Custom Furniture Toronto: A Scandinavian Style Raw Oak Bench

This elegant, large, raw wood bench was originally designed to be an outdoor garden furniture piece, but it found its home in an unexpected place – a podcasting studio in the heart of Toronto. With its minimalistic, Japanese inspired undertones, this bench is a testament to the enduring beauty of reclaimed wood.

The magic of this reclaimed Oak bench lies not only in its design but also in the wood itself. Oak, known for its durability and strength, is a perfect choice for outdoor furniture. However, what sets this bench apart is its unfinished state. Unlike traditional custom wood tables, this piece was intentionally left unfinished to allow the wood to develop its signature beautiful grey patina over time. This decision adds a touch of rustic elegance and showcases the wood's natural aging process, making it truly unique.

The bench's simple Scandinavian style design seamlessly blends with the modern aesthetics of a Toronto podcasting studio. What makes it truly special, though, are the natural imperfections and patina that have already developed in the wood over the 100+ years that it was part of a school house that stood in Batteaux, Ontario.. This patina helps infuse a sense of authenticity and character into the space, reminding us of the beauty of imperfection, and embracing the one of a kind nature of custom hand made furniture.

If you're inspired by the beauty of this reclaimed Oak bench and are in search of custom furniture in Toronto, you're in the right place. We specialize in crafting one-of-a-kind pieces that resonate with your unique style and needs. Whether you're looking for a reclaimed wood table or any other custom wood furniture, we're here to bring your vision to life.

Don't miss the opportunity to own a piece of custom furniture that tells a story and adds character to your space. Contact us today, and let's create your very own custom design.

Custom Furniture Toronto: An Outdoor White Oak Dining Table at 30 Feet Long!

Recently, we had the pleasure of bringing a remarkable vision to life for one of our clients. The result? This magnificent 30-foot outdoor dining table made from stunning Rift Sawn white oak. This custom wood table was designed to be a centerpiece in our client's garden, and we couldn't be prouder of the result.

Collaboration is at the heart of what we do, and working with our clients, directly or through their designer to create statement pieces like this is always a joy. For this project, the clients input and overall vision for the finished space was invaluable, and together, through many revisions and zoom calls, we transformed a relatively abstract concept of their dream outdoor dining table into a tangible work of art. The client's vision was simple enough: they wanted a striking outdoor dining table that exuded neutral elegance and chic sophistication. How this was achieved was what was open to interpretation. It was with this goal in mind that we embarked on a journey with the property designers to conceptualise a table that would seamlessly blend into the space and become a focal point for the many dinner parties the client is looking forward to hosting.

Crafted from the finest White Oak, this custom wood table was intentionally left unfinished. This might be controversial, but for this outdoor table, the goal was to allow the wood age gracefully and naturally outdoors. A finish would create unnecessary work for the client in annual maintenance and upkeep. Over time, the unfinished White Oak will develop a stunning grey patina that beautifully aligned with our palette. This transformation is a testament to the enduring beauty of quality wood, and it ensures that the table will remain a timeless and elegant focal point in their garden for years.

If you're in search of custom furniture in Toronto, Collingwood, or anywhere in between, BeReclaimed is here to make your dream pieces a reality. Whether it's a reclaimed wood table for your dining room, an outdoor dining masterpiece like this, or any other bespoke creation, we’re ready to bring your vision to life.

Contact us today and embark on your own journey to craft the perfect custom wood furniture piece. Let us be your partner in turning your ideas into a tangible reality, just as we did for this extraordinary 30-foot white oak outdoor dining table. Together, we can create lasting beauty that will enhance your living spaces for years to come.

Custom Furniture Toronto: Black Walnut Adjustable Counter Height Stools

These Black Walnut Stools are the final three from a set of 24 we had the privilege to make for a STEAM lab in a Toronto school. The original stools had Reclaimed Elm tops and were paired with custom made Elm work tables.

This set of three was crafted for the BeReclaimed Store. Rather than using reclaimed Elm for the seat top, we opted for Back Walnut. I absolutely love the grain. That burl on two of the stool tops is so stunning.

