Whether it's adding some drama to an existing space or fixing another contractor's mess, I can accommodate your needs.  Take that "builder's grade" treatment up to another level.  I'm also an Architect licensed in the state of Missouri and can design and build your deck, room addition, or basement remodel.

Beauty is in the details.  Click on the photos to see them in a larger size.  Use your browser's "Back" button to return.
     
 
     


 
Stair Guardrail & Handrail #O-MH1
This Prairie School inspired newel post was crafted from red oak and stained to match the home's existing decor. A unique, custom wall rosette was added to compliment the design.  The homeowner provided the metal balusters which I installed.  A new matching handrail was included with heavy duty, cast metal wall brackets.  The handrail is easy to remove with 3 screws if large furniture needs to go downstairs.  The newel post features a sliding base to expose the mounting bolts.  The entire guardrail can be removed as a single unit with 8 screws to provide wide access to the basement if required.

Sold $1,200
The client provided the metal balusters, I installed them
Please call for a quote for your custom design
Included field measurement and on-site installation
     
 
     


Fireplace Mantel & Surround #F-NF1
Let's just go ahead file this one into the "holy crap" category.  Do you want to make a statement in your room?  Try one of these.

This work of art measures in at 5'-6" tall
 x 6'-1" wide x 1'-5" deep; it will command attention in any room.  The hand carved pedestals and onlay are exquisite.  The mirror was antiqued to give it that old-school flair.  There are 2 uplights and 2 downlights to add visual drama, and they were wired to a new dimmer switch.  There's also a convenience outlet on top for Christmas decorations.  This piece was made from maple and birch and was stained to match the existing decor.

Sold $4800
Included home wiring, delivery, and installation
     
 
     


Fireplace Mantel #F-JE1
Set the scene with this unique focal point to your living room.  Under-cabinet lighting provides another option for you to control the ambience.  Power was fished up and concealed within the wall.  A dimmer switch was provided in the mantel as well as an outlet for those Christmas decorations.  The top was carved from a single, large, 2" thick slab of cherry wood, a rare find.  The spectacular centerpiece tracery has a background of quilted, spalted maple with mahogany and padauk bands which wrap around to the underside.  At 72"w x 14"h x 12"d it commands attention.  This work of art was finished to compliment the homeowner's decor.

Sold $1100
Included home wiring, delivery, and installation
     
 
     


Fireplace Mantel #F-MD1
Here's another example for creating a great focal point in the room.  This is another Prairie School themed mantel made from quartersawn red oak with cherry banding.  It measures 70"w x 9"h x 10"d.  The original TV was removed when the stonework was installed.  Instead of just burying the wires in the wall, I recessed the boxes for the electric and TV in the top of the mantel and covered them with removable matching wood cover plates.  It'll be there if anyone wants it in the future.  The centerpiece is an intricate composition in small pieces of cherry and wenge creating drama and additional interest.

Sold $900
Included re-wiring, delivery, and installation
     
 
     
Fireplace Mantel #F-NG1
This fireplace never had a mantel.  What builder leaves you hanging like that?  The owners always wanted one, but they desired a match to the adjacent kitchen cabinets.  The cherry wood and custom stain made finding a matching mantel off the rack discouraging.  Then they found me!  I made it from cherry, matched the stain, constructed it to their exact dimensions, worked with them to find the moulding profiles the liked, and installed it for them.  This is a simple, straightforward design which could be done within their budget.  It measures 62"w x 12"d x 5"h.

Sold $500
Included delivery and installation
     
 
     

Fireplace Mantel #F-TB1
This guy was doing a little remodel in the Great Room.  His original mantel was a little, frail looking, builder's grade piece of wood.  The fireplace is supposed to be a focal point in the room, something of substance to draw your attention.  He wanted his new mantel to go wall to wall.  He had the area prepped to receive stone.  I just had to get in there before the stone so they could work around the mantel.  No problem; not my first rodeo.  This mantel was over 9' long and fit perfectly across the whole corner, and it works well with the built up hearth below.  It's made from quartersawn red oak.  To save a few bucks, this client chose to apply the finish himself.  Sorry, no photos of the completely finished product, but this is where my job was finished.

