Woodworkers – Build Wood Products from Lumber

From furniture makers to flooring manufacturers, wood products manufacturers can gain a “green” marketing advantage with community wood and "Emerald Ash Board." To promote the advantages and attributes of community wood, the Wood Utilization Team co-sponsored Rising From Ashes: Furniture From Lost Trees, a juried furniture show featuring fine furniture made of ash lumber salvaged from trees killed by the Emerald Ash Borer. The Chicago Furniture Designers Association (CFDA) presented the show at the Morton Arboretum, Ryerson Woods, Hafele Americas, Design Within Reach Tree Studios, Chicago Center for Green Technology, and the Glenview Park District.

"Modern Jazz" Table of Ash, Plywood, Walnut, & Nickel by Matt Seiler

The Wood Utilization Team supported two semesters of an Architecture and Furniture Design class, Environmental Wood Reclamation via Creative Arts & Crafts Products, at the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT). The class made furniture and gift items from Emerald Ash Board, which are now on display at various locations. The Team also exhibited at the National Cabinet Conference & Woodworking Expo and the Illinois Valley Woodcarvers Show.

Woodworker Associations & Directories

Use the links below to find a woodworker or company to make custom pieces out of your urban or community wood.

Architectural Woodwork Institute

This well-established institute with worldwide representation of woodworkers, designers, students, and material suppliers has 55 professional members listed in Illinois.

Cabinet Makers Association

Search for members of this professional association of cabinetmakers by zip code.

Certified Custom Woodworkers Association

CCWA members cross a variety of woodworking fields from architecture woodwork, fixtures and displays to millwork and production wood products. Narrow down your needs and your location on this site to find an appropriate member. More than 100 are in Illinois.

Chicago Furniture Designers Association

This well-established association of over 60 fine custom furniture designers in the Chicago area has mounted exhibitions promoting sustainability. The site showcases members’ furniture.

Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters

Members of this advanced union produce custom quality woodwork including architectural woodwork, casework and cabinets, counters and solid surfaces, exhibit and displays, millwork, stairs, truss and panel. The directory includes members across the Midwest.

Custom Made

This artisan directory lists over 25 Illinois artisans displaying over 150 custom crafted wood pieces ranging from furniture to built-ins to crown molding to front doors.

Woodworkers Directory

This nationwide directory lists over 90 Illinois woodworkers and businesses involved in architectural and custom millwork. It also includes directories for boat building, cabinets, musical instruments, picture frames, carving, finishing, furniture, veneer & marquetry.