What type of wood do you use? My preference is peeled, dried hardwood saplings like maple and elm. The saplings are harvested in the spring when the leaves first begin to come out and the sap is flowing. This allows the bark to come off rather easily. When peeled, elm saplings have a distinctive outside vertical grain texture that requires little or no sanding (and who wouldn't like that?). Peeled saplings also give rustic furniture a lighter, more contemporary look. Mortise and Tenon joinery are used on all joints for maximum strength and durability. Occasionally I'll build a chair from carefully chosen fallen (not rotten!) hardwood. Why use fallen wood? It's already dried, pre-cured and ready for use. No waiting! The miniature chairs are made from maple twigs. What type of finishes do you use? I prefer a polyurethane or polyacrylic gloss for indoor furniture and a spar or marine varnish for outdoor. Both provide rugged, long-lasting protection and are easily cleaned and wiped. Do you do commissions? I haven't yet but that doesn't mean I won't (hint). At this stage my shop and storage limitations won't allow production of full dining room sets, but feel free to contact me and we'll discuss what you have in mind! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.