Brooklyn-based woodworker Milo Newman approaches every project like a puzzle – combining engineering precision with creative problem-solving to produce thoughtful, lasting design. From custom hardwood furniture to large-scale retail buildouts, his work reflects a deep respect for material, collaboration, and craftsmanship. Whether creating a complex mirror for artist Rafael Prieto or designing his own solid ash chandelier, Milo prioritizes durability, repairability, and natural finishes that allow wood to look and feel like wood.

Based in East Vancouver, Doug has spent the past four years crafting both commercial and residential pieces that invite closer inspection—pieces where the beauty is in the subtle curves, clever joinery, and natural finishes. From collaborating with interior designers and developers to building personal projects that evolve over time, Doug brings a deep respect for materials and a love for hands-on woodworking to everything he creates.

Jeff Stultz of Stultz Woodwork is a Santa Cruz–based furniture maker specializing in custom furniture and cabinetry. Practicing since 2012, his work is guided by a deep respect for material, space, and proportion, with a focus on creating pieces that age gracefully and feel at home in their surroundings. In this Maker Feature, Jeff shares his approach to finishing, the value of consistency in craft, and what continues to shape his work today.

London-based sculptural woodworker Ash Pales creates functional and artistic works shaped by her architectural background and hands-on material experimentation. In this Maker Feature, she shares how her design training influences her process, her connection to locally sourced timber, and what she’s currently exploring in her workshop.

Alex Stap, founder of Galt Wood Company, crafts custom solid-wood furniture and millwork with a focus on clean lines and the natural beauty of wood. In this feature, he discusses his design process, choice of finishes, and the projects and lessons that drive his woodworking practice.

Brooklyn-based furniture maker Simon Barrie preserves traditional craftsmanship through hand-crafted hardwood furniture at Colwell Studios. Influenced by Shaker design and his architect father, Simon creates timeless pieces that highlight wood’s natural beauty. In this feature, he shares his design philosophy, finishing approach, and the story behind one of his heirloom pieces, The Crib for Cleo.

Rut Fjågesund transforms local wood into functional works of art. Specializing in hand-turned bowls with carved textures and clean, Nordic-inspired shapes, Rut brings a deep respect for material and tradition to every piece she creates. What started as a semester project during her arts and crafts studies in 2020 quickly became a passion.

We show you why sanding wood before staining is essential for outdoor projects. Even smooth lumber can have mill glaze or surface imperfections that prevent finishes from adhering properly. Sanding opens the wood grain, allowing stain or oil to absorb evenly for richer colour and longer-lasting protection. Follow proper sanding techniques for better-looking, more durable decks, fences, and outdoor furniture.