“Opa” is the informal German word for grandfather.  When my grandson Noah was born, his parents were living with us.  So, the family started referring to my humble work space as “Opa’s Workshop.”  Noah absolutely loves spending time with me in the shop and I couldn’t think of a better name for my business.

     Opa’s Workshop is the answer to two recurring questions I have been asked over the years.  The first is, “Can you make something that will . . . ?”  The second is, “Do you know how much something like this costs at . . . ?”  I have almost always answered the first question in the affirmative and the second in the negative.  

     Among the projects that I enjoy the most are those that require the creation of a custom piece that solves a problem or fulfills a purpose.  These projects can be as simple as adding a reinforcing rail to a wobbly stool or as complex and creating a cabinet that needs to fulfill several purposes while still being able to fit in a specific space.  People often have an idea of what the thing they need looks like, but can’t find anything close to that vision in the retail market.  That is where custom woodworking comes in.

     Most of the people for whom I have made custom pieces have already shopped around and know what similar items cost.  Often, what I end up charging them for the job is the same or less than what they would have spent for a product that was not really what they were looking for.  In today’s world of mass production and one-size-fits all products, owning something that is unique, functional, and exactly what you had in mind is rare at best.  It is to fill this gap that I decided to open Opa’s Workshop to the public.

     We all want to surround ourselves with things that take care of our needs and fit our tastes.  I can help you reach those goals.