Sometimes we get the best projects.  This client bought an antique cabinet for use in his master bathroom.  Our job was to design and build paneling for the rest of the room to match the cabinet.

We always have something fun going on at Wilson & McCracken.  This commission is for seven reproduction valances.  Each valance has 6 carvings and four “veined” sections.  In the new valances, castings of musical instruments will be used in place of the plaster busts.  We’re about half way done here are some progress shots.  We’ll keep you updated.

The newel post was designed and built by Wilson & McCracken.  The main post is constructed of 16 tapered walnut staves.  The cylinder has a band of burl inlay.

The carving is typical of other locations in the house.  Featured in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, and seen on On Q Magazine (WQED TV) the newel has been one of our favorite projects.

We were also asked to create a 9′ section of balustrade for the third floor.

Utilizing 4″ thick walnut there were no laminations in the highly turned, shaped and carved spindles.  The hand and base railing contains nine custom matched shapes.

Another dream come true client!

As each phase of this project was completed the customer “thought up” more for us to do.  By the time we were done we had  built  a bar,  paneled library, a veneered and leather desk, a paneled fireplace wall/entertainment center, and  several additional custom mantels.  To maintain the colonial detailing we custom veneered the panels to look like solid wood, even in the “raised” portion.

This is a recent shot of a storefront we built back in 1984.  The commitment to using the best materials available paid off. Along with proper maintenance and appropriate materials (Honduras mahogany, marine plywood, marine epoxy, and stainless steel fasteners) this restaurant front is still looking good after all these years!

Demonstrating the versatility of Wilson & McCracken, the owner asked us to build 20 or so tables for the  local French restaurant.  The design is an adaptation of a traditional Shaker design.  Antique cherry was used for the legs.  The top featured hand planed boards secured from below with a sliding dovetailed stretcher.  The detail photo here is taken after 20 years in service.

Working from a photo of the Fanker House in Zelienople Pa, we were able to design and build this porch to match the original.  Utilizing marine plywood, Honduras Mahogany and epoxy, we created a porch which will last for another century