Custom Furniture Toronto: Breakfast Nook Table

When it comes to adding charm and character to your kitchen, there's nothing quite like a custom-made piece of furniture. Recently, I had the pleasure of crafting a table to fit a breakfast nook for clients in Toronto. The client wanted to have a space where the kids could start the day enjoying breakfast, while their parents prepped healthy lunches in the adjacent kitchen.. This simple table, with its reclaimed elm top and unique custom metal base, has become the centrepiece of the clients’ kitchen. I’m excited to share photos of this project and hope it might inspire in your own custom furniture desires.

In this case the client and their designer approached me with a vision for a breakfast nook table that would seamlessly blend rustic charm with modern design elements. After discussing their preferences, colour, character, size, style and balancing that against their needs, we decided to craft the table's top using reclaimed Elm.. This choice not only added a unique character to the piece but also contributed to sustainability efforts by repurposing wood from in and around the city of Toronto that would otherwise enter the waste stream. The dark stain finish applied to the reclaimed elm top accentuated its natural beauty, enhancing the grain and, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere in the kitchen, and most importantly providing a durable and child-proof finish!

To complement the rustic elegance of the reclaimed elm top, we designed a custom welded metal base with a modern and geometric aesthetic. The base not only provides excellent stability but also adds a contemporary flair to the overall design and allows for plenty of leg room under the table given its’ setting in a small corner kitchen nook.

If you’re inspired by this custom wood table and eager to transform your own kitchen or dining space, please reach out. At BeReclaimed, we specialize in creating custom furniture in Toronto that reflects your unique style and needs. Whether you're interested in a reclaimed wood table, a custom metal base, or a combination of materials like this breakfast nook table, we're here to bring your vision to life. Contact us today to discuss your ideas, and let us craft the perfect custom furniture piece that will become the heart of your home.

Custom Furniture Collingwood: Round Dining Table With A Classic Metal Base

When it comes to crafting one-of-a-kind custom furniture in Toronto, our passion at BeReclaimed lies in creating pieces that not only complement your space but also fit your unique design vision. Recently, we had the pleasure of working on a custom-made round meeting table for a corporate client headquartered at the Distillery District in Toronto. This stunning piece of furniture boasts a reclaimed Douglas Fir top with a rustic patina natural finish, paired with a custom-welded metal base featuring an eye-catching starburst design. Most importantly the wood for this project was actually salvaged from the Distillery Districts rack houses. Personally for me these types of projects are among my favourites. Being able to reclaim materials and rehome them where they were originally salvaged from.

The Douglas Fir for this top was salvaged from the beams and cants that made up the rack houses of the Gooderham & Worts Distillery in Toronto. This wood not only adds incredible character but also allows me to create a more sustainable product, which is part of why I love doing what I do. Each imperfection, every knot and stain tells a story. And for this client’s vision we worked carefully to preserve and enhance these unique features, while creating a smooth, durable surface that's perfect for smaller collaborative meetings.

To contrast the rustic beauty of the reclaimed wood, we designed and had custom-welded a this star burst pattern. To increase productivity even further, at the clients’ request we added a port for plugs to travel through the table and down steel housing to the floor. This base not only provides excellent stability but also helps serve as a captivating focal point in the meeting room. This beautiful and classic base style is one of our favourite designs, and always perfectly compliments the aesthetic of a round table top.

At BeReclaimed, we're committed to bringing your custom furniture dreams to life. Whether you're looking for a reclaimed wood table, a unique metal base, or any other bespoke creation, our team is here to turn your vision into reality. If you're in Toronto or Collingwood and craving a piece of custom furniture that's as exceptional as it is functional, don't hesitate to contact us. Let's start crafting your very own masterpiece that will be cherished for generations to come.

Contact us today to discuss your custom furniture project and bring your unique vision to life!

Custom Furniture Muskoka: A Classic Rustic Cottage Coffee Table

For this project, our client's request was simple yet inspiring: to create a coffee table for their Muskoka cottage retreat where they could sip morning coffee, put their feet up after a hard day of cottaging, and enjoy family game nights in the evening. The result? A classic and simple reclaimed wood coffee table, designed to infuse warmth and character into their cottage's living space.

For this unique piece, we chose reclaimed Elm. The joists used for this piece were a perfect choice given the mandate. The white-washed, circular sawn plants with their weathered appearance and rustic patina give the tabletop an authentic, time-worn feel that blends seamlessly with the cottage's natural surroundings. The dark stain finish applied to the wood enhanced the depth and brought out the intricate details that only reclaimed wood can offer. The result is a surface that not only tells a story but also exudes character.

