Created Hardwood celebrated its grand opening in the Short North Saturday, May 12 at 16 W. Poplar Ave.
A family business creating heirloom-quality furniture that can be passed down from generation to generation, it’s the first Created Hardwood retail storefront for the Dundee, Ohio based maker that specializes primarily in slab and live edge pieces.
“Opening our own store is something we always wanted to do, but as the brand evolved and found its footing, it became something we felt we needed to do,” says Jon Hicks, VP of design & marketing.
Jon’s dad Dwain Hicks started the business about two years ago as a hobby with a few friends. The plan was to cut the slabs and ship them overseas in response to a demanding export market, but once he finished a few pieces and saw what they could become, he realized he needed to sell them.
Jon and his brother, Phil Hicks, took a growing interest in the designs and went into business with their father.
Created Hardwood started primarily attending trade shows, but when Phil joined the team as the VP of sales, he began reaching out to furniture stores and architecture and design firms. The brand has done work for restaurants like Cameron Mitchell and Trism, as well as everything from countertops to conference tables.
Phil says it’s about a 50-50 split between commercial and residential work. Created Hardwood uses its slabs to make tables, desks, chairs, couches, coffee tables, custom pieces and more – each and every one unique.
“My role as a designer is to assess each slab of wood, every one of which is different, and use it in a way that showcases and honors its beauty,” Jon says.
Phil says they mix what nature brings to the table – literally – with solid design style.
“Our product can go in home that’s extremely contemporary…or it can go in something that’s a little more rustic, like a log cabin,” he says.
Jon says they try to avoid pieces that are just decorative, as slabs styles tend to sway. The most successful pieces have a balance between form and function.
“The goal with our bases and hardware, beyond establishing a particular tone, is to create forms that complement the wood without overwhelming it,” Jon says. “No matter the style, we try to maintain clean lines and not get decorative, so that the focus is always on the wood.”
Most of Created Hardwood’s slabs come from within the state and are responsibly sourced – the trees have already fallen or were coming down for a reason. They work primarily with walnut, maple, sycamore, cherry, oak and ash, but can get their hands on some other unique cuts.
The slabs’ live edges are usually a part of the design, but not always. There’s a saying around the shop that there’s no such thing as scrap. One smooth slab’s live edge might end up as a cutting board or other design.
Created Hardwood will continue to work with other retailers they’ve already developed relationships with as they grow their own store, but Phil says they wanted to create a space where people could come see and feel their designs in person.
Created Hardwood will be open from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon – 4 p.m. on Sunday.
For more information, visit createdhardwood.com
