Custom-made Furniture
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Custom-made Furniture
June 2008
I would like to hire someone to design and build built-in bookcases in my hallway. I
have some ideas of what I would like them to look like but I'm not too creative about
these kinds of projects. Any suggestions on who could do this work?
Teresa
We used Closet Innovations, part of the Innovative Design Group.
They didn't do closets for us, they did all our kitchen
cabinetry, a built in banquette with bookshelves, and a garage
hall with bench, cubbies, and a built-in hutch. Their work is
very good and their prices were comparable to the customizable
premade stuff, such as KraftMaid (KraftMade?).
They have a showroom at the San Francisco Design Center, which is
just about all closet and office configurations, so you could go
over there to see what they do and talk to someone. Otherwise,
you could call them and they'll come out with a portfolio to show
you. They do some very high-end work (tech billionaires, baseball
players, conference rooms for Cisco Systems, etc., but they also
do the basic laundry room and cabinetry for regular folks like
me...trust me, I am not a rich, will-pay-whatever-it-costs type).
So, don't be scared off by the fact that they are at the Design
Center or that they do high-end stuff. Their prices are pretty
good and the service is good. Plus, they have great ideas and are
good problem solvers.
You can tell them Mary in Moraga referred you.
Their number: IDG/Closet Innovations, 800-971-7900
Mary
April 2007
We are looking for a carpenter to construct a built-in shelving unit in our home. It
will
probably be painted to match the wood in our home but we may be open to another
possibility. Does anyone know someone for a job like this?
Thanks
hb
Try East Bay Woodwork at (510) 529-1480.
anon
Nov 2006
Does anyone know of a good furniture builder? I have a picture
of a dining room table and leather dining chairs that I would
like to have made. Thanks so much
Anonymous
Thomas Harder is a skilled furniture maker here in Berkeley. His
experience and artistic abilities are his trademark. You can
reach him @ 849-0658.
Lindsey
Jan 2006
I am lusting after an Arts & Crafts table at Berkeley Mills. The price is too steep so I am looking for a craftsperson who could make a similiar table but who doesn't have the overhead costs that Berkeley Mills does and who could make it more inexpensively.
The archives for furniture makers are 4 to 6 years old. Thanks.
For the person seeking an alternative to Berkeley Mills, try Steve Belsito. His number is 444-2619 and he makes beautiful arts and crafts style furniture and he is a nice guy. His shop is down on Heinz Avenue in Berkeley behind Magic Gardens. We talked to him about building a cabinet and then about refinishing our Stickley dining room table and he told us how to refinish the table ourselves and even came over and helped us put the final finish on. We are going to have him build the cabinet as soon as we can afford it.
Vickie
August 2002
I am looking for a good woodworker who could build a
table out of some recycled wood that I have. I'm looking
for someone who can give input into design and build
my table with an eye for simplicity of form and high
craftmanship. Does anyone know of someone who
does this type of custom work? Thanks for any tips.
Jonathan
For craftsmen who can also give design advice in order to
build a table from recycled wood, I'd like to recommend
Vaughn Johnson and Peter Brock. They are both architects
and have a well-equipped wood working shop in Berkeley.
Vaughn has studied and practiced Japanese woodworking for
some time. They are both excellent designers and I think
you would find either one of them fun to work with.
You can reach them at 845-8806.
Laura
To the fellow who wanted a table made out of salvaged
wood: I'd track down John Trout in Berkeley. John builds
for that furniture place near Ashby on 7th, the Wooden
Duck, focusing on salvaged materials. And
if he can't do it, he may well know who can. Very nice
guy.
Wendy
2001
We're looking for a reliable contractor/carpenter who
can build us bookcases for one wall in our dining
room, hopefully for a decent price, after the
holidays. We appreciate any recommendations. Thanks.
Skog (I think it is, a high-quality line of bookcases Gorman's sells) will make
bookcases sized to order. We've had many built by them and then attached to
the wall by our local handyman. Unless you're looking for one bookcase to
cover an entire large wall, I recommend looking at them
-Fran
Barrett Woodworking created beautiful bookcases for
our house. His workshop is in Berkeley, and he should
be in the book.
Karen
October 1999
Does anyone know of and recommend a furniture maker. I am
considering
having a dining room table made to fit into a difficult space. I
envision
it being made out of wood, but am flexible regarding materials. Any
recommendations would be appreciated
Debbie
I would recommend that you talk to David Bartlett, John Mercer
(845-8823), or
Berkeley Mills. John Mercer might actually be a cabinet maker (I
never saw
his work--he was recommended to me) but I've seen tables done by the
others.
All three were highly recommended when we were looking for someone to
make
some furniture for us about 8 years ago, the first person by MacBeath
Hardware,
the other two by people we knew. In fact, you might want to call
MacBeath and
see if they can recommend anyone--the person we eventually hired was
also
recommended by them. (Unfortunately he's no longer in the business.)
Fran
I recommend Philip Barlow (707) 847-3684. He lives in the
Cazadero/Timbercove area but most of his clients are in the Bay Area
and
he comes down regularly. I saw a very fine dining room sideboard he
made
for a neighbor--the drawers were so sturdy that someone could stand
in
them when pulled out. He made an elegantly crafted redwood bench for
my
parents. He also does custom cabinet work.
Xanthippe
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