Sold $500
Included installation.  Add the stain, poly for $75
     
 
     


Fireplace Mantel #F-JD1
You don't need to settle for your builder-grade, chunk-of- wood fireplace mantel.  It's the focal point of the room and deserves to be dressed up a bit.  This design is simple yet elegant, and is done in red oak measuring 72"w x 10"d x 9"h.  To save some money, these homeowners chose to stain, poly, and install it themselves.  The round recesses on each side are for owner-installed decorative tiles (see the bottom photo on the left).

Sold $450
Add the stain, poly, and installation for $100
     
 
     
  Wood Column #O-CE1
It's difficult for builder's these days to find qualified carpenters who can do high-end finish work.  Most do not have the patience to do intricate details.  Originally, this was a steel column encased with four pieces of wood.  It was lacking in any creativity or artistry.  Back in the day, this would have been the opportunity for a carpenter to place his signature of pride on the home.  If you have any architectural features in your home which could use some dressing up, please let me know.  This type of work will need to be done on site, so you must live in the St. Louis area for me to be able to do the work.

Sold $1,200
Please call for a quote for your custom design
Included field measurement and on-site installation
     
 
     



Wood Column & Trim #O-IH1
The homeowner desired to make a dramatic statement in their entry foyer, and they got it!  They wanted to upgrade their original column which was basic and boring- four boards nailed together.  This work of art is extremely rich in quality details and materials.  It is made primarily from birch wood stained to match other woodwork.  It is accented with tiger maple inset panels and wenge wood bands (the dark color).  A wooden screen was created from 236 individual sticks of wenge, cherry, and maple making a dazzling piece in itself.  The base has three stained glass panels illuminated from within.  Also included was the shelving and trim which was painstakingly scribed around the existing half wall for a perfect fit.  This type of work will need to be done on site, so you must live in the St. Louis area for me to be able to do the work.

Sold $3,000
Please call for a quote for your custom design
Included field measurement and on-site installation
     
 
     


Wood Column & Built-Ins #O-FC1
If you live in the St. Louis area, I can build and install woodwork customized for your space complete with built-in cabinetry and counters.  This wood column displays the ultimate in intricate craftsmanship with hundreds of pieces of wood making up the final composition.  The column is flanked with a built-in countertop, and the trim runs continuously into the next room where it turns into a picture shelf.  There the shelf turns yet another corner where it is joined by two more shelves all tying into a built-in entertainment center.  The design possibilities would be endless for your home.

Sold $3,500
Please call for a quote for your custom design
Included field measurement and on-site installation
     
 
     

Basement Finishing #O-KA1
I am a licensed architect in Missouri.  I can provide you with plans for finishing off your basement or for a home addition.  I can also complete the carpentry for you.  These homeowners needed extra storage space, so I fixed them up with an 18'x7' walk-in closet tucked in under their basement stairs.  Features include painted drywall walls, painted wood baseboard, a new door, a suspended lay-in ceiling, lots of light from the new fixtures, new outlets, an attractive cabinet door to conceal the electric panel, and plenty of shelving options for the wife to fill.  The homeowners will provide the carpet in this case.

Sold $3,750
Please call for a quote for your custom design
Save by helping with construction; provide some sweat equity!
     
 
     
Crown Moulding #O-LL2
Take your home up to the next level with beautiful crown moulding.  It adds definition and distinction, a touch of class.  The upper-left photo shows wood crown which was stained to match the room's other existing woodwork.  The other photos show MDF crown painted white, a little less expensive alternative.  The lower right photo shows crown applied to the edge of an existing plant shelf, then we added some indirect LED rope lighting for a fantastic glow.

Every space is different so please call for a quote for your home.
   
 
     
Ceiling Vault Trim #H-SC1
This spacious great room features a high vaulted ceiling.  Over the years the drywall tape at the ridge flexed and started separating and gapping.  It didn't look good.  Instead of re-taping and painting the seams then having to do it again in another few years, this client asked for some ridge trim.  They didn't want a big, bulky looking beam, so I made them something shallower with a little detail to add some visual interested.  These were done in hickory and stained to match their kitchen cabinets  Two pieces, about 12' & 16'.

Sold $500
Included field measurement, delivery, and installation
     
 
     
Ceiling Vault Trim #H-SH2
Here's another example of some ceiling vault trim.  Low and simple profile, about 15' long.  This one was made from red oak and stained to match the client's interior.

