Stephen
Hi, my name is Stephen Wain, and I am the craftsman behind Wain Green Wood. Born in Toronto and raised in Tennessee, I honed my craft in Charleston, SC. Wain Green Wood began in my backyard, where I started by working with recycled pallets. My love for discarded materials led me to create custom tables, and over time, this evolved into a passion for reclaiming old timbers. In the process, I developed a deep fascination for the building practices and techniques used by past artisans, particularly those of old-world craftsmanship.
Inspired by the design and craftsmanship of the 17th to 19th centuries, I dedicated myself to studying furniture-making techniques and recreating traditional joinery methods.
As my craft evolved, I began to see the beauty and potential in local logs that were often destined for the landfill. I found great satisfaction in salvaging a variety of local species, each with its unique colors and characteristics. This exploration of local materials has been a constant source of inspiration in my work.
I find beauty in the versatility and diversity of wood—its natural origins, its originality, and its renewability. Wood has an innate ability to connect people to nature, with every piece telling its own story. Just like the occasions they are made for, each piece is unique. I believe that, like many things, quality furniture is shaped by time and place. It should be an opportunity to celebrate the space it inhabits. A standard of quality is important to me, and I strive to create pieces that embrace the subtle variations in size and the placement of parts. This includes more detailed techniques, such as carving and turning. Specializing in handcrafted furniture, timber framing, and cabinet-making, I create individualized designs using reclaimed materials. I also offer antique reproductions with modern personalization. Each piece is a balance of form and function, a creative production that blends art and craft. My focus is on one-of-a-kind designs, each made to order. It’s not just about what I make, but how I make it. Proper joints ensure sound construction and provide peace of mind. I prioritize quality and stability, using tried-and-true techniques to create heirloom-quality pieces that will last for generations. Embrace the space.
At Wain Green Wood, craftsmanship and material selection are at the heart of what we do. With endless options available, we focus on sourcing and working with high-quality, locally reclaimed woods. We specialize in reclaiming boards from old buildings and also work with locally sawn lumber from nearby sawmills. Each piece is handcrafted in-house from local materials. The process begins with the commission, where we collaborate with you to determine the size and function of the piece. Once the design is set, the materials are carefully selected, allowed to further dry, and then shaped and joined to create the desired final product. Whether you’re interested in recreating one of our existing designs, incorporating your own ideas, or choosing from our collection of designs, each commission is tailored to meet your needs and preferences.
It’s not just about what I make, but how I make it. Proper joinery ensures strong, lasting pieces and provides peace of mind. I prioritize quality and stability, using tried-and-true practices rooted in traditional cabinetmaking and timber framing techniques. Mortise and tenon bases add a sense of quality through their strength and stability. Frame-and-panel cabinets and doors are built using old-world construction techniques, reflecting time-honored craftsmanship and durability. Hand-cut dovetailed drawers are a true hallmark of quality craftsmanship. Hand-turned stiles bring lightness to any room, add a touch of elegance, and showcase the beauty of the material from every angle. Hand-carved stiles offer the opportunity for a variety of individual shapes, allowing each piece to be truly one-of-a-kind.
From concept to reality, our custom pieces begin with a rough sketch that represents the overall shape, size, and angles. Our designs are as handcrafted as our furniture and are often not drawn to perfect scale.
