The Journey of a Hanna Carpentry Table

Design & Consultation

Your Vision, Realized

Master Craftsmanship

Milling & Joinery

An Heirloom Delivered

White-Glove Service

A custom table is more than a piece of furniture; it’s a future heirloom, a gathering place, and the heart of a home. I believe a piece with such importance deserves a process that is as thoughtful and meticulous as the finished product. Here, I invite you into my workshop to see the complete journey of how your vision is transformed into a tangible reality, a process that typically takes 4 to 6 weeks from our first conversation to our final handshake.

Step 1: The Vision - Consultation & Design

Every great piece begins not with wood, but with a conversation. I start by discussing your exact requirements in terms of sizing, style, color, and wood species. From that conversation, I create an initial sketch and a formal, transparent quote for your approval. While this serves as the foundation for the project, I embrace a flexible, collaborative process. If your vision for the base or color evolves as I move forward, I can adapt the plan mid-flight to ensure the final piece is a perfect reflection of your style.

Step 2: The Material - Hand-Selecting the Lumber

The soul of any table is the wood itself. I work with the largest and most reputable supplier of wood in North America, a relationship built over years that allows me to source only the finest, heirloom-quality materials. For each build, I personally visit the yard and spend time sifting through various lifts of lumber, hand-selecting each board. I look for specific grain patterns that I know will create a stunning final product, and the unique face character that will bring your desired aesthetic to life. From the moment the lumber is loaded onto my truck, the documentation begins, and I share photos of the entire process with you, our client.

Step 3: The Foundation - Milling & Joinery

Once the hand-selected materials are in the workshop, the meticulous process of milling begins. I start by surfacing the face and jointing the edges of each board to create perfectly flat and square surfaces—the essential first step for flawless joinery.

With the wood prepared, I can now determine the optimal layout for the tabletop. I arrange the boards to create the most beautiful and cohesive grain pattern, strategically alternating the grain direction. This time-honored technique allows for the natural seasonal movement of the wood, ensuring your table remains stable for decades within the climate of your home. Before the final glue-up, I reinforce every joint with mortise and tenon joinery, a superior construction method that guarantees a perfectly flat and incredibly strong tabletop.

Step 4: The Art of the Surface - A Meticulous Sanding Process

My finish of choice is a professional-grade, two-part hardwax oil system. First developed in Europe for high-end flooring, this technology has been embraced by North American fine furniture makers for its superior look, feel, and durability. I primarily use Rubio Monocoat, a brand renowned for its zero-VOC, plant-based products that are completely non-toxic and food-safe.

The application of this finish is an art in itself. I follow the brand's best practices but also employ my own in-house techniques, developed over years of experience, to handle various species and conditions. This allows me to achieve any color or look you desire, either directly from the can or by using their system of pre-conditioners in concert. The result is a finish that doesn't just sit on top of the wood like a layer of plastic, but bonds with it, creating a durable, easily repairable surface that feels as natural as it looks.

Step 5: The Delivery - White-Glove Service & After-Care

On delivery day, you can expect a fully protected, white-glove service from me personally. Your new table will arrive meticulously wrapped in multiple blankets and plastic for safe transport. After installation, the relationship doesn't end. I leave every client with a complete after-care package that includes:

• Detailed instructions on how to care for your new solid wood furniture.

• A high-quality microfibre cloth.

• A bottle of Rubio Monocoat's specially formulated furniture spray for cleaning.

• A small bottle of the exact hardwax oil used in the finishing process, giving you the ability to easily touch up any minor scratches or dings that may occur over the years.