Kenneth Lipowski

Kenneth Lipowski

Puddle Town Woodworking

Sandy, OR
Member since: 2011
4.9
39 Maker Reviews
  • Long-time member

    A Maker who has been a valued part of this community for several years.

  • Fast shipper

    Customers say that this Maker ships promptly after completing a project.

  • Great service

    This Maker has consistently demonstrated excellence in craftsmanship and customer service.

I started my business Puddle Town Woodworking over 20 years ago, specializing in one of kind creations.

Frustrated with the quality and craftsmanship of imported furnishings at a low cost, I feel that America has been "conditioned" for lack of a better term, to trade-off quality over lower prices. My furniture is completely the opposite as much time and heart goes into each piece I make. I "over engineer" each piece to last a lifetime and make the piece to be handed down or repurposed, hopefully avoiding the landfill. This simply can't be done with the imported particle board items which have been made with recycled materials already.

The beautiful thing is I get to make your “dream a reality” I enjoy the process of working with consumers as well as professional designers in making their vision come to life! Just like the author J.K Rowling whom created a series of books from a simple concept written on a napkin, I’ve created pieces from similar simple drawings or ideas.

Your project in connection with my experience will create beautiful pieces!

On a personal note: I'm a married family man with 2 daughters, one going into her third year of college and the youngest entering her second year of college. We live in the country and I wouldn't change that for the world! I also enjoy music and playing guitar especially sitting around with my girls and all playing music together! In my “off” time, I volunteer for an organization that provides services to low-income elderly homeowners who may need modifications such as a ramp built for their wheelchair or grab bars installed in their shower. It’s moments like those that make life worth while!

God Bless,
Kenny

SHOP RATES/ FEES:

I assess each individual project based on firstly time, complexity and then materials. My labor rate is $35hr. What a customer receives for this rate is "personal" attention and clarity for the end product. This rate also maintains the shop equipment, pays the electricity and the many other ancillary items, (blade sharpening/ replacement, adhesives, fasteners, finishing supplies, fuel to pick up materials and a myriad of other things that is involved in running a one-man woodworking shop.

CustomMade.com also receives a 12.7% commission for acceptance of any proposals accepted on this site. In comparison to what a consumer MAY be able to purchase from a furniture store, and the pricing associated, isn't realistic comparatively to having a piece custom tailored to their space and requirements. Heirloom sustainable quality is what you will receive.

DISCLAIMER:

Wood as a product of nature is what is known as hydroscopic. What this means is that for example, if you had a handful of drinking straws, the moisture that the tree receives as it's growing would be through these straws. When the tree is cut and milled these straws will be exposed to the environment and the moisture that was once in the tree slowly evaporates mostly through these 'straws'. However evaporation can also happen through the wall of the straw. For hardwood like maple, oak, cherry etc. the wood usually goes through a 'kiln drying' process where the wood is exposed to heat and humidity, which is slowly reduced over a period of time down to a relative moisture content of 6 - 8%. This prevents or minimizes cracking which can happen due to stress that the tree may have been exposed to as it was growing.

Now that the wood has been dried, one has to keep in mind that those 'straws' are still there and are somewhat hollow, with the ends exposed to the temperature and relative humidity around it. With this exposure, the wood will acclimate to it's environment, taking in moisture and expelling moisture associated with it's ambient surroundings. What this process does is allow the wood to expand and contract ever so slightly over the course of the four seasons which is dependent upon where in the USA the furniture will reside. Although this movement is minimal and the wood has been 'worked' within the acceptable moisture content of 6 - 8%, one may see or more likely feel a slight distortion where two pieces of wood have been joined together. This is considered normal and acceptable as there is little that can be done to stop this process. However adding a good quality finish will slow the process, but stopping it altogether is almost impossible.

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What people are saying

4.9
(39)
  • Jim ReardonJR

    Jim Reardon

    For Jim's Dining Table
    4.5

    Our custom dining table ended up absolutely perfect. Kenny was great working with us with the initial design -- we had our designer create a custom pedestal base that was probably tricky to get right! -- and our tweaks before starting to dimensions, etc. The end result was amazing -- I can't imagine getting a piece we could have been happier with. Since we live close to his shop, he delivered the product himself and set it up. Perfect condition and exactly how we pictured it (maybe a little nicer). We did have a few stumbling blocks on the way with communication and the timeline slipping, but I think that was mostly driven by Kenny's life having a lot go on at once (and working directly with a woodworker, there's not backup staff to take the project over). Once things settled down Kenny suggested a revised timeline and hit it perfectly.

  • William Kay KayWK

    William Kay Kay

    For Reclaimed Wood Murphy Bed
    5.0

    I am totally thrilled with my custom made Murphy Bed from Puddle Town and recommend his workshop without reservation. Even with the need for some after thought additional work they followed up and delivered as promised so I would be happy..and the product was as promised and delivered without issue. Thanks for a great job!!!

