Why American woods?

We respect the forest and believe in harvesting only downed trees or those who have outlived their usefulness. We are pleased to live in a country that protects its old growth forests. The old growth redwood we have is salvaged from stumps left after the cutting in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, or a naturally fallen tree., Cherry, oak, maple, buckeye, poplar, sycamore, and black walnut .slabs are available at the studio.

Stephen and Daniel Metzger - Burl Wood Craftsmen and Artists With over 40 years experience and a continuing passion for the beauty of finely burled wood Steve Metzger works his magic designing and crafting pieces of value for your home. What Steve began in Florida in 1972 is now a family business in Western North Carolina with his son Daniel Metzger and his wife, Janet.

Steve founded the business in Gainesville, FL then moved to San Francisco CA. High Sierra Gallery, on Fisherman’s Wharf displayed his finished product as well as art and antiques. The wood yard and studio in Petaluma, CA housed his exceptional burl finds. Using cranes, bulldozers and semis, he searched for burls of immense size and rare beauty. Steve designed and built a 16 foot chain saw to cut the burls into slabs and reveal the beautiful interior grain patterns.

An expert at identifying burl in raw form he amassed a large inventory. Choice burls were turned into finished product for his gallery. Below is a photo of a prized redwood birdseye burl 14 feet in diameter. Large numbers of slabs were shipped, by container load to artists world wide. One such artist customer of Steve’s, George Nakashima would visit the gallery and wood yard regularly, choosing pieces for his shop in New Hope, PA.

Steve and Janet have been adventurers since their marriage in 1989. Collecting art during their travels and endeavors they eventually established an antique gallery in Waynesville NC, specializing in period furniture and decorative arts and architecturals. Both appreciate beautiful woods and fine furniture design. Their son Daniel grew up surrounded by fine antique furniture. His sense of design and attention to finishing detail is apparent in his products. He and his father design and craft each piece. Learning his craft from Steve, they work side by side in every aspect of production. Daniel and Steve share knowledge, ideas and innovations.

Together they search for fine American woods. With a respect of for our forests they utilize woods that are downed or salvaged. Once cut into slabs the grain patterns are revealed. Furniture is designed to enhance the intricate burl patterns. Hand finishing further accentuates the grain. The hand crafted piece is now preserved for you and future generations to enjoy in your homes.

“Nature provides us with Woods of Beauty. We Preserve, Protect and Accentuate those Gifts.” Please take a look at the exceptional "Phoenix Oak" We named it because of the fire scar in the base. The Oak tree is a recent acquisition. Over 6 feet in diameter and entirely burled this tree died naturally and is now at the studio and ready to slab. Shows and Exhibits:

• Grovewood Gallery, Asheville, NC
• Haywood Arts Council, Internationl Festival Art Show. (first place)
• Mount Dora Art Festival
• Fernadina Beach Festival
• Mount Dora Spring Festival
• Swanson Gallery
• Hansen Gallery
• Nashville, TN
• Atlanta, GA
• Blowing Rock, NC