These stools are a good example of the breadth of furniture solutions that we can provide. It isn’t just tables and benches. At BeReclaimed we work closely with our clients to solve their furniture needs regardless of what they are. This includes built-in cabinets, free-standing vanities, mantlepieces, side tables, coffee tables, countertops, seats, benches and stools etc.

If you’re looking for a custom piece, no matter how esoteric, please do not hesitate to reach out. I’d be happy to chat about your vision with you and come up with a solution that fits your desired aesthetic and your budget.

Custom Furniture Collingwood: Minimalist Reclaimed Wood Chalet Table

This client was building a new architecturally designed addition to their chalet at Craigleith, The Blue Mountains, Ontario. As part of this project they reached out looking for a few light, minimalist furniture pieces for the space. BeRecliamed had the privilege of supplying three pieces. A dining table, a coffee table and an entry way bench. Let’s talk about the table.

The addition, while gorgeously designed and finished, was modest in size. This meant that we had to create a table that would not over-power the space. As well, for holistic purposes, the clients wanted to incorporate reclaimed materials in their home. We opted to use reclaimed Elm with a simple steel base. The reclaimed Elm we used for this custom table was salvaged from a barn that stood in Maxwell, Ontario. We worked with the local Mennonite community to mill the Elm beams that had been salvaged from a 130 year barn. From there the planks were sent to a local kiln to be thoroughly dried before being processed into furniture pieces.

This reclaimed Elm is absolutely stunning and a great example of how you can make new furniture from reclaimed wood while maintaining a clean, modern aesthetic. I.E. not all reclaimed wood tables have to be massive slab, harvest tables full of crazy character. :)

Working with the client we came up with a size that perfectly suited the space and opted for a simple set of custom-welded x-legs. In this case we used what I refer to as Ballerina Legs. These are x-legs with a slightly higher centre point, giving the legs an airier, lighter feel. We made sure to place the legs under the table so as to be able to perfectly fit the 6 chairs that would be used 99% of the time around the table.

For the top itself we kept the entire design minimal and smooth. As you can see the straight lines and simple tonal palette perfectly aligned with the overall design of the space. Especially gorgeous in this case is the connection the dining room table has to the coffee table just behind. This table was finished with Osmo’s Polyx-Oil Hardwax in satin. I absolutely love how soft and smooth the finish is.

Do you have a unique space that you’re hoping to fill with that perfect custom furniture piece? Contact us at BeReclaimed. We’ll start with a conversation and finish with a conversation-starter! I look forward to bringing your dreams into reality. Chat soon. B.

Custom Furniture Muskoka: One-of-a-Kind Wine Barrel Lid Round Table

There are few pieces that have passed through my shop that are more unique than these two wine barrel lids.

Four of them were imported to Canada a few years ago by a Belgian company specialising in reclaimed materials. I was lucky to get my hands on two of them. These lids were salvaged from a winery that stood in Romania. The lids themselves are 6’7” in diameter. Yes 6’7” in diameter. My basic calculations tell me that means they had a capacity in excess of 36,000 litres.

When I saw these lids, I realised I had to get them for my shop. They are crafted from white oak and are1 ⅜” thick. The reclaimed Oak is stunning. Felled almost a century and a half ago they come from old European forests and have so much beautiful character. The lids themselves have a beautiful red band around the edge and are scribed with Roman Numerals to identify them. Look closely at the images below and you’ll see what I mean.

For this first table, which is still in the shop, we had a steel base in the shape of a starburst custom-welded. It is an ideal fit for a table this size. It is both gorgeous while also being simple and understated so as to take nothing away from the table itself. It also allows for maximum versatility seating. When working on custom pieces, one conversation I always have with clients is about the legs and leg-layout. Part of that conversation involves figuring out what the clients’ needs are when it comes to seating. On a typical day a client might want to have 6-8 seats around a table. Occasionally they might want 8-10 and very occasionally 10-12. Design a custom base that achieves all of these needs can be challenging, unless we opt for a straight pedestal base, such as the one below. Even then we work to ensure the pedestal is stable enough to support the table while not being so large as to impede chair and leg placement.