Sold $235
Included field measurement, delivery, and installation
     
 
     
Countertop Replacement #F-NF2
That house was built back in the 70's and was crying out for some updating.  I removed two existing countertops and replaced them with these beauties.  They are made from MDF and have a nice marble-looking plastic laminate selected by the client.  I reinstalled the existing sink.  I added some custom wood trim below to help support the cantilever.  Both countertops were about 72"w x 17"d x 1 1/2"h.

Sold $500
Included removal & disposal of the existing counters, delivery and installation of the new counters, reinstallation of the existing sink
     
 
       
Modern design.  A collage of woods, shapes, and other media.  Woods include birch, Douglas fir, cherry, wenge, figured redwood, purple heart, and walnut   There's also pearl and abalone inlay and texture/colored glass.
16"w x 20"h x 2"d
SOLD $200
  Clocks
Contact me your design ideas.  Literally anything is possible, any color, any shape.  Let's make something to fit your style.

The clock movement runs on a AA battery (included).  Don't want a second hand?  It just pulls off.  Other hand styles are available.  Hangers for the wall are provided.

Prices as Listed
       
 
     

 
Garden Screens (Trellises) #O-NF1
Garden screens help define an outdoor space and provide some privacy.  This pair of screens is part of a much larger outside space the client was creating.  In the near future, there will be a cozy patio seating area located here, and I'm sure some new plantings.  These are made from cedar and finished with IntegraSEAL's PetraWood product so they will not need refinishing for many years.

They each measure 8'-4"w x 7'-0" above grade x 3 3/4" thick.

Sold $1600
Included 2 screens, delivery, and installation
     
 
     




Outdoor Shower #O-YE1
If you want to rinse off after a swim or just want take a cold shower to cool down, this is what you need.  This connects via a hose to your house spigot.  As with everything I build, I will include all the great and unexpected features:

● Built from hand selected cedar and finished with spar urethane.  You will still need to do periodic recoats, but this will give you a great start.  All stainless steel screws.
● Full-function shower unit offers a rain head, a hand wand, and a foot rinse.
● Recessed shelf on the front for soap and shampoo.
● Hooks on the side and back for your loofah and towel.
● Large hook on the back for extra hose storage.
● Wheels on the back.  Just tilt the unit to roll it around on your patio or into the basement for winter storage (recommended).
● Leveling feet to keep things from rocking around.

If I missed something, let me know and I will include it on yours.  This measures
42"w x 42"d x 84"h.

Sold $1400
Included delivery and installation
     
 
     

 
Window Casing #O-LJ1
Home Depot does not sell round window casing, but I can certainly make you some.  The casing here is a whopping 52" diameter, 4" wide, and 1" thick with some decorative routing on the edges.  It's made from maple and stained to match other existing woodwork.  Although I did not make the steel rosette, I did design it, coordinate the fabrication, and install it.  The final composition is striking!

Sold $450 for the wood casing including installation
Sold $650 for the steel tracery insert including installation
     
 
     


Door/Window Valances #H-TK2
This client just moved into a brand new home.  The vertical blinds they bought for the sliding glass doors came with really cheap looking valances to cover up the tracks.  They were just plastic with a cheesy, faux brass strip on them, and they didn't go with the rest of the home's trim.  These new valances are made from poplar and are in the Craftsman style as the rest of the decor.  Each measures 78"w x 6"d x 5 1/2"h.  To save some money, the client asked to paint them themselves.  Easy enough!  They also took care of the installation which was just two screws for the keyhole hangers.  Again, easy enough!

Sold $100 Each Did not include finishing nor installation
     
 
     


Stairs #H-PB1
The original stairs the builder installed had only 2 risers at about 8" tall each, and there was no handrail.  This couple were getting up there in years and had trouble lifting their feet up those tall stairs.  I removed the old 2x10 box and provided 3 shorter risers in elegant red oak.  They now have an attractive newel post and handrail to grasp, as well as a small grab bar below for an extra, secure handhold.  I enhanced the treads with non-slip tape so they can be sure of their footing.

Sold $750 Included installation.  I can save you a little money in materials by using builder's grade pine and a less fancy newel post and handrail.  See below.
 
  Economy Stairs #H-VA1
Same situation as above, but on a tight budget.  This set of stairs is made from pine with a handrail.  To save more money, I did not provide any stain or polyurethane.

Sold $300 Included installation.
     
