“I often seek the company of growing trees for spiritual nurture, balance of the soul and the emotional calm that has become increasingly necessary in our world.
Who I Am
My name is David Sentesy. Born and raised in Dundas Ontario, my Grandfather introduced me to wood, teaching me about care for the living tree. My father introduced me to the precision and planning of an engineer. These skills powerfully shape my life and my life’s work.
I attended Carleton University from 1967 to 1971 and graduated with an arts degree in History and English. Following this I moved to Toronto to continue my studies. Before I finished school there, however, I realized that what I loved was working with wood in the science workshops at Carleton – building a harpsichord.
I followed my passion. I began accepting woodwork commissions and worked largely with hand tools. Learning how to shape wood by hand has fostered an incredible respect for power tools, but much more respect for the tree. In 1972 I married and moved to Ottawa where I worked with an Italian cabinetmaker. Several years later, when due to demand he began to build with particle board veneer and plastic laminates, I left him and moved to a homestead in the Ottawa valley. I set up my workshop next to my home.
Trees are a unique flora. They provide our planet with lungs and filters. They moderate climate, build soil, shelter life, and provide food. The way we work with them preserves their beauty and wholeness allowing us to feel their strength and patience.
Our Work
Dining Table & Corner Cabinet
This is an English refectory table of hickory with massive turned legs and low support bars.White sapwood was planned to show two strong bands on the top. Its sister table is square to form [...]
Cherry Writing Desk
This piece is made of three frame and panel cherry cases. The top has brass inlays on the corners and high quality brass hardware is used for bails. The finish is made from many [...]
Document Boxes
These dovetailed cases and drawers were made of Burma teak salvaged from the deck of the “Empress of Ireland” at the bottom of the St. Lawrence River. They were made to hold the effects [...]
Knife Box
Having fallen, the ground of the box was badly crushed lifting the veneer and splitting the substrate. Once these were repaired the veneer was re-layed and new pieces were fitted where required. String inlay was prepared by gluing up maple and walnut pieces then cut to fit. The French polish was restored as per the original.
Salares Health Centre Suite
Asian styled butternut furniture for health centre waiting room. Set consists of 5 pieces including: Coffee Table, End Tables, Settee and Work Table.
Mahogany Dovetail Chest
The design of this chest is from Germanic Canadian tradition. The upper chest sides are from a single 13″ plank. The top is from a 23″ wide plank, hand planed and fitted to allow slight [...]
Bath Server
This case work is designed as a bath server for linens. It is a rustic interpretation of Louis XV design elements carefully proportioned and carved in Butternut. Surfaces are worked with edge tools by hand [...]
Mahogany Blanket Box
A carved top panel includes the initials of owner. It has a carved Rosewood inlay. This box has traditional eleven panel mortise and tenon construction with aromatic cedar floor and heavy bronze hinges. [...]
Music Stand
This music stand is made of walnut and uses the familiar Shaker form with French dovetail leg joints. A hollow column with an split top ring allows the desk surface to adjust for height. [...]
Ready to Talk?
Do you have a vision for a piece of furniture you’d like to be built?