To support this beautiful reclaimed wood top, we knew we needed a simple base that was not only sturdy but also complementary to the overall design. We designed and welded a metal base, carefully choosing the dimensions, shape and finish to match the rustic elegance of the wood top. The juxtaposition of the dark, industrial-inspired base with the warm, weathered wood top creates a striking visual contrast that captivates the eye. It's a perfect blend of craftsmanship and classic timeless design, a hallmark of our custom furniture made in Toronto and Collingwood.

We understand that each piece of custom furniture should be a reflection of its owner's personality and style. Our team is dedicated to creating unique pieces that not only stand the test of time but also bring character and charm to your space. If you're looking to add a touch of Muskoka magic to your home with a custom wood table, whether it's a coffee table like this one or any other bespoke piece, we're here to turn your vision into reality.

Ready to embark on your own custom furniture journey? Contact us today to discuss your project, your dream piece of custom furniture is just a click away.

Custom Furniture Collingwood: A Rustic Wood and Metal Trestle Table

In the world of custom furniture, where every piece tells a unique story, we recently had the pleasure of creating a truly exceptional harvest table for a client. This custom wood table features a reclaimed wood top with a rustic patina and a dark stain finish. The base incorporates the wood from the same source as the top paired with custom welded metal x-bases. This dining table was the perfect fit for clients’ country chic kitchen/dining room with its well-worn top texture and classic trestle base. The rustic patina, born from years of weathering, adds a sense of authenticity that only time can bestow. To accentuate the wood's natural beauty, we applied a dark stain finish, creating a soft balance between old-world charm and modern elegance.

After a series of conversations with the client regarding the leg system we opted for this relatively unique combination of wood and metal to meet their design goals. Modern but still old-fashioned. One key driver for us at BeReclaimed is making sure that the table top and base are part of a whole story rather than just a random top sitting on a random store-bought base. To that end I find that adding a wooden accent (which matches the top) to the legs system helps achieve this goal. From start to finish every detail was purposely chosen and expertly crafted ensuring both durability and artistry. The result? A base that not only supports the table but also serves as a sculptural focal point for the clients’ dining space.

At BeReclaimed, we take immense pride in crafting one-of-a-kind pieces like this custom reclaimed wood dining table. Whether you're in Toronto, Collingwood, Muskoka, or anywhere in Canada and the U.S for that matter, we’re dedicated to bringing your custom furniture dreams to life. If you envision a piece that reflects your unique style and taste, don't hesitate to reach out. Let us transform your vision into a reality.

Intrigued by the idea of owning a bespoke dining table like this one? Contact us today to discuss your custom furniture project. We can't wait to hear from you.

Custom Furniture Toronto: A Wooden Frame Sofa with Creamy Linen Cushions

Today I’m excited to introduce one of our recent (and one of my favourite) creations: a stunning custom sofa with a wooden frame that seamlessly marries form and function.

The sofa’s journey begins with the choice of material – reclaimed Elm salvaged from old barn beams was the perfect fit for the custom sofa design that embraced and enhanced the imperfect edges and the natural character of the wood for a wabi-sabi style final design. At BeReclaimed, we are passionate about sustainability and craftsmanship. We've source reclaimed materials from the local area, giving new life to timbers that have already had long lives in factories, houses, barns, and wharfs etc . This eco-conscious approach not only helps reduce our environmental footprint but also infuses character and uniqueness into every piece we have the privilege create.

The rich, dark stain applied to the reclaimed wood frame of this custom sofa provides the perfect contrast to the creamy linen cushions we chose for the top. This piece was originally intended to have a light wood finish, but as we worked more closely with the wood, developed samples and took them to the space we decided it looked so much better with the dark finish. It not only enhances the wood's natural grain but also adds a touch of sophistication that's made this incredible and massive sofa the centrepiece of the living room.

Beyond the sofa, there are two side tables also from reclaimed Elm, but in this case left light to contrast with the sofa. They are multipurpose acting as side tables and occasionally as work tables sliding perfectly over the sofa. Perfect to hold a cup of tea and some popcorn for movie nights. It is this type multipurpose functionality that really drives our practice at BeReclaimed, and seeing these pieces come to life provides energy that feeds my/our soul.

At BeReclaimed, we understand that your home is a reflection of your personality and style. That's why we specialize in crafting custom furniture pieces that are tailored to your preferences. Whether you desire a custom wooden table to fit your dining room, a wood frame sofa, a large office desk, or any other unique furniture creation, we’re here to bring your vision to life.

