Renaissance Fine Wood Working - Pullman, Washington

Lori B.

Having a 1937 era house, with multiple previous kitchen remodels, we knew that we wanted this kitchen remodel to create a timeless space. We worked with a designer, Kristin Stratton, and she created the desired layout of the kitchen and incorporated an arched opening that was reflective of the era of the house. The big challenge was having a fireplace chimney in the middle of the kitchen space that we hoped could be an island and have the arch. One thing that drew us to Renaissance Fine Woodworking is that they would be the contractor for all the construction and not only the kitchen cabinets. In addition, Andrew and his team had experience removing fireplaces and chimney’s - we knew they were the correct contractors for our remodel. After our initial discussion in April, they were able to start the remodel in mid-October. Andrew suggested using beech wood for our cabinets since we had beech wood floors on the main floor and provided prototypes of door styles to meet our needs. He provided input through the design process and the consultation with the engineer about load bearing walls and the ceiling supports. Andrew provided a realistic timeframe for completing the remodel, even with having a few change orders (e.g. new back door), the completed space was done in under 4 months.

Having a cabinet maker who is also a contractor means that the details of an arched opening would look like it was original to the house. For example, Andrew went above and beyond on making sure the new sheet rock transitioned into existing plaster. And when the countertops were being measured, he could discuss how the supports would be attached on the island to ensure a timely installation of the countertops. He added unique storage for cookie sheets, modified a drawer under the induction cooktop (that was going to be blank) to turn it into storage for hot pads/mitts, and created a drawer for paper towels (my favorite!). The end result is better than I could have imagined.

Jacob L.

I've made several 'fine' pieces of custom hard wood furniture over the years. But when it came to a new dining room table for a house we were moving into in a few weeks, I just didn't have the time or space. So I wandered into Renaissance one day based on recommendations from friends who had custom Renaissance cabinets and were very satisfied. Wandering in back I found Andy, the new owner, hard at work. He immediately stopped what he was doing to come over and talk. Knowing that supply chains had bottlenecked everything, I asked how booked out they were, he asked what I had in mind, I said a custom walnut table, he said they'd put it to the front, and so began the best furniture purchasing experience I've ever had, just as much fun as making it myself.

This story is about the process of working with Andy, applicable to working with any professional artist. He started by asking what I had in mind. I said a 'Trestle table' which could be just about anything, so I scoured the internet and sent him a few concept pics. He returned a concept pic that made my wife and I's jaws drop with a 'what about this?' (I have no idea how he found the pic as my wife is a research librarian and can find just about anything.)

Design is one thing, materials and skills to realize it is another. Andy 'pulled out a few slabs' and invited us over to select wood for the table top. That's when I learned that much of his wood is locally sourced, he has a giant stack of walnut slabs from trees he has cut down himself on Pioneer Hill and other places, stacked and drying in the corner. The early pioneers of the Palouse planted black walnut in windrows now approaching end of lifespan. The slabs were amazing... We would've been happy with just about any of them. We payed for the wood deposit and he got to work.

Communication as things come together is essential and Andy sent pictures at each stage giving us an opportunity to weigh in on key decisions and approve before proceeding to the next phase. I learned a lot about woodworking and new finishes along the way. Our common answer to his inquiries was, "You're the professional here Andy. What would you do if this was your table?" And his response always exceeded our best guess.

A month and a half later (and on time) Andy sent us the finished pic, it almost brought us to tears. It was even better than the original concept pic he'd found online. When we came in to pick it up he said, "This was one of the funnest and neatest pieces I've ever made, thank you. We could probably win an award with this." The feeling is completely mutual! He was also on budget, which was better than what we could've purchased something comparable online. Bonus was this story -- great with guests around the dinner table.

The last thing I asked him was what the name for the table/design should be. We decided to call it the 'Pioneer Table' given the connection to pioneers who could've planted the tree, the farmhouse trestle concept, and his pioneering foray outside of cabinetry. Thank you so much Andy!

David B. (.

Andrew and his team at Renaissance FWW did an outstanding job renovating our kitchen last year. He started with a circa 1977 kitchen with some minor cosmetic upgrades and turned it into a modern, beautiful space. It's a room that my wife and I love to not only cook in but to simply look at. We're beyond pleased with the thoroughness of their work, their professionalism, and the quality of the work. Thank you!

Scott H.

I took Andrew some old planks of fir that my mother-in-law milled with a chainsaw years ago, and he made a beautiful table top for us out of them, of which I'm positive, was no easy task. He's also very knowledgeable and willing to explain how to apply the finish you want.

Edwin J.

Courtney G.

Bruce H.