River City Woodwright Shop

I have a reverence for wood and its part in our heritage. I consider myself a Woodwright and I don't remember a time in my life that I haven't had a woodworking project on the go. I started with tree houses and forts as a child growing up on a farm and moved on to build my own house and to dismantle move and restore a log cabin that was originally built in 1826 in Haldimand County. It now sits on the bank of the Grand River, a Canadian Heritage River. Its the cover photo for this page and it's our Woodwright Shop!! Working in this cabin with the river flowing by is so inspirational! I'm a Professional Photographer and a Museum Framer but my real passion now is reproducing timeless heirlooms from wood salvaged from our old barns, churches and houses. My son and I reclaim most of the wood ourselves and then make custom furniture and other things for clients that have an appreciation for old fashioned good workmanship and timeless design. I have several books on heritage furniture from Upper Canada and have made quite a few of the items I studied. Our specialty is Harvest Tables and Benches. I make them with turned or tapered legs or trestle style in any size. We made a 14 ft. table for a community center with a two plank top and I've made very small tables as well as the standard size family kitchen table. Most of the wood is Pine or Hemlock but we also have Chestnut, Hickory, Ash, Walnut and Sassafras to name a few. Finishing is done using environmentally friendly products. I use milk paint for the distressed look tables and water born stains. The varnish we use is made from soybeans. The majority of our work is custom made to customer requirements. We work from their images and consult with them throughout the process. We offer delivery and installation as well. Cutting Boards, small shelves, serving trays and other pieces are made from the off cuts from the larger pieces, nothing is wasted. Please browse our photos and we hope to hear from you to learn about your requirements. We look forward to making an heirloom for your family!!! Dan and Nathan McKay