If you're ready to elevate your living space with a custom wooden sofa like the one we've described, or if you have a different project in mind, don't hesitate to get in touch with us to share your vision and inspiration for your dream piece. Contact us today to discuss your ideas and let us craft a one-of-a-kind piece that perfectly fits your home.

Custom Furniture Collingwood: A Minimalist Floating Bed Frame

At BeReclaimed, we take pride in creating bespoke furniture pieces that seamlessly blend functionality with aesthetics. Recently, we had the privilege of working on a truly special project: a custom floating bed frame for an elegant country home in Thornbury. We worked with the client to create a design that was both simple and elegant, melding Scandinavian design principles with a unique country feel.

As with many projects this journey began when our client approaching us with an idea. They wanted a bed frame that would not only provide exceptional comfort and support but also serve as a focal point to an otherwise minimalist bedroom.

For this project, we selected premium hard Maple wood to craft the bed frame. We sorted and arranged the pieces to minimise distractions and keep the overall aesthetic as simple as possible. Maple is renowned for its durability, versatility, and light colour and grain, making it an excellent choice for furniture that is meant to stand the test of time. To enhance the modern minimalist look, we applied a white Osmo wax finish. This finish not only accentuated the natural beauty of the maple wood but also provided a sleek, matte surface that is both elegant and long lasting.

We were incredibly proud of the outcome of this piece and how the design aligned so well with the elegant and minimalist aesthetics of this farmhouse in Thornbury, Ontario. Its clean lines, simple, unadorned frame, and floating nature create a sense of space and airiness, which adds to the inherent tranquility of the bedroom.

It is a privilege to be able to work on unique projects like this and is one of the reasons I keep at it after 15 odd years. If you are in search of, or have any questions regarding, custom furniture in Toronto, Collingwood, or the surrounding areas, we invite you reach out and to explore the possibilities of creating your own bespoke pieces. Whether it's a floating bed frame like this, a custom wood table, or a reclaimed wood mantle, we are committed to turning your vision into a tangible reality. Contact us today to discuss your unique furniture needs, and let us craft a piece that reflects your style and personality while elevating the beauty of your space.

Custom Furniture Toronto: An Elegant Reclaimed Wood Dining Table

Every project I create is a unique journey blending years of design and building experience with the client's vision. This client approached me with a vision of elegance-meets-function, requesting a large dining table to fill their dining room and host family dinners for years to come. The result? A breathtaking dining table made from reclaimed Elm with a dark stain finish, paired with a unique custom-welded, modern, geometric metal base.

The focal point of this custom table is the reclaimed Elm top. The wood for this top was salvaged from derelict barns from the outskirts of the city of Toronto. That the wood was reclaimed added meaning for the client, who wanted a table that already had an embued history and would continue to collect love, stories, and memories for years to come. Its character-rich grain and the warmth of aged wood were accentuated by the darker stain and satin finish. The choice of stain added a touch of sophistication that harmonized beautifully with the client's dining room decor. The tabletop's substantial size not only accommodates large gatherings but also accentuates the grandeur of the space, making it an ideal choice for hosting family and friends.

The base of this custom wood table is not only functional but also serves as a playful, modern contrast to the rustic charm of the reclaimed Elm top. Its clean lines and aesthetics create a stunning fusion of old-world charm and contemporary style.

At BeReclaimed, we take immense pride in creating one-of-a-kind custom furniture pieces like this reclaimed Elm dining table. Whether you're envisioning a unique dining table, a custom coffee table, or any other bespoke furniture item, we’re ready to bring your vision to life. Contact us today to discuss your project, and let us craft a piece of functional art that can grace your home for generations.

Based out of Toronto & Collingwood, our custom furniture studio is ready to work with you. Your imagination is the limit, and we are here to turn those dreams into reality. Get in touch with us today, and let's create the perfect custom wood table or furniture piece for your space.

Custom Furniture Toronto: Reclaimed Elm Wood Writing Desk

Recently I had the privilege of crafting a unique writing Elm desk for a client in Toronto, and I’m excited to finally share photos of this stunning custom wood desk. This simple, minimalist parson’s table has a top crafted from reclaimed Elm top with a natural oil finish and is paired with custom metal legs.

As with every piece of reclaimed wood furniture I design and create, this table’s process began with sourcing the material. In this case stunning, reclaimed Elm beams salvaged from old barns across Southern Ontario. Every piece of wood tells a story, and this reclaimed Elm top was no exception. Its weathered charm and history-infused character made it the perfect choice for a writing desk that would inspire creativity and productivity.

