custom hand-built furniture, cabinetry, & timber framing
what's in a name...
The name Tiveden comes from an ancient Swedish forest that has marked the boundary between regions since Viking times. Its name carries deep meaning - derived from Old Norse words for 'god of war' and 'wood' - but its spirit runs deeper still.
This was never just a peaceful woodland. It stood as a wild, untamed borderland that commanded respect from all who encountered it. Even today, ancient oaks still dominate the landscape, bearing silent witness to centuries of history.
But Tiveden holds another story. The forest was once home to a group called Animists who saw consciousness and spirit in every tree, every stone, every living thing. They understood that natural materials aren't just resources to be used, but entities with their own character and essence.
This philosophy guides my approach to woodworking. Each piece of timber comes with its own story, its own grain, its own spirit. The role isn't to impose my will upon the wood, but to collaborate with it - to let its natural character inform what it might become. Like the ancient oaks of Tiveden, I create pieces that don't just serve a function, but carry their own presence and power.
When building, it’s not just crafting furniture or timber frames - it’s continuing a dialogue with materials that began in forests like Tiveden centuries ago. Every piece created honors both the raw power of that untamed woodland and the deep respect for materials that the ancient Animists understood so well.
a bit of history...
For over four decades, I've been in conversation with wood. Not the kind of conversation that demands submission to perfect right angles and flawless surfaces, but one that honors the organic, living nature of every piece that passes through my hands. These trees have given themselves to this craft, and I believe they deserve both respect and a touch of freedom in their next form.
My approach to woodworking has been shaped by a life spent creating - whether crafting timber frames or running restaurant kitchens. In both worlds, I've found that the most meaningful work happens when you balance reverence with irreverence, precision with intuition. Each project is a kind of performance, but one where the materials share the stage.
I build pieces that aim to be timeless rather than trendy, grounded rather than grand. My work seeks to highlight the natural character of the wood while bringing out its potential through careful craftsmanship. It's an approach that's taken forty-two years to develop, and continues to evolve with every piece I create.
At Tiveden Woodworking, I’m not just making furniture or timber frames - I’m creating future heirlooms that carry forward both the spirit of the trees they came from and the soul of authentic craftsmanship.
a final word...
The connection to wood at Tiveden runs deep - quite literally to the roots. Beyond the workshop stands a 12-acre woodland in Warren, Vermont, where trees are selectively harvested using a portable sawmill. This direct relationship with the materials means understanding each piece of timber from its very beginning.
When wood can't be sourced from the home woodland, Tiveden works with local Vermont forestry operations, keeping materials as close to home as possible. This commitment to local sourcing isn't just about reducing environmental impact - it's about maintaining a genuine connection to the landscape that inspires the work.
Every tree that becomes part of a Tiveden piece has grown in Vermont's challenging climate, developing character through decades of harsh winters and brief, brilliant summers. This regional character shows in the dense grain of maple, the rich warmth of cherry, and the subtle complexity of butternut. These local species aren't just building materials - they carry the essence of Vermont's forests into your home.
