2. Customer referred from existing, completed salvaged
oak round table previously fabricated by Urban
Hardwoods (pictured)
Customer came to the showroom with a reference piece in mind, aware that Urban
Hardwoods’ use of natural, salvaged material meant that all items are one of a kind. With this
reference design and an open dialogue between the client, architect and myself regarding
their expectations we were able to proceed with sourcing appropriate material for their
custom project.
3. Our Seattle craftsman search through stacks of fully air
and kiln dried material for available slabs to
accommodate the custom request
The customer was open to a refined selection of wood species with specific
tones and grain character offered by Urban Hardwoods (American wood
sourced exclusively in the Pacific Northwest) from which we could source
material fitting their configuration and sizing needs.
4. Raw material sourced, proposed layout presented
Allowing a couple of weeks for my team to physically sort through stacks for the best
option to provide to our client, as close to their needs as possible, photos are
provided of the raw, unsurfaced material with chalk outlines to assist in visualization
of proposed layout. I spoke to the customer in detail about all the specifics that
would be involved in the configuration of this material and represented exactly what
they could expect for final appearance, including grain and color comparisons of the
anticipated finished product.
5. Boards surfaced, configured in final proposed layout
Once the customer was comfortable that their concerns and questions were
addressed and that this material would provide all of the features they had hoped to
achieve, a deposit was taken so that material could then be surfaced and laid out
more accurately. This allowed the customer to see the grain character more clearly
and to picture more closely the finished shape of the tabletop. The customer was
allowed input at this stage and minor adjustments were made in configuration to
accommodate their aesthetic preferences, all considering respect to the material and
integrity of design.
6. Any questions regarding layout, appearance, etc. are addressed in the production process so that
adjustments may be made if necessary. Here, the customer asked for specifics details on a natural
void feature to help with visualization and functionality planning.
7. The customer decided on a base pairing and finish option, which was selected from
our many available styles. A satin nickel pedestal base was chosen to maximize seating
and provide an added element of design character.
Pedestal style photo Finish example photo
8. With consideration of the unique table layout and sizing of natural voids, a custom
plate configuration was designed to allow for support and ideal aesthetic character
and provided to the customer for approval.
9. The finished table is photographed for final approval
before shipping
It was decided that the plating from the pedestal base would appear
through the center void, creating an interesting effect, while the two
other natural openings were allowed to remain open.
10. A unique finished product is presented to the customer. Having had input and
updates from the shop and myself during production, they have known what
to anticipate and are extremely happy with the final outcome.
