Stu's Wood FAQs

Q: How do I wash/clean/care for my wood cutting board?

A: Check out the care instruction blog post here. 

Q: Why Stu's Wood? Isn't your name Stephen