All of the projects we take on at BeReclaimed are with clients’ end needs first and foremost on our minds. We love to find custom solutions to each and any of our clients’ unique needs. We take into account the size and shape of the space; from small condo spaces to expansive great room spaces. We look at the light, wall colour and existing furniture pieces to come up with a sympathetic piece. that fits the existing decor. We can work to tight timelines and ensure a seamless client experience.

Building custom tables is what we do. Using reclaimed wood, reclaimed materials, or new wood as the project requires. Our goal is to craft timeless pieces that our clients will be able to enjoy for decades. If you’ve thought about a custom furniture piece for your home and are interested in learning more, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’ll start with a conversation and move to some 3D schematics. From there we can truly begin the process of turning you dream into a reality.

Custom Furniture Collingwood: A Maple Slab Dining Table with Clear Epoxy

Recently we had the opportunity to work with a client on a custom Maple slab table for a dining room in Lavender, Ontario. Lavender is a beautiful little village just a few minutes drive from Creemore. The client was rebuilding/converting a church into a family house. As part of revitalising the property and protection the house , they realised they would have to remove a massive 200 year old Maple tree. The client wanted to save the tree and had managed to bring the tree down in such a way as to cut out 7 massive slabs. 3 will be used for desks (another project for another day) and 4 were earmarked for the table project. It was at this point that the client approached BeReclaimed.

Custom is what we do best at BeReclaimed,. So after figuring out a basic design/build concept with the client it was time to get going! The first step was get the slabs to a local kiln. BeReclaimed works with kilns both in the city (an RF kiln) and in Collingwood & The Georgian Triangle (traditional heat kiln). Given the proximity we opted to take this wood to the heat kiln in Collingwood. Here the slabs were dried for approximately 8 weeks. Thankfully they lost some weight, but they were still back-breakingly heavy pieces. .

While the slabs are being dried we take the time to fine-tune the details of the design with the client. In this case we opted for a custom-welded steel base with a wood trestle to match the top. I personally love both the utilitarianism of this design and the circular nature of it. By including a trestle fabricated from the same wood as the top we have a complete table, rather than a table and a base. So much of what we strive to do is make purposeful decisions. This is definitely one of those.

Once we got the slabs back to the shop the next stage was figuring out which pieces we would use for this project. Working with the client to figure out the best layout of the pieces, which involves more permutations that one could imagine - flipping top to bottom, flipping end to end and shuffling side to side we chose the three slabs we would work to make table.

The next step, and in this case most rewarding step was taking the slabs and flattening them. For this we use a Woodpecker extra-large flattening mill with the largest Festool router. The mess is incredible even with dust collection running full force. Once the slabs are flattened and squared off they are almost light and we can really start to see what the table will look like when completed.

At this point we get into the nitty-gritty of custom table crafting. We pour the epoxy, making sure to remove all of the bubbles and striving to keep as much off the floor as possible. Then it’s sanding. Thank god for noise-cancelling, bluetooth headphones. A few podcasts later and things are looking up. Once we’ve applied the finish it’s time to deliver the table. In this case, that involved lifting the table over a 10’ tall entryway wall. Long story short …. I deserved the ritual post-delivery beer on this one.

The real joy of this type of custom table project is getting to work with clients whose visions so closely align with ours at BeReclaimed. These clients were eager to save as much of the history of their property as possible, even if this meant taking extra time and labour to make it happen. We had the opportunity to work closely with them through each step, from pick-up, design, fabrication and finally delivery. Truly this custom Maple slab dining room table is one-of-a-kind and will be spot where their entire family will be able to get together for countless celebrations for years to come. I’m just waiting for my invite. ;)

If you’re looking for a custom furniture piece of your own to transform your space and want one that will survive generations please feel free to contact us today. We’ll start with a conversation in person or over the phone to get a better understanding of what you hope to achieve. From there we’re put together some 3D schematics and an estimate. Finally we will embark on the actual physical process of crafting your own bespoke custom furniture piece. Whether it’s a table, bookshelf, console, stool, bench or anything you can think of, reach out and let's create something beautiful together!

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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