Designing and building a handcrafted dining set is more than just woodworking—it’s a partner
ship. Every detail, from material selection to the final finish, comes together through an ongoing conversation between me and my clients. The goal? To create something that’s not just functional, but personal—something that truly fits their lives.
This particular project began when my clients came across a dining table I had made for someone else. That table had a striking inlaid wood design, and they loved how it blended artistry with craftsmanship. It resonated with their modern, artistic style, so they reached out to see if I could create something similar—yet completely their own.
Designing the Table
Our first conversation wasn’t about wood species or joinery. It was about how they’d actually use the table. They envisioned a space where their family of six could gather daily—a table that would be just as suited for meals as it was for game nights, work sessions, and long conversations with friends. They wanted something beautiful but also durable, something that could handle the realities of everyday life.
When we talked about wood choices, they weren’t familiar with specific species, but they knew they liked contrast and warm tones. That helped me narrow things down to:
- Mahogany – Rich in color and incredibly stable, perfect for a statement piece.
- Walnut – A dark, elegant contrast, ideal for inlays and geometric details.
- Beech – Strong and resistant to movement, great for structural integrity.
I showed them samples so they could see and feel the different grains and tones together. Seeing their excitement as they made decisions was one of my favorite parts of the process.
Proportions & Base Design
With a family of six plus frequent guests, they needed a table that could comfortably seat twelve. Their dining room had space for a ten-foot-long table, and we settled on a width of about four feet to allow for enough elbow room without overwhelming the space.
For the base, we explored options—traditional four legs, a single pedestal—but they wanted to maximize seating without table legs getting in the way. We landed on a modern hourglass-shaped pedestal with a low stretcher, something they could rest their feet on during game nights and puzzle sessions.
The Inlay
One of the most exciting parts of this design was the inlay work. They showed me a rug with a bold geometric pattern, and it sparked an idea: a tabletop featuring triangles, sweeping lines, and circular elements, each wood grain running in different directions for depth and movement.
We started with rough sketches, refining the design through our conversations. Once everything was finalized, it was time to source the perfect wood and get to work.
Building the Table
Material selection was critical. I searched for the darkest walnut, the richest mahogany, and beech with unique grain patterns—wood
that would tell a story when pieced together.
Each piece of the parquetry design was carefully templated, cut, and fit together like a massive puzzle. The tabletop alone had over 200 individual pieces and took weeks to complete.
For the base, my clients had found inspiration in a metal table design. The challenge was translating those elegant curves into wood while keeping it strong and stable. After some back and forth, we landed on a structure that was not only visually striking but also incredibly solid, using a mix of bridle joints and mortise-and-tenon joinery.
To enhance the wood’s natural beauty, I used a high-quality penetrating oil finish (Rubio Monocoat). It brought out the luster of the wood while providing long-lasting protection—something that would stand up to years of family gatherings.
Designing the Chairs
With the table finished, it was time to focus on the chairs. These needed to complement the table aesthetically, but more importantly, they had to be comfortable—since they’d be used for everything from working to long meals with friends.
We decided to stick with the same wood species as the table, each chosen for its specific qualities:
- Beech for the seat – Hard, strong, and able to withstand years of use.
- Walnut for the legs – A stable wood that holds up well structurally.
- Mahogany for the back – Perfect for carving and shaping into a comfortable support.
My clients were drawn to a three-legged chair I had designed for a competition. They liked its sculptural feel and wanted to incorporate similar elements while keeping it consistent with the table’s design.
Ergonomics & Comfort
Comfort is always the priority with seating. We designed the chairs with:
- A slightly reclined back (10° angle) for relaxed seating.
- A 19” seat height (a bit taller than standard, based on their preference).
- A scooped, tractor-style seat for extra comfort without upholstery.
Before building the full set, I made a single prototype and brought it to their home so they could sit in it and make sure it felt right. Once they gave the go-ahead, I got to work on the full set.
Building the Chairs
Like with the table, material selection came first. The seats needed clean, defect-free beech. The backs had to have eye-catching grain
patterns, and the legs required tight, straight grain for strength.
For joinery, I borrowed techniques from classic Windsor chairs—simple, strong, and built to last. Every joint was carefully fitted, adjusted, and dry-assembled multiple times before final glue-up.
After assembly, I focused on shaping. This is where craftsmanship becomes sculpture. Using a mix of grinders, shaves, rasps, and sanders, I fine-tuned every curve, trusting my hands to find and smooth any imperfections.
To match the table, I finished the chairs with the same Rubio Monocoat. Then, for an extra touch, I buffed them with fine steel wool and beeswax, giving them a silky feel and soft sheen.
The Final Result
The most rewarding part of custom furniture making isn’t just the craftsmanship—it’s the collaboration. Every choice, from the wood selection to the final sanding, was a shared process, making the finished set deeply personal.
This dining table and chairs aren’t just furniture. They’re a reflection of my clients’ lifestyle, taste, and the time we spent creating something meaningful together.
If you’re considering a custom dining set, I’d love to start a conversation. Every project begins with your ideas—and together, we can create something truly one-of-a-kind.