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.

A custom made reclaimed wood table for a dining area in a collingwood chalet.

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.