To complement the reclaimed wood's rustic elegance, we designed custom metal legs that seamlessly blend modern aesthetics with traditional craftsmanship. The contrast between the sleek, light wood finish of the desk's top with the contemporary metal legs creates a harmonious balance that's both visually striking and functional.

At BeReclaimed, we're dedicated to bringing your unique furniture dreams to life. Whether you're envisioning a reclaimed wood masterpiece like this writing desk, or have an entirely different idea in mind, we're here to make it happen. Contact us today to discuss your custom furniture project, and let's turn your vision into a reality that you can cherish for years to come.

Reclaimed Oak Bench

This bench is crafted from an Oak beam that was salvaged from a school house that stood in Batteaux, Ontario (near Collingwood). It was a unique piece amongst a pile of Pine and was one of those fortuitous finds that makes working with reclaimed wood so worthwhile. When it got to my shop, after a brief stint in a kiln to remove any residual moisture and any potential insects that might have opted to make it home, I was instantly impressed by both its heft and beauty. A simple unfinished bench seemed ideal.

The plank was so simplistically beautiful I was particularly keen to keep the whole thing simple and tidy. It was an instance where I didn’t want, nor felt the need, to incorporate any extraneous materials. In the end I took inspiration from simple beauty of Japanese design and when with these simple angled legs with a matching, corresponding taper on the seat itself.

Once assembled, I opted to leave the bench untreated. I will often work with waxes and/or varnishes to add durability to a piece, however, in this case, the Oak had such a time-softened patina, I could not bring myself to seal it in. It’s still in my shop and every day I look at the weathering, wrinkles, cracks and circular saw marks I find myself awestruck by the beauty that can be found in something as simple as a 120 year piece of wood. I’m also reminded that I’m a pretty lucky person to have the opportunity to do what I do.

Serving Trays and Other Smaller Items

While the bread and butter of BeReclaimed is the crafting of custom tables and furniture, I will always enjoy making the smaller pret-a-acheter (ready to buy) pieces. These are smaller items like serving trays, tablet holders, boxes, and objets d’art.

These pieces are crafted from a mix of off-cuts, purpose milled materials, live-edge pieces, etc. What gets crafted on any particular day is generally determined by what’s lying around the shop. If the pieces are big enough for a large serving tray … awesome. Sometimes they’re only big enough to make a book mark. In all cases they’re made with love and a pleasure to make.

I look forward to sharing more pieces as we move through the blog. For now, here’s a quick tease of some two-tine cutting boards and a pair of paper trays.

Douglas Fir and Hot Rolled Steel Wine Rack

This wine rack was custom designed to fit under a floating staircase in a townhouse in Toronto’s Niagara neighbourhood.  The wine rack combines reclaimed Douglas Fir salvaged from Toronto’s Historic Distillery District and a custom welded steel frame.  Incredibly durable and sturdy, this piece will have no problems supporting the wine and liquor that will find a home on its shelves.  

The Douglas Fir for this project was milled from cants that came from the one of the rack houses of the that stood in Toronto’s Distillery District.  It was in these warehouses that Gooderham & Worts stored and aged their whiskey.  The upshot of this that that over the decades the wood racking became imbued with this stunning aroma.  Each cut unleashes a fresh plume of malted goodness.   

We chose hot-rolled steel for the frame of the wine rack to match the steel of the stair case.   Hot-rolled steel when finished with a clear varnish/epoxy takes on a vibrant gunmetal grey/black patina that is simply gorgeous and which can’t be achieved with a paint.  There’s something wonderfully fluid about the raw cleaned and clear-coated raw steel.

Kaya, the dog, while an integral part of the process, is not included as part of the finished product!

Custom Table for Cabbagetown Renovation

I had the privilege of building this table for a young couple in Cabbagetown, Toronto. As part of an extensive renovation, they removed a number of century old floor joists which with some TLC we were able to transform into this stunning centrepiece for their home. Measuring just over 7 feet long (increasing to 9’6” with the two 14” extensions), this table is the perfect for a young family looking forward to hosting larger holiday gatherings.

