Custom Salvaged English Elm Round Table 2014

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.

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.

Raw material sourced, proposed layout presentedAllowing 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.

Boards surfaced, configured in final proposed layoutOnce 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.