 
     


Cedar Paneling #H-OH1
This client found a whole pile of rough sawn cedar boards in his father's barn.  They were nice and clean and once the dust and dirt were cleaned off, they planed out beautifully.  I added a half lap joint on each side so they could all interlock and any small nuances in the boards could be camouflaged  with a small reveal between the panels.  The panels vary in width so it will lend an interesting dynamic.  Too bad they'll be covered up with clothes.  I also made some cedar top trim and baseboards to match.  The client performed the installation himself.

Sold $250 This was just for the labor in making the panels.  This client provided the material and performed the installation.  Call for a quote for your project.
     
 
     
Defecation & Menstruation Station #H-SH1
Haha! You read that right!  This client had an extra, unused cabinet from their new home build.  They thought it would work in the water closet over the toilet, but it was a little too bulky for the space.  I was tasked with cutting the back off for a better fit.  Easy enough, but while I'm there why not take it over the top?  I added custom dividers for toilet paper, butt wipes, plugs, pads, Febreze, and even a magazine rack below.  Everything you need in one organized cabinet.  Perfect!  You cannot buy this in stores.  I don't judge your OCD; I feed it.  I can make custom dividers for anything you want to organize.  Yes, even for feminine hygiene products, I can go with the flow. 

Sold $100 Cabinet and installation provide by the client
     
 
     

Custom Drawer Dividers #H-TH1
Is your OCD as demanding as mine?  Everything should have a place to organize and protect it.  This client wanted a space to store his watches and sun glasses.  He gave me the desired layout and I made it happen.  I make these dividers so there is no glue or screws involved.  You don't want to mess up your drawer permanently.  All the pieces are precisely cut for a friction fit.  The custom watch holders can be slid out and swapped for regular dividers in case his needs change.  I lined the bottom with black melamine for a luxurious appearance.  Want velvet or leather?  I can do that too.  The wood is mahogany, it's stained black with a few coats of lacquer.

Sold $95
     
 
     

▲Before

▲Demo

▲Almost Done
Custom Cabinets #H-TK1
If you've browsed this web site, you know I do stained glass.  Recently we had to replace one of our two air conditioners.  The had to switch out the lineset, which involved cutting out a section of drywall.  I could have patched it, but in a couple years when the other a/c died, I'd have to do it all again.  So I just removed all of the drywall and replaced it with removable, pretty plywood panels.  I made new cabinets from white melamine shelving and vertical plywood dividers to organize glass sheets.  Those are hung from a cleat.  When it's time to replace the other lineset, one screw removes a cabinet and a few more release the panel.  Quick access in less than a minute.  My day job involves me being a creative problem solver.  That can translate into a successful project for you.

Sold $625
Included 6 wall cabinets, 2 shelves, 1 base cabinet on casters, and installation
     
 
     





Pull Out Cabinet Shelves #O-HG1
These handy accessories are rarely provided by today's cost-cutting builders.  Never loose anything in the back of your base cabinets again!  You might save some money on stock sizes and wire basket units from your commercial box store, but to maximize your storage area, these drawers are custom built to fit exactly into your base cabinets.

● Those in the upper left photos are constructed of white melamine.
Sold $550
Included 4 pull-out drawers in white melamine, field measurements, delivery, and installation

● That on the upper right is in maple plywood and reused the existing cabinet front.
Sold $400
Included 1 deep drawer in maple, the trash can, field measurements, delivery, and installation

● That on the lower left was made for a turntable in red oak.
Sold $125
Included 1 shallow drawer in red oak, field measurements, delivery, and installation

To guarantee a custom fit, I would have to measure your cabinets, or I will make them to your precise dimensions (without the guarantee).
     
 
     

Cabinet Mod #H-UJ1
This client had two pull-out spice cabinets flanking his range.  How many spices can one own?  He felt the space would be better served to organize his cooking implements close to the action.

For each cabinet, I cut the top shelf off.  I modified the next shelf down by cutting two holes to accept stainless steel utensil holders.  They just drop right in.  There's still another shelf on the bottom for other items.

To save a little money, the client removed and brought me the cabinet drawers, and he would reinstall things himself.  He also supplied the stainless holders.

Sold $40
Included labor only.  All materials were provide by the client.
     
 
     
Rolling Storage Tote Racks #H-XL1
If purging all the crap you don't care to ever look at again doesn't sit well with you, I can at least help you organize said crap in a functional and tasteful manner.  These two racks each hold (9) 27 gallon "HDX" totes from Home Depot with an extra shelf on top.  They are made from construction grade 2x4's and left unfinished.  Each has four casters to make moving them around easy.  I can make these any size you want, just keep in mind that they have to be transported to and fit into your storage area.  I will also custom fit yours to whatever bins you have or want.

