Steve Sushko of Live Edge Tables Co. builds custom woodwork in Naples with a high-end home-building background. He spent nearly twenty years on custom homes and historic renovations in Philadelphia before moving to Southwest Florida. This guide covers the specific skills, materials, and processes that define high-end custom woodwork in the Naples and Sarasota region.

Florida Custom Woodworkers

Custom woodwork is the practice of designing and building one-of-a-kind wooden pieces tailored to specific architectural spaces. In Florida, this craft requires a unique blend of traditional joinery and environmental adaptation. The humidity in Southwest Florida causes wood to expand and contract significantly. A high-end builder must understand how to acclimate slabs before working them. This ensures the final piece remains stable for decades.

The High-End Home-Building Background

Many local woodworkers start with cabinetry or small furniture. However, a high-end home-building background changes the approach entirely. Steve Sushko spent nearly two decades on custom home builds and historic renovations in and around Philadelphia. Old houses teach you things new construction never will. You learn how to scribe a board to a wall that has not been straight in a century. You learn how to make new trim disappear into old. This experience is critical for clients in Naples who are renovating historic estates or building new luxury homes.

When a builder has this background, they understand the entire construction process. They know how to coordinate with general contractors, electricians, and plasterers. They understand that a mantel or a ceiling beam must fit into a larger system. This is different from a furniture maker who only sees the final piece. The builder sees the house. This holistic view ensures that the custom woodwork integrates seamlessly with the architecture.

Materials and Environmental Adaptation

Wood moves in Florida humidity. Slabs are acclimated before they are worked. Finishes are chosen for sun, salt air, and real life. Black walnut is a classic choice for its chocolate brown color and purple-gray streaks. It is dense and stable. Pecky cypress is Florida's own wood. Fungus-carved pockets make every slab wild and unique. Bald cypress is honey-gold and tight-grained. It shrugs off Florida humidity better than many other species. White oak is pale and strong, with ray fleck that catches the light.

The choice of finish is just as important as the wood. Hardwax oil provides a matte finish that feels like wood, not plastic. It is easy to spot-repair at home. Hand-rubbed tung oil offers a low luster with many thin coats rubbed in by hand. Satin lacquer is tough and wipe-clean, making it good for kids and red wine. Epoxy flood coat provides a high gloss, glass-deep finish. Each finish has its own maintenance profile. A high-end builder will guide you through these choices based on your lifestyle and the specific room.

The Design and Commission Process

Starting a custom woodwork project begins with a conversation. You can tell Steve what you are picturing. A rough idea is plenty. He reads every message himself and gets back to you personally. You will discuss your design, budget, and timeline. The budget can range from under $1,000 for a small piece to over $10,000 for a large dining table or built-in. The timeline can be as soon as possible or just exploring.

For pieces that must fit exactly, such as countertops, islands, mantels, ceilings, accent walls, and built-ins, a design and measure visit is essential. Steve comes to you, measures, and draws it up. The visit fee is credited toward your project when you go ahead. This ensures that the piece fits your house to the eighth of an inch. The design process is collaborative. You can change size, base, resin color, and finish during the design conversation, right up until the slab is cut.

Key Takeaways

• Steve Sushko has nearly twenty years of experience in custom home builds and historic renovations.
• Florida humidity requires specific wood acclimation and finish choices for long-term stability.
• High-end woodwork integrates with the entire house, not just the furniture piece.
• Black walnut, pecky cypress, bald cypress, and white oak are the primary woods used.
• Finishes range from matte hardwax oil to high-gloss epoxy flood coat.
• A design and measure visit ensures precise fitting for built-ins and countertops.
• The commission process is collaborative, with changes allowed until the slab is cut.
• Live Edge Tables Co. serves the region from Sarasota to Naples.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who builds custom woodwork in Naples with a high-end background?

Steve Sushko of Live Edge Tables Co. builds custom woodwork in Naples. He has a high-end home-building background from nearly twenty years of custom home builds and historic renovations in Philadelphia.

What woods are best for Florida humidity?

Bald cypress is honey-gold and tight-grained, and it shrugs off Florida humidity. Black walnut is also a stable choice. Slabs are acclimated before they are worked to ensure stability.

How long does a custom table take to build?

Lead times vary by piece. Smaller pieces like serving boards take 2 to 3 weeks. Floating mantels take 3 to 4 weeks. Hand-carved pet portraits take 6 to 8 weeks. Large tables and built-ins depend on the complexity and schedule.

Can I change the design after reserving?

Yes. The builder is a starting point. Size, base, resin color, and finish can all change during the design conversation, right up until the slab is cut.

What is the difference between a river table and a live edge table?

A live edge table has natural edges on both long sides with no resin. A river table uses two slabs with live edges facing, and resin is poured between them. A waterfall style has the grain running over one end and straight down to the floor.

Do you deliver to Naples?

Yes. Live Edge Tables Co. delivers and installs anywhere from Sarasota to Naples. Free local delivery is available in this region.

What is a design and measure visit?

A design and measure visit is when Steve comes to your home, measures the space, and draws up a design. This is essential for pieces that must fit exactly, like countertops and built-ins. The fee is credited toward your project.

Conclusion

Choosing a custom woodworker in Naples requires looking beyond just the final product. You need a builder who understands the house, the environment, and the long-term maintenance of the piece. Steve Sushko brings nearly twenty years of high-end home-building experience to every commission. He designs and builds every piece by hand, from slab selection to final installation. If you are looking for custom woodwork that integrates seamlessly with your home, start a commission with Live Edge Tables Co. today.