In the heart of our woodworking haven where passion meets precision, we at Unfinished Furniture take pride in presenting our hand-hewn wooden beams meticulously crafted in our on-site millwork shop. Each piece is a testament to the artistry and dedication of our skilled craftsmen, ensuring that your furniture not only meets but exceeds your expectations.
Timeless Craftsmanship Meets Modern Elegance
Hand-hewn beams trace their origins to ancient woodworking traditions, with craftsmen using basic tools like adzes and axes to shape raw timber for construction, leaving a legacy that spans centuries. Much of the lumber we source was originally processed and hewn generations ago with these same methods, and they are evident on each piece of reclaimed wood within our mill. We strive to continue that legacy of craftsmanship with you, whether you wish to have fresh-cut lumber or reclaimed timber, we will provide you with furniture that is unique to your style.
The creation of hand-hewn beams is a meticulous process that involves the skilled hands of our artisans, trained with over three generations of knowledge. Every inch of these beams is a tribute to the craftsmanship of those who shape, carve, and sculpt the wood while imbuing it with character and charm. One of the hallmarks of our process is customization – we understand that every customer has unique tastes and needs, which is why we offer a range of options to tailor beams and furniture to perfection.
Whether you prefer a rustic farmhouse style or a sleek modern design, we have the expertise to bring your vision to life. From selecting the wood species to choosing the perfect finish, every aspect of your hand-hewn beams can be customized to suit your preferences. Our knowledgeable staff is here to guide you through the selection process, offering expert advice to help you create a piece that reflects your personal style.
Strength, Durability, and Authenticity
Hand-hewn lumber is not only admired for its aesthetic appeal but also for its robust structural qualities. The deliberate shaping enhances its strength, making it a formidable load-bearing element suitable for the various needs your busy life creates. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted with attention to detail, ensuring that every joint is tight, every surface is smooth, and every edge is crisp.
Our beams are also built to be durable and functional, with a story that you can pass down through your family line for generations to come. The irregularities, tool marks, and varying textures on hand-hewn beams contribute to their authentic and rustic appearance, showcasing the natural beauty of the wood and the craftsmanship involved.
At Unfinished Furniture, we believe that wood and furniture should be more than just functional – it should be a work of art. With our hand-hewn beams, you can bring a touch of elegance and craftsmanship into your home, creating a lasting legacy that will be cherished for years to come.
Crafting Custom Wooden Tables with Heirloom Quality
In the heart of our Brookline, New Hampshire facility, where three generations of passion meet precision, we take pride in presenting our fully customizable wooden tables. Meticulously crafted in our on-site millwork shop, each piece is a testament to the artistry and dedication of our skilled craftsmen.
Historical Roots Meets Artisan Craftsmanship
Much of the wood we use to craft a customized table is sourced from hand-hewn beams reclaimed from old structures like barns, mills, and factories that were replaced by newer buildings. The origins of these beams are ancient old-growth forests that are now mostly gone from centuries of development.
The creation of these hand-hewn beams is a meticulous process that involves the skilled hands of artisans. Each beam is a testament to the craftsmanship of those who shaped, carved, and sculpted the pieces long ago, imbuing them with a unique character and charm that cannot be found in modern industrial milling.
While using our own techniques to craft your table, we strive to preserve the character and charm of each piece so that it not only possesses a quality that cannot be found anywhere else but also so that its legacy lives on.
Structural Resilience
Reclaimed old-growth wood is not only admired for its aesthetic appeal but also for its robust structural qualities. The trees of old-growth forests had centuries to fully mature, binding the fibers in the wood so that its strength is unmatched by anything sourced from modern wood sources. Also, the deliberate shaping in the crafting process can enhance their strength, making them formidable load-bearing surfaces in addition to an elegant furniture piece.
Authenticity and Tradition Meet Modern Adaptation
With your own customized table, we maintain a balance between preserving authenticity and tradition with adapting the material to suit modern elegance and lifestyles. With reclaimed wood can come the charming qualities and subtle irregularities. From old tool marks, there are varying textures on hand-hewn pieces that contribute to their authentic and rustic appearance. These characteristics make each beam a piece of art, showcasing the natural beauty of the wood and the old craftsmanship involved.
If you desire to have a table that breaks away from the current mass marketing and assembly and takes you back to a world of craftsmanship and history, contact us today. We are excited to bring your vision into your home. And if you have an image or a design concept that you would like us to create for you, we can make it happen. We have loads of different items coming in every week, and we are more than happy to accommodate special requests and custom items for you.
A Legacy of Quality and Craftsmanship
Seventy-seven years ago, in 1946, Don Bingham Sr. started an enduring tradition. He founded Unfinished Furniture in Fitchburg, MA, building a foundation on two elements that would enable his vision to thrive for decades: trust and quality. And for three generations, the Bingham Family has been committed to providing high-quality interior and exterior finish products to countless homes, farms, and businesses.
