Meet Dakota

I am fortunate to be surrounded by custom reclaimed lumber yards & saw mills such as Montana Reclaimed Lumber-North Yard, Big Timberworks, and the Good Wood Guys with friendly, Montana-focused teams that value sustainability and unique specialty woods. I am also pleased to source urban reclaimed desert hardwoods from the great team at Apple Blossom Woodworks in Arizona.

My preferred hardwood is Walnut because of its beautiful, warm color and grain variation. For creations with lighter coloring, I gravitate toward Elm and Hickory. And the dessert hardwoods of Acacia, Mesquite, and Sissoo/Indian Rosewood offer such intricate variations.

Because I am obsessed with character-filled reclaimed live-edge or hand-hewn wood, I am often fortunate to have “Dakota Piles” accumulate here and there. These assortments of unique wood are set aside when the twisted or void-marked piece just doesn’t fit the normal construction mold but is laden with way too much character to send to the burn pile. 

And, “Dakota Piles” exist because of the genuine people at the lumber yards who also have a passion for reclaiming a piece of history. I am so grateful!

While I have tried numerous metal patina techniques, I prefer the minimalist look of black steel – so I gravitate toward powder coating for a clean look with long-lasting protection. 

The crew at Powder Coating of Montana has been such a reliable source for my favorite matte-black finish.

With that said – special orders with a splash of color or a patina finish are possible, but require a longer timeline.

I use Rubio Monocoat hardwax oil wood finish, which is an extremely durable finish and enhances the natura beauty of wood furniture.

For best care, the golden rule is “less is more”. A damp cloth is usually all you need, and only when necessary. Make sure to wipe the surface dry to prevent water from sitting on the table surface.

Rubio Surface Care Spray or properly diluted Rubio Monocoat Soap are the only recommended cleaners for your Rubio finished furniture. These cleaners will remove all dirt and grease without leaving a film or affecting the natural look of the wood.

Although Rubio Monocoat finish is very durable, the use of coasters and trivets are highly recommended. Some of the most damaging things to wood furniture is direct heat, cold, and moisture. Thus, I always recommend using trivets, coasters, and placemats when possible, to extend the life of your solid wood furniture.

As an artisan and solopreneur, I am committed to creating sturdy, robust furniture that is built to last. I take pride in my craftsmanship and guarantee the structural integrity of my solid wood furniture, including joints, hardware, finishes, and workmanship for a lifetime from the date of purchase. This commitment to quality is extended to the original purchaser and is non-transferable. 

It is important for the client to be aware that reclaimed wood has natural variations in color, grain and texture (ex. knots, nail holes, insect tunnels, etc.), which are not considered defects. Solid wood naturally expands and contracts due to variations in temperature and humidity. This movement may result in minor cracks, gaps, or separation in the wood. These are all part of the natural behavior of wood and do not constitute a defect. 

Additionally, while I use high quality finishes to seal the wood and UV-resistant epoxy resin, it is important for the client to be aware that resin can yellow or discolor over time, especially when placed in direct sunlight.