A Puzzle in Wood and Design
Every so often, a project comes along that challenges the usual path and turns into something truly special. This was one of those builds. A couple reached out to me with a request for a table—but not just any table. They needed something unique: a table designed specifically for doing puzzles together.
The project began with a beautiful antique table they had found at a barn sale. Their original idea was to simply extend the table with a leaf to make it a bit larger and more puzzle-friendly. While that seemed straightforward at first, it posed a few challenges. Matching the wood profile, color, and patina would be difficult. Adding a leaf might also require resurfacing the entire top—and who knows what kind of can of worms that could have opened.
Rather than jump into the original plan, I took a step back and had a deeper conversation with the couple. I wanted to understand not just what they wanted, but why. What did this table mean to them? How did they envision using it every day?
That’s when they shared something that changed the entire direction of the project: they said a round table would be even better. And then came the twist—"What if it could turn, like a giant lazy Susan?" That way, they could sit side by side while puzzling and rotate the table to bring puzzle pieces within easy reach.
I lit up. That was it. That was the design.
I proudly told them I was up for the challenge—and little did I know just how much of a challenge it would be. But it was the kind of challenge that teaches you something new and makes for a story worth telling.
Creating a 58-inch lazy Susan-style table wasn’t a walk in the park. There were many layers to this build. First came the engineering: building a large, rotating top that could move smoothly and safely. Then came the aesthetics. I crafted a perfectly round table skirt, which required extensive jig work and precision. I dove into steam bending—learning what works, what doesn’t, and what can go wildly sideways.
The tabletop itself featured beautiful inlay work using a variety of hardwoods, including maple, walnut, and cherry. Every piece was hand-selected to provide contrast and warmth, while still feeling unified and balanced.
One of the final design challenges was the edge. The couple had a practical request: could we include a small lip around the edge of the table to help keep puzzle pieces from sliding off? It was a great idea—and one that required crafting custom trim pieces that wrapped seamlessly around the curved skirt while maintaining the visual elegance of the overall build.
In the end, the table came out beautifully. It was functional, personal, and one-of-a-kind. The clients were absolutely in love with it, and I was proud to have turned a complex challenge into something meaningful they could enjoy for years to come.
This project reminded me that listening carefully often leads to the most rewarding results. Good design doesn’t just come from the workshop—it starts with understanding the people you’re building for.
See the craftsmanship behind the scenes—check out the full build here
Have a unique project in mind? Whether it’s a table with a twist or something entirely unexpected, let’s talk about how we can bring your idea to life. Reach out to us!