Now in our current generation, Don’s great-grandson, Tom Bingham, is preserving that tradition by honoring the same philosophy, offering high-quality products and exceptional personalized service that are deeply rooted in trust. For three quarters of a century, we have been finishing and transforming beautiful homes with custom wide-plank flooring, custom molding, and unique millwork furniture pieces.
Through the years, Unfinished Furniture has written a story that begins with a simple sawmill and tells of growth, cheerful service, loss, recovery, and of revival. The Bingham Family is proud of our near-eighty-year journey in the lumber business and every chapter we’ve written. A rather fond memory is when we were honored to have been featured on PBS’s This Old House, where Norm Abram and the crew visited and filmed our showroom milling-and-finishing facility in 2008 as we completed the reclaimed interior wood wainscot and barn board for a Weston, MA timber-frame home.
Our team consists of family and several loyal employees with over thirty years of experience, integrated from three generations whose lifeblood is lumber, millwork, and service. The team is determined to continue the legacy and vision of Don Bingham and to honor his simple creed from 1946: Quality lumber at a fair price.
Whether we provide you with a unique wide-plank floor, an accent piece made from a wooden relic, or a warm, rustic piece of custom furniture, we are happy you have the tradition live on in your home and hope that our products will help tell your story for generations to come. If you are looking to update your home and wish to install a warm sense of tradition, contact us today. We are excited to help you and your family.
The Enduring Charm of Reclaimed Wood
Wood, with its timeless character and versatility, has been a staple in construction and furniture for centuries. Now, as our society becomes more conscious of environmental needs and sustainability, there’s a growing interest in repurposing wood for our homes and offices.
When it comes to repurposed wood, there are several advantages for custom furniture and remodeling projects. Reclaimed wood is wonderfully versatile and can be used in a wide range of projects, from custom furniture pieces like tables, chairs, and bookshelves to larger projects like kitchen cabinets.
The unique charm and character of reclaimed wood, matched with its versatility, allows your home or office to warmly reflect your personal style. Each piece of our repurposed wood tells a rich story, bearing the marks of its previous life, such as nail holes, knots, and patina. These distinctions add depth and personality to any project, creating a wealth of comfort and inviting ambiance.
Reclaimed wood often comes from old-growth trees, meaning the forest from where the trees came were left undisturbed and allowed to fully grow and mature, making them denser and more durable compared to the modern standard of newly harvested wood. This durability makes it an excellent choice for furniture and flooring, as it can withstand the usual wear and tear while keeping its beauty and composure over time.
One of the more obvious advantages of using repurposed wood is its positive impact on our environment. By keeping perfectly good wood out of landfills, we reduce the demand for new timber, help conserve forests, and decrease the carbon footprint that comes from logging, processing, and transportation. This simple switch to repurposed wood significantly contributes to the preservation of our natural resources and gives new life to wood that can serve another purpose.
Using reclaimed wood in your remodeling or furniture project can add a touch of history and cultural significance to your space. Much of our reclaimed wood is sourced from old barns, factories, and buildings from around the country, which adds a layer of meaning and a connection to our past. It’s an honorable way to enjoy the history of each piece and include its story into your life and home.
In many cases, repurposed wood can be a cost-effective alternative to buying new timber, especially if you’re sourcing locally. While reclaimed wood may require additional processing, such as cleaning, planing, or refinishing, the overall cost is often lower than that of new premium-grade wood.
Repurposed wood offers a beautiful and sustainable solution for remodeling, custom furniture, and interior design projects. Beyond its positive environmental impact, reclaimed wood brings a unique character, history, and quality to your space. By choosing repurposed wood, you not only create a warm and inviting environment but also become a part of the larger movement toward responsible and sustainable design and construction. Enjoy the benefits of repurposed wood in your next project and let its sustainable charm transform your space into something truly remarkable.
The Allure of Barnwood: Preserving Tradition and Sustainability
In our modern world, human craftsmanship has largely been replaced by quick manufactured convenience. While that convenience may serve a purpose, the result has become a world where, if you were to enter a town, you might see that it bears a dull resemblance to the previous town you were just in, filled with hackneyed overnight architecture.
And people have taken notice of this loss of charm in our world, for there is a growing fascination with preserving our cultural heritage and embracing a sense of history in our homes. One design trend that has captured the attention of many is the allure of barnwood as interior decor.
Barnwood, reclaimed from old barns and structures, has a rustic charm that adds character and warmth to any space. But beyond its surface appeal, barnwood holds a deeper story that connects us with the past and reminds us of the value of sustainability.
Barnwood has a vast history that dates back to the early days of agriculture in the United States. From the 18th to the early 20th centuries, wooden barns were vital structures for farming communities, serving as shelter for livestock, storage for crops, and a workspace for farmers. These barns were typically constructed using local old-growth wood, often oak, pine, or chestnut, which contributed to their durability.
