Art Nouveau Radiator Covers and Tables
As someone who enjoys working with artists to create custom home furnishings, I am writing this review to give a very enthusiastic recommendation for Craig Jentz of Woodzest. He is talented, skilled, and professional.
I don't commission run of the mill furnishings. Artists have turned me down because what I am asking for is too unusual, too difficult, or beyond their comfort zone. My first work with Craig was for a pair of side tables that hardly had a straight line or right angle. I also wanted an unusual veneer for the tops, and I wanted the tables to accommodate a particular pair of lamps. During the collaborative design process, we also decided one of the legs would extend up above the top of the table. Craig truly embraced the spirit of what I was looking for.
My second project with Craig was for custom radiator covers. This necessitated not only exact measurements for each radiator (nothing in a 100+ old house is square), but sourcing computer graphics and metal fabrication experts, both of whom turned out to be exceptional. The result is radiator covers more beautiful than any others I have ever seen. The happiness I feel when I look at them tells me that my money very well spent.
I have worked some terrific artists who were not particularly good businesspeople, so Craig's professionalism is a huge contributor to his value. His attention to detail, his listening skills, his communication skills - throughout these projects I never wondered or worried - I always knew what was happening and that we were on the same page.
I hope to work on many more projects with Craig. All of them will be unusual, and I want all of them to be exceptional. My experience is that Craig wants everything he creates to be exceptional as well. As for the unusual part, this artist is up for the challenge. My advice: contact Craig at Woodzest! Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. - Kelly O.
Table for Francisco Brazos al Cielo
The table is looking fabulous! And I love the blog – it makes it feel like I’m right there watching the table be created. This will be just as much a work of art as the sculpture that’s going to rest on it! - Michael D.
Grand Door
For over 20 years we have been trying to find someone to fix our front door. Our home was built in 1916 and the sun had bleached and cracked the veneer beyond ordinary repair. Over the years, we contacted numerous woodworkers and received several estimates; the consensus being to rebuild the door for $3000-$5000. We decided to keep looking. The last person to give us an estimate, said he could help. He went on to take $600, never to be seen again…alas! The good news is this tale of woe ended when we met Craig from Woodzest! He was referred to be by a retired woodworker. Craig came over on time, and carefully explained the entire process in detail. He also gave us advise and pointers to maintain the door, to assure it would last for another 100 years. During the process, he emailed us photos and wrote out every step of what he was doing. The whole experience was truly remarkable and cost half of the lowest estimate we had received! When he brought the door back a week later, he emailed us to say that the hot weather had improved the drying time, for his 6 coats of special UV protected varnish and would be finished a day early! (If you know contractors, you’ll understand why I nearly fainted) When installing the door, he showed us several repairs he had made, including the lock, handle, and back side of the door; for which there was no additional cost! Finally, without question, I can whole-heartedly, recommend Woodzest for all your special woodworking projects! - John C.
MN-6139 AL
Finding Craig for our cabinet project was a wonderful blessing. After searching for months and being disappointed by less than enthusiastic craftsmen, we found Craig who immediately knew what we were looking for. He took the time to understand our concept and was able to translate it into a beautiful creation that is now a family heirloom. His craftsmanship is impeccable and the cabinet turned out exactly as we had hoped. At every turn, he kept us informed on his progress on our project, and we loved the boundless enthusiasm that he brought to this task. He provided the right product at the right price, and was simply a joy to work with. Craig has our strongest possible recommendation for any woodworking project, and can be counted on to bring your vision to reality. Many thanks, Craig! - Bob and Cathy K.
Multiple Projects for Interior Designer
I have worked with Craig on a couple of custom tables for clients. He is a wonderful resource creating custom pieces at an affordable price. He is passionate about his craft, and it's obvious in the results. Looking forward to working with him again soon. :) Thanks Craig! - Tasha S.
Entry and Storm Doors
We contracted with Craig at WoodZest to restore our nearly 100-year old front entry door and storm door, both of which were weathered badly. The project had several challenges, including a unique rounded top to our entry, and the fact that nothing in our home is square to anything else after decades of settling and shifting. We have spoken with numerous contractors over the years, and none was willing to take up the challenge. Craig took immense pride in the entire project, and we couldn't be happier with the outcome. He determined that our main entry door was structurally solid, and needed only a good refinishing. The storm door was well past its prime, and he custom-built for us a beautiful replacement that fits like a glove.
Beyond the woodwork, Craig took great care of all the mechanical aspects of the project as well. He disassembled and rebuilt our original lock set, which was pretty gummed up and sticky over the years, and now operates like new. He helped us find quality hardware for all the knobs and other elements that needed replacing. Further, he found and worked with another craftsman who was able to restore the stained glass window in the entry door, which had some broken pieces and solder joints.
At the end of it all, we have a front entry that looks better than the day it was first installed, and is more energy efficient as well. We can't recommend WoodZest highly enough. - Kelly T.
Entry and Storm Doors
Just wanted to take a moment to thank you for your work on my front door. It is such an improvement and so well done. I also appreciate all your consideration in meeting my scheduling needs, keeping the work area so organized and safe as well as your reliable communications and timeline. - Dawn L.
Autumn Leaves Music Stand
Craig fabricated a custom music stand for me. The workmanship and quality far surpassed my expectations. The detail and craftsmanship were absolutely stunning, and I know WoodZest is very capable of designing custom projects to suit my decor. - Kathryn M.
As a decorative painter, I design and paint custom children's step stools in animal shapes. I commission Craig Jentz at Woodzest to build them for me, which he does with precise, quality craftsmanship.The finished step stools are always built exactly to the designs that I give him and he also makes helpful suggestions for choosing the most appropriate wood. I highly recommend Craig for anyone looking for a unique, beautifully made piece of furniture. - Jackie G.
Child Stepping Stools
I have been using the services of Craig and his wood working studio for over 14 years. His creativity and accuracy, makes his products stand out and more astonishing then anyone’s expectation. For all these years, he is my main support with his design and creation - as a instrumental part of my manufacturing.
I would highly recommend Craig, his work and studio for completing the most difficult, delicate and beautiful costumer’s jobs. - Jordan H.