  • Charles GrimesCG

    Charles Grimes

    For Custom Exotic Wood Chess Table With Drawers
    4.5

    Kenny Lipowski made us a beautiful chess table. My wife and I are very happy with it.

  • JL

    James Lavin

    For Barstools
    5.0

    Working with Kenny on our counter top bar stools was awesome. They are perfect for our family. My two daughters who at 2 years old literally sit on the stools during breakfast, lunch and dinner! These stools are seriously our favorite furniture item of all time! Nothing compars to the quality and craftsmanship! I couldn't be happier with the end results and we will have these forever!

  • Angela ChapmanAC

    Angela Chapman

    For Steel And Walnut Contemporary Desk/ Workstation & Bookcase
    5.0

    The desk that Kenny crafted turned out to be beyond our expectations. He did everything he could to make it special - making suggestions in the design process, crafting special hardware, using beautiful walnut inlay. Even the packaging for shipping was done very carefully and professionally. Recommend very highly.

  • NH

    nicole hall

    For Custom Exotic Wood Chess Table With Drawers
    5.0

    The table is absolutely gorgeous, the workmanship is a 10! I am beyond pleased. Thank you Kenny.

  • HN

    Hoang Nguyen

    For Anniversary Bed, 30th Anniv. Edition (Queen Size)
    4.5

    I am very happy with the bed made for me by Mr. Kenny Lipowski. The communication with him through out the process is excellent: from the details of the bed material, the wood work involved , the timeline or delay, he always emails you. Thanks again Mr. Lipowski for your beautiful work and I wholeheartly recommend you to anyone who is interested in handmade wood product. Hoang Nguyen.

  • JK

    Jamie Kern

    For Jamie's Dining Table
    5.0

    I can't say enough about the amazing customer service, professionalism and quality of Puddle Town Woodworking. PTW fabricate a 12' x 4' dining table for my client and it is stunning. He designed the table to accommodate 12 people and the chairs slid under the table beautifully with no interference from the legs. Throughout the process we had open communication and he helped walk me thru the design that would best meet my client's needs. I highly recommend Puddle Town and will most definitely work with him again!

  • SM

    Susan M

    For Media Console
    5.0

    I couldn't be happier with my media console, it's beautiful. I contacted Kenny after my initial project with another maker was terminated due to the maker's refusal to reply to my own and CustomMade's communication attempts. Kenny was the perfect person to partner with after such a disastrous first try. He was communicative, inquisitive, and knowledgeable. From across the country (I'm in NY), Kenny made my experience seamless and worry-free with constant communication and photos throughout the building process. Down to the Kenny-made crate my media console was packed and shipped in, his craftsmanship and attention to detail was impeccable. I would definitely recommend Kenny and am already planning my next project with him!

  • MI

    Mike Implicito

    For Alder Bar Stool
    5.0

    We couldn't be happier with the result of our experience. Kenny was on top of the project right from the start. He went so far as to have me send pictures and piece of wood stained so he could match the number of knots and stain in our kitchen to our new stools. I recommend Kenny Lipowski without any hesitation. Thanks for a great job!!

  • CM

    Chris Moyer

    For Office desk Project
    5.0

    During the process, Kenny provided insight, willing to work outside "the box". Experiment and find new materials needed to complete the project. Craftsmanship 1st rate. Other than living in a hole in a tree in a old growth forest, very much plugged into the concept of customer satisfaction.

  • AM

    Alisa Mallinger

    For Alisa's king platform bed
    5.0

    Kenny was amazing, he answered my questions right away, he completed the project exactly as I had asked and we were able to do this all over the internet. He delivered the project on time and helped carry it upstairs. We are so pleased I've already told everyone I know about him.

  • RC

    Ryan Cappelli

    For Table Project
    5.0

    Ken, made a Beautiful set of live edge maple high top bar tables for me. His design, user friendliness, craftsmanship, timeliness, and quality were all amazing. I would happily use Ken for my next project. I highly recommend him. -Ryan

  • Kathryn BergmanKB

    Kathryn Bergman

    For Rustic wood coffee table
    5.0

    My table turned out beautiful and just the way I wanted it. The maker was great about getting back to me and planning the different stains and texture of the table too! He did a great job! I'm thrilled with the outcome!

  • TL

    Tim Locke

    For Platform bed Project
    4.8

    i must say i approached to entire idea of having somebody build me something custom with great trepidation. My wife and i have tried stuff like this before and have been let down so many times- but i think Kenny has changed our mind. The bed and nightstands he built are pretty perfect and exactly what WE wanted, with the benefits of what Kenny brings as a creative artist. He's a patient man working with people who are totally and completely oblivious as to how something like this gets done. I learned quite a bit from him and we couldn't be any happier with what was sent to us. The only negative and this is just something you don't think about when you've always depended on big box retail to cushion or absorb the shipping, well, was shipping. But when you send 650 lbs of wood from oregon to texas it's going to cost you something. Other than that, a flawless experience for us........

