending us photos of ideas he had, and even met with us in person twice to show us hardware and stain samples. The finished product was absolutely perfect and right in line with our vague request: "slightly distressed but nothing too crazy." My husband and I are now turning into "coaster people" because we love it so much we want it to last. It's also worth mentioning that we were working with a very low budget. Matthew was somehow able to source wood, a lift top mechanism, and other hardware that fell within our means and still resulted in a beautiful piece of furniture. I have already recommended Matthew to several friends that have come over and complimented the table and hope to hire him for more pieces in the future.
Angela Salas
For Table ProjectI love the table. Matthew was very easy to work with and punctual. He worked with me every step of the way and made an awesome sturdy table. He was able to understand my needs and helped me decide on materials when I had no clue. He made a dream a reality! I would recommend him for projects.
CustomMade User
For CustomMade User's Wooden tray with handles for the kitchenMatthew Karl is an excellent artisan and first class communicator! Outstanding result and a true partnership in its creation. Highest recommendation!
Mary Eagle
For Mary's lofted bed for adultMatt completed the project in a timely and professional manner. I am very happy with the quality of the bed, and would definitely use him again for future projects!
Anastasia Standrik
For Clothing Rack, Garment Rack, Texas StyleThe rack looked exactly the way I wanted it too. It was great to be able to coordinate all the measurements I need and have this one of a kind piece of furniture fit my room perfectly for such a decent price. Would highly recommend working with Matthew Karl.
Terry O'Shea
For Terry's box coverThis project was a small one, but one that needed some real expertise. I found that expertise in M. Karl Inc. I am more than happy with the finished product. It turned out better than I even imagined it could. I would certainly work with this builder again because of how easy the whole project turned out to be. M. Karl is friendly and easy to talk with about whatever it is you want made. I loved the whole process because the builder listened to me and suggested better ways of building than I was even aware of. Everything was good about this experience. Thank you M. Karl Inc!!
CustomMade User
For CustomMade User's Key Turner for an individual with a disability.If I COULD, I WOULD GIVE 10 STARS! MATTHEW KARL WAS SENSITIVE TO MY SPECIAL NEEDS, MADE QUICK MODELS AND MAINTAINED CONSTANT COMMUNICATION WITH ME TO MAKE ADAPTATIONS AND ADJUSTMENTS. I COULD NOT ASK FOR A BETTER CRAFTSMAN AND PARTNER FOR THIS PROJECT. I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH MATTHEW ON THE NEXT PHASE OF THIS PROJECT.
Martha
For Martha's Galvanized metal art frameI am an Interior Designer/Decorator and frequently need custom made items - this website is genius! Why try and find something on the retail market when you can have something made just for you - and beautifully! Matthew Karl made me a large frame of galvanized metal that will hold a piece of art and be hung in an Industrial space - it's absolutely perfect! Our communication was key to the finished product...the quality is 5 stars and it's exactly what I envisioned. Matthew, I'm really looking forward to working with you again!