About
Hoeksema Woodworking
About the Craftsman
Hi, I’m David, the hands behind Hoeksema Woodworking.
By day, I’m a high school teacher here in the beautiful state of Georgia. I live just outside the towns of Canton and Ball Ground, about thirty minutes north of Atlanta—far enough to enjoy a slower pace, close enough to stay connected.
My path into woodworking didn’t begin in a shop or with a family tradition. It started with a mailbox.
Not a charming one—an old, dented, crooked eyesore that greeted me every time I left for work and every time I came home. Home should feel warm and welcoming, especially after a long day, but that mailbox did exactly the opposite. Eventually, I decided it had to go.
I started searching online for ideas and came across cedar mailboxes that felt solid, intentional, and inviting. They weren’t flashy—just well-made and honest. I remember thinking, I could never build that.
Then I thought, Why not try?
So I stepped completely outside my comfort zone and built one myself.
I learned by doing—measuring, adjusting, correcting mistakes, and slowly guiding raw wood into something functional and good-looking. When I finished, I felt a sense of pride I hadn’t expected. Not just because the mailbox looked right, but because I had made it with my own hands.
That one project changed everything.
I started wondering what else I could create. Boards. Boxes. Functional pieces meant to be used every day. There were plenty of trials, plenty of lessons learned the hard way, and a lot of patience involved—but with each project, my appreciation for the craft grew.
Today, Hoeksema Woodworking exists because of that first mailbox and the satisfaction of turning raw material into something meaningful. Every piece I make carries that same intention: thoughtful design, honest materials, and craftsmanship that feels personal—because it is.
When you purchase from Hoeksema Woodworking, you’re not buying from a factory or an algorithm. You’re buying from a real person who still enjoys the challenge, the process, and the quiet reward of making something that will live in your home.
Handcrafted Wood, Made to Be Used
At Hoeksema Woodworking, every piece begins with solid wood and ends with intention. I create handcrafted cutting boards, small furniture, and home décor that celebrate natural grain, honest materials, and the quiet beauty found in imperfection.
No two pieces are ever the same—and that is exactly the point.
A Respect for the Material
Wood is not uniform, and it was never meant to be. Knots, mineral streaks, subtle checking, and grain variation are natural characteristics formed over decades of growth. Rather than hiding these details, I highlight them—allowing each piece to retain its own character and story.
I work exclusively with solid hardwoods, chosen for their strength, durability, and visual depth. Every piece is shaped, finished, and inspected by hand, using techniques that protect the wood without masking its natural beauty.
What you see is real. What you feel is intentional.
Made Slowly, Finished by Hand
In a world of mass production and shortcuts, my approach is simple: take the time the material deserves.
Each item from Hoeksema Woodworking is crafted in small batches or as a one-of-a-kind piece, allowing close attention at every stage. Finishes are applied by hand to enhance the grain—not to cover it—so the wood can age naturally with use.
These pieces are not meant to sit untouched on a shelf. They are built to be used, cared for, and enjoyed daily.
Thoughtfully Made for a Lifetime of Use
Because wood is a living material, it will continue to change subtly over time. With basic care, each piece will develop even more depth and character—becoming something uniquely yours.
I believe the most meaningful objects are the ones that show their history.
Thank you for choosing craftsmanship, material honesty, and work made with purpose.
Handcrafted from solid wood. Finished by hand. Made to last.