Sold $500  For the pair.  This does not included the totes, but I can supply you those as well.  Included delivery and installation.
     
 
     

 

Cupola #H-NI1
Here's an example of how I can work with someone so they can save a little money with some sweat equity.  The client wanted a decorative cupola for venting a large shed.  He was handy, but just didn't have the tools or design experience to make it happen himself.  I helped with the design.  Instead of making screened louvers, we found some vinyl gable vents and sized the cupola around them.  I created a purchase list and went shopping with him.  Then we came back to the shop and worked together to build it.  He will take it from there by wrapping the wood with aluminum cladding, shingling the roof, and installing it, things he is comfortable doing himself.  This was made from pine and measured 27"w x 27"d x 34"h.

Since this wasn't a complete project, It probably wouldn't make sense to note a cost.  The materials for what you see in the photo were about $150 and I had 5 hours of labor in it.  The client will still have some materials and time to complete it.
     
 
     

Birdhouse #H-QE1
Spruce up your deck or yard with a top shelf birdhouse.  This one is made from white oak and finished with exterior spar urethane.  The roof is made from a copper sheet that the client found buried in their garage.  The perch and all other hardware are stainless steel.  The bottom is easily removable so you can clean things out each year.  As with everything I do, I will make you one any size and any shape you want.

Sold $150
     
 
     
Dog Medication Caddy #H-RG1
Nice dog food drawer!  Neat and tidy, but there were all these medicine bottles sitting around that had to be messed with every meal.  I made a nifty tray that held four stainless steel cups, and I found a way to hang this off the back of the drawer without putting any screws into anything.  It's made from maple and finished clear to match the drawer.  I even added some labels to help remember the dosages.  Back to neat and tidy again.

Sold $80
     
 
   
Fix the Contractor's Mess #1 #O-LJ2
Anyone who's subbed out a home improvement project has probably been here.  A lazy contractor leaves you hanging with an unfinished or poorly detailed project.  Instead of admiring your dream renovation, you stare at those few messy, unresolved details.
The story: The homeowner replaced the tile floor in the kitchen with a new vinyl product which was a lot thinner.  This resulted in about a 5/8" high floor height difference.  The flooring installers could not find an off-the-shelf wood transition strip for this particular height change so they just didn't supply one leaving the edge of the existing hardwood flooring exposed. 

When the flooring installers put in the vinyl floor, they removed and replaced the existing beat up baseboards.  They did not fill the nail holes nor caulk the tops, finishing touches a pro would do.  They also did not account for the differing floor heights and simply tried to flex the baseboards across the higher to lower floor leaving an unsightly gap.  What was supposed to be a beautiful kitchen remodel was tarnished by the lack of resourcefulness (and laziness) of the flooring installers.

I came to the rescue with custom oak transition strips which were handmade to address the odd floor height change and stained to match the existing hardwood floor.  I provided custom wall blocks so that the different baseboard heights could make the elevation change with some style.  I installed all new wood baseboards in the newly remodeled kitchen (including hole filling and top caulking).  Now the remodeled kitchen looks its best down to the details.

Everyone's "mess" will be a little different to sort out.  Please invite me to your home so I can see what needs to be done.  Then I can give you an honest quote to do the work.
     
 
     
Fix the Contractor's Mess #2 #O-LL1
Anyone who's subbed out a home improvement project has probably been here.  A lazy contractor leaves you hanging with an unfinished or poorly detailed project.  Instead of admiring your dream renovation, you stare at those few messy, unresolved details.

The story: To open up the space, the homeowner wanted to remove a portion of the kitchen wall and add a counter with some lighting.  Great idea!  Unfortunately, the electrician decided to use square switch boxes to mount the lights.  Lights ALWAYS get the round boxes.  After installing the lights, there was an unsightly gap around the cover plate which the contractor kindly left for the homeowners to look at forever.

▲Before

▲After
To creatively resolve the issue without redoing the drywall or slapping on a ton of joint compound, I trimmed out the opening with a piece of hickory stained to match the kitchen cabinets.  Simple, elegant, and probably what the original contractor should have done in the first place.

Everyone's "mess" will be a little different to sort out.  Please invite me to your home so I can see what needs to be done.  Then I can give you an honest quote to do the work.
     

 

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