  • James MillerJM

    James Miller

    For Headboard with Storage for Millers
    5.0

    My project started with a single photo of a headboard that looked similar to what I wanted for our home. Kenny at Puddle Town Woodworking picked up the concept, provided a very detailed and fair estimate, and created full 3D rendered models of what he intended to build. Throughout the project he provided updates and photos of his progress. His work is unbelievable. The final product is absolutely beautiful and has exceeded my and my families expectations in every way. It is one of the very nicest pieces of furniture in our home -- something I never thought I'd say about a headboard unit. I would turn to Kenny again in a heartbeat for another project and strongly suggest you do as well.

  • Bob StearnsBS

    Bob Stearns

    For Vanity stool
    5.0

    This is the second project Kenny has completed for me, and like the first, it was completely satisfactory. The piece is beautiful. Just what I wanted. Delivered on time and at a very fair price. Kenny is a joy to work with. I am certain I will use him again.

  • B

    Bill

    For Contemporary Walnut desk
    5.0

    I scoured Custom Made for months, narrowing down craftsman for an office desk in my new home. Fortunately Kenny had two designs that I kept coming back to. After settling on one, I selected exotic woods, and made a few modifications (dimensions, handles, secret drawer). Kenny's communication and advice on the details throughout the process was invaluable. The finished product looks unbelievable---nailed the colors I was looking for, fantastic woods, beyond perfect. Going in I planned this desk project to be my first and last, with the intent to have this for the rest of my life---mission accomplished. Rewarding experience, and a finished product I can enjoy for years to come. Thank you very much Kenny, I can't thank you enough. (Contemporary Exotic Wood Desk)

  • Bob StearnsBS

    Bob Stearns

    For Cherry And Birdseye Maple Chess Table
    5.0

    This was a completely satisfying experience. Kenny was fun to work with, made great suggestions, built just what I wanted on time and at a more-than-fair price. I would use him again in a second.

  • CP

    Cindy Perry

    For Barstool
    5.0

    I am very pleased with the final product.I've also received many compliments and inquiries about my new stools. I found the experience of working with Puddle Town Woodworking very satisfying. This maker was extremely helpful and patient with me as I learned how to navigate this process. He was willing to answer questions, send explanations, and guide me every step of the way! I still can't believe I saw a picture of what I wanted and now I look out at my kitchen island and there it is, kind of amazing! Thank you Kenny Lipowski from a very satisfied customer.

  • Daniel BurkaDB

    Daniel Burka

    For Tabletop for Google Ventures
    5.0

    We are so very happy with this project. At the outset, we gave Kenny at Puddle Town a difficult task — create a centerpiece for our new office. And, he nailed it. We couldn't be happier with the final outcome, the level of detail, and Kenny's overall professionalism. Top notch work from a top level artisan... we couldn't have asked for anything more.

  • JS

    Jeff Schaal

    For Jeff Schaal's Simple pedestal desk with drawers
    4.8

    The custom cherry desk I ordered from Kenny resulted in a beautiful piece of furniture that fits perfectly in my small condo. The fit, form, and construction quality were excellent. His attention to detail is great. I would definitely work with Kenny again.

  • Neal N

    Neal

    For Rolling kitchen island
    5.0

    Kenny did an excellent job on our kitchen table. From the very beginning he went above and beyond for us. He provided a professional rendering of the table for us and it was the direction my wife and I were wanting to go with our project. He continued to make tweaks along the way to our project to make the table exactly what we wanted. He always got back to us the same day for any questions we had. He also was very honest with cost, timelines, shipping, and any potential roadblocks we might run into. He also helped us find a very reasonably priced shipper and we received our project 2 weeks before we moved into our new home. I highly recommend him to any of my friends. My wife also wanted to say "I am so in love with our custom dining room table/kitchen work bench he made for us. He helped form and create the vision of what we wanted, but made it better by consulting with us on new ideas. He was always easy to get a hold of and sent us multiple pictures throughout the build process so we could see how the table was coming along. The table arrived this week and it couldn't be more perfect, it's exactly what we wanted! The craftsmanship looks like we bought it straight from a high end design store but it's our very own custom table. I couldn't be happier with the results."

  • A

    Alec

    For FUSE Desk 3
    4.7

    Kenny was great to work with on my project. I gave him a pretty complex project and he nailed it. What an excellent craftsman. The desk I designed came out exactly as I conceived it. The workmanship is stunning. Everyone that comes into my office comments on this desk. It's truly one of a kind and should last generations. I would highly recommend Kenny to anyone looking for something special. Alec

  • B

    Brenda

    For King sized bed
    5.0

    Kenny at Puddle Town Woodworking is excellent to work with in every manner. We love our new king sized bed! He sourced some reclaimed NW Alder and truly made an heirloom quality piece of furniture that we hope will stay in our family for a long time to come. Kenny worked up digital plans for us based on a picture and some emails back and forth. The process went very smoothly. We are very happy with our unique bed and will look to working with Kenny again when we need another custom piece.

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