Alexandria Living Magazine Staff
One recent blustery Sunday, Jerry Sinn was hard at work, unloading wood from his van.
He had purchased the centuries-old wood from an Amish farm in Pennsylvania. That wood will turn into custom wood furnishings and décor, hand-made by talented local craftsmen.
Sinn enthusiastically pointed out the rings in the wood that show how old it is and the patterns that will make it a unique piece once it’s made into furniture. The history of the wood and its story are just as important as the finished piece, he said.
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The craftsmen use centuries-old furniture-making techniques to get the same outcome as the period for a piece of furniture. In addition to furniture created by area craftsmen he contracts with — creating cupboards, tables, chairs and more — the store also offers custom furniture built to your specifications and home decor items such as wood salad bowls, rolling pins or butcher blocks.
The furniture is custom-made from beautiful woods and the prices reflect that. A Tiger maple sideboard is priced at $2,200 or a mahogany blanket chest for $3,600 for example. But there are plenty of other smaller pieces, such as a “catch all” bowl or jewelry box which can be further customized with dates or initials for an anniversary or birthday gift.
Another popular offering is furniture restoration and repair. The store serves as something of a show floor, so that customers can get ideas for furniture they might want to have created at Sinn’s wood-making shops.
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In addition to furniture, the store also works with interior designers, architects and builders to create wood walls, ceilings or flooring for homes or businesses, Sinn said.
You can stop by the store at 1211 King St., or visit their website at cromwellwoodproducts.com.
There are a few other places to check out for custom wood furniture locally:
Hardwood Artisans designs and makes solid wood, heirloom-quality furniture here in Virginia. This includes bookcases, bedroom sets, dining sets, and smaller things like Chapman wood puzzles and cutting boards. The store has a location in the Village at Shirlington, 2800 S. Randolph St. Learn more at hardwoodartisans.com.
R-Home Furniture in Alexandria specializes in natural live-edge wood slab furniture, crafting custom wood tables and furniture for dining rooms, living rooms and even restaurants. They also work in reclaimed wood. Learn more at r-homefurniture.com and visit the show-room at 5641-A General Washington Dr.
