Business Details
Custom Handcrafted Furniture & Bonsai Displays in Portland
Austin Heitzman Furniture was founded on the principle of transforming salvaged wood into timeless, heirloom-quality pieces that celebrate nature's inherent beauty. Our process begins with carefully sourced local lumber, including unique species like apple, plum, and English walnut, which are air-dried for years to ensure stability and vibrancy. Drawing inspiration from decades of professional experienceincluding a formative period at the Philadelphia Museum of Artwe specialize in blending traditional and modern joinery techniques to create furniture that bridges functionality and artistry. Our work extends beyond furniture to include custom bonsai display stands, reflecting a deep appreciation for the interplay between natural materials and human craftsmanship.With a Master of Fine Arts degree and over a decade of teaching experience, we offer both bespoke commissions and woodworking education, emphasizing personalized service and technical expertise. Sustainability is central to our practice, as we rescue urban trees from landfills to give them new life as functional art. Every piece we create aims to forge a lasting connection between clients and the natural world, combining meticulous attention to detail with a commitment to environmental stewardship.
Services
Custom Furniture
Bonsai Displays
Woodworking Classes
Salvaged Materials
Shipping Services
Live Edge Work
Metal-Glass Integration
Highlights and features
- We use locally salvaged wood to create sustainable, one-of-a-kind furniture.
- Our heirloom-quality craftsmanship combines traditional and modern woodworking techniques.
- Founder's museum experience informs deep understanding of furniture design history.
- Custom bonsai stands elevate living art with functional precision.
- Small-class woodworking education emphasizes personalized instruction and practical skills.
What people say
Heirloom-quality craftsmanship
Sustainable material use
Personalized service
Unique designs
Artistic integration
Services
Custom Furniture
Handcrafted furniture tailored to client specifications using salvaged wood. Combines traditional joinery with modern design for heirloom-quality pieces that highlight natural grain patterns and material characteristics.
Bonsai Displays
Custom bonsai display stands that enhance living art through precise craftsmanship. Designs range from modern to traditional, emphasizing the relationship between tree and presentation platform.
Woodworking Classes
Project-based instruction covering joinery, material selection, and problem-solving. Classes use Zoom for remote access, with options for 30-minute or 1-hour sessions focused on individual project needs.
Salvaged Materials
Rescued urban trees processed locally into premium lumber. Includes rare species like elm burl and grafted walnut, air-dried for years to ensure structural integrity and vibrant natural colors.
Shipping Services
Professional packing and nationwide shipping arrangements for finished pieces. Process ensures safe transport while maintaining the integrity of handcrafted woodwork.
People
Austin Heitzman
Owner & Master Woodworker
Professional woodworker with over a decade of experience creating heirloom furniture. Holds an MFA degree and has taught woodworking classes for the Oregon Guild of Woodworkers. Specializes in combining traditional techniques with modern design.
Questions
How do you source your materials?
We salvage urban trees destined for landfills, focusing on unique species like apple and English walnut. Lumber is air-dried for years to ensure stability and natural color development.
Can I commission a custom furniture piece?
Yes! We work closely with clients through design consultations, providing drawings and refining details before production begins. A 50% deposit starts the process.
Do you teach woodworking classes?
We offer small-group classes and project help sessions via Zoom, covering joinery techniques, material selection, and problem-solving for personal woodworking projects.
What woodworking techniques do you use?
Our work combines traditional joinery with modern methods like domino joinery. We incorporate live edge wood, bent lamination, and mixed materials such as metal and glass.
How are pieces shipped?
We arrange professional packing and shipping for custom orders, ensuring safe delivery regardless of client location.