When it comes to wood species in older Toronto homes on generally finds that the skeletons/structure would be built using softwoods: White Pine, Douglas Fir, Hemlock. Builders would generally save more exotic woods for accent pieces throughout the house: Floorboards, flooring, trim, inlay, wainscotting, etc. In this case we were working with what appeared, for all intents and purposes, Hemlock. As well, thankfully, the wood joists were actual size 2”x4” , 2”x6” and 2”x8” pieces. (as opposed to the nominal sizing you find in hardware stores these days (2”x4” actually being 1.5” x 3.5”), That extra half inch adds a lot of weight and aesthetic appeal to tables … IMO.

While many of the tables I design incorporate custom-welded metal bases, in this instance the clients were keen to keep the table more natural and wanted to maintain a warmer feel. We opted for this wooden x-base with a trestle spanning the legs. The trestle adds an extra level of support, allowing the table to be easily moved while mitigating much, if not all, of the loosening that might otherwise occur over time. Really this table could host a dance party without much worry. Though, sadly, you might damage the patina a little bit.

Another part of the design was building the bench. The client wasn’t sure at first, but after a little deliberation opted in. If it’s something you think you’ll want in the near future, it is important to remember that it’s generally simpler to build these things simultaneously, to ensure similarity of colour, style etc. As well the bench allows for wonderfully versatile seating. You can fit loads of kids where you might otherwise only have room for 2 chairs.

All things said, it was a wonderful project and I greatly enjoyed the opportunity to work on with the clients. And, in the end their reaction more than made up the extra hours of finishing and building (honest truth, I built two tables for this project … I wasn’t happy with the first result).

“We absolutely LOVE the table. It is easily our favorite piece of furniture ever. I really wanted to send you a nice photo of our first dinner on it but the reality is that we have been supporting the take out industry pretty heavily these days lol. I promise to get you some photos soon and a shoutout on Instagram!!”

Custom Furniture Collingwood: A Country Chic Wooden Trestle Table

Today I’m excited to share a recent project that brought together the rustic charm of reclaimed wood and the artistry of custom woodworking for a client in East York, Toronto. Our team was tasked with creating a stunning dining table to become a centerpiece of the client's home.

Our client approached us with a desire for a dining table that embodied both warmth and character. After discussing various options, they chose reclaimed Elm as the primary material for their table for the rustic and well loved charm of the wood. Elm is also an incredibly hard-wearing wood, perfect for a young family with toddlers ready to wreak havoc on a daily basis. Each piece of reclaimed wood also offers a unique story, texture and patina. In this case, it brought a sense of history and sustainability to the project. To fit the vision the client had for their dining room style, we applied a rich, dark stain finish that highlighted the wood's natural grain patterns and character.

To complement the reclaimed wood top, we designed a custom wooden trestle base. The base was handcrafted, incorporating the client's specific preferences and the unique dimensions of their dining area in Toronto. The result was a trestle base that not only provided sturdy support but also added a classic country flair to the entire table. It was a perfect blend of functionality and aesthetics.

At BeReclaimed, we’re committed to creating custom wood tables that tell a story, reflect your individuality, and stand the test of time. Whether you're in Toronto, Collingwood, or anywhere else in and around the GTA, our team is ready to collaborate with you to craft your dream piece of custom furniture. If you're envisioning your own custom dining table, reclaimed wood benches, rustic mantle piece, or any other unique furniture, contact us today by filling out the contact form here and we’ll get started bringing your vision to life!

Custom Desk for Condo Office

I had the privilege of building this custom office desk/shelving unit for some awesome clients in downtown Toronto.

As a young family who recently purchased a new condo a decision was made to finally replace some of their hand-me-down furniture with space-specific custom pieces. The request was to design a series of pieces that would maximise functionality while minimalizing foot print.

After a brief phone consult, I took a tour of the space with the client to get a feel for their aesthetic and get a greater understanding of how they worked & flowed within their new home. Together we decided an industrial, minimalist approach would be the perfect fit. Mixing reclaimed wood and custom-welded steel we were able to achieve a durable pieces, that were custom sized fit the tight confines of the nooks where they would live.

For this office desk/shelving unit we used Elm reclaimed from barns that stood in Southern Ontario and had a custom-design steel frame welded to order

The Elm is milled from massive beams that would have been felled 100-120 years and go and used as the skeleton in the barns that prevalent across Ontario and Canada. Once salvaged, they are purpose milled and then shipped to a kiln to both provide just a little bit of extra drying and to eradicate any pesky bugs that might have taken up residence over the years. It is finished with an incredibly durable varnish that will protect the surface from any and all coffee spills that might fatefully occur.

If you’re thinking of setting up a home office, reach out. I’d love to chat with you about any options, even if they don’t end up being custom!

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