Custom Cabinets, Shelves, Cases and Other Wooden Creations

Welcome to my site of custom-built wood creations. I will build items like this for you. This diverse collection includes cases, shelves, cabinets, stands, frames, doors and even beds. And they are all being used. None of these creations has been posed in a designer home; they are either shown installed or before being handed over to a family member. Some of those in use are dusty and a few even have cobwebs -- and you'll see how they look in a home with down-to-earth people responding to their own practical needs.

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For custom-made musical instruments, please visit my musical instruments page.

Final version of the student desk. The surface is sanded and hand-rubbed, and uses no urethane or oil.

Desk door is made from small glued pieces. The cabinet has one shelf for small books, and the well for large ones.

Black strap hinges and a Dutch porcelain knob give the door strength and a pleasant design.

Top edge is mitred and softened, keeping sharp edges away from teen haste.

Drawers have always been a sticky affair unless commercial rollers are used. To keep the desk feeling entirely like wood, waxed runners are used instead of rollers.

The main drawer also has Dutch knobs, and the large knot is given visibility because of its beautiful colors.

The interior edge is made into an arch with a small heart.

The top is made from a variety of boards to afford variety and the beauty of the natural wood.

The finished desk also has arched wide panels for sides. The entire desk is glued, using no nails.

The drawer also highlights the beautiful knots in the pine.

The front and sides of the drawers are lapped to provide strength against teen pulls and slams. The door has no latch but is tightly hinged so it stays in place.

The wide main drawer has front-to-back waxed runners.

The foot rest ended up being the desk's only point of failure, as it was used to push away and not merely rest. It was reinforced later with pegs.

All fir is used for the construction, including the wide sides and the back. There is no plywood, even in the back.

From the edge, the top has a smooth sheen. Ultimately it was covered with a glass top because the temptation to doodle on it was too great. The desk also has a secret panel that contains the drawings, sketches, photos and measurements.