As time passed, many of these noteworthy barns fell into disrepair or were replaced by more modern structures. However, instead of allowing this precious wood to be wasted, craftsmen and enthusiasts began salvaging the barnwood and repurposing it for new uses, sparking the trend that we now see in contemporary design.
Barnwood’s enduring appeal can be attributed to more than just its rustic allure. Its charm lies in the rich history it carries, the sustainability it represents, and the sense of warm authenticity it brings to our homes. By bringing barnwood into our homes, we connect with our past and make a conscious choice to value craftsmanship and tradition.
If you have been wanting to add a warm, unique touch to your home, consider incorporating the timeless allure of barnwood. Its rich history and sustainable legacy will add a distinct character and charm that cannot be replicated by mass-produced alternatives.
The Resurgence of Wide Plank Flooring
When it comes to improving the inside of our home, flooring plays a crucial role in defining the overall look and feel of a space. Among the many wood flooring options available, wide plank flooring has regained popularity in recent years, offering a unique and stylish appeal to many homes.
Wide plank flooring was the fashion in Early America because the land had a seemingly endless amount of old-growth forests loaded with huge trees. As the country entered the second half of the 19th Century, stock depleted, and so did wider flooring planks. Narrow planks then became the standard for American homeowners until recently.
With the increase in sustainable harvesting practices, wide plank flooring is returning to American interior design. Wide plank flooring refers to floorboards that are significantly wider than standard planks, typically ranging from 5 to 12 inches in width, with some going even broader, making them a striking visual element in any room.
One of the primary reasons why wide plank flooring has gained attention is its ability to create an open and spacious feel. With fewer seams and joints, the floor is less stimulating, and it allows for a seamless flow between rooms, making spaces appear more expansive and welcoming.
Here are some of the perks of wide plank flooring:
- Increased Sense of Space: The wider boards create a more open and airy feel, making rooms appear larger and more inviting.
- Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal: Wide plank floors add a unique and visually stunning element to any space, elevating the overall design.
- Durability and Longevity: The high-quality wood used in wide plank flooring is often more durable and longer-lasting than narrower options.
- Versatility in Design: Wide planks complement a variety of interior styles, from rustic to modern, making them a flexible choice.
While the choice between embracing the return of wide plank flooring or sticking with more common flooring options ultimately comes down to your preference, budget, and the overall vision for your home, one thing is certain: quality wood flooring, whether wide or narrow, will elevate the beauty and charm of your living spaces.
If you are stuck between a wide plank or narrow plank for your wood flooring, contact us today. Our specialists at Unfinished Furniture are excited to help you through this eventful time and assist you in finding the perfect selection.
The Eco-Friendly Allure of Salvaged Wood
In an era where environmental sustainability is gaining momentum, homeowners are seeking unique salvaged wood pieces to bring historical beauty into their homes. This humble material, often discarded as waste, is now viewed as a stunning and eco-friendly alternative that can transform any house into a rustic, warm, and beautiful home.
The valuable timbers that once supported the mills, barns, factories, and dwellings across our country are being rediscovered each day when those structures are removed for newer buildings. We maintain close nationwide relationships with salvaging specialists who bring the recycled timbers, boards, and other fibers to our facility in Brookline, NH.
Each piece of salvaged wood comes with its own story and character, with visible marks and weathering gained through the years that add a sense of history and authenticity to the final creations. From rustic to refined, this wood bears the marks of its past, which only adds to its charm.
Using new wood has its benefits, but it is a major contributing factor to deforestation, which severely harms our natural world’s biodiversity and contributes to greenhouse gases. This is what makes antique lumber highly desirable in today’s market when people are making healthier choices for the environment.
Reclaimed wood does not pose a threat to the environment. In fact, it helps promote a greener world and helps reduce the amount of waste created. The environmental benefits of using salvaged wood cannot be overstated. By repurposing wood that would otherwise end up in landfills, we reduce the demand for freshly cut timber and alleviate the pressure on our forests.
The creative possibilities with salvaged wood are boundless. Skilled craftsmen and DIY enthusiasts are transforming this reclaimed material into works of art, furniture, and functional pieces that draw attention. From statement furniture to simple-yet-stunning accent pieces, salvaged wood brings a touch of eco-refinement to any space.
The journey from waste to wow is an inspiring one. Salvaged wood proves that beauty can emerge from unlikely places and that creativity can be harnessed in sustainable ways. It is an eco-friendly venture that will bring warmth, charm, substance, and history to your home or workspace.
The Beauty of Custom Furniture: Expressing Your Individuality
We all have our own preferences and specific tastes when it comes to designing our living spaces. And in the modern world, mass-produced, assemble-yourself furniture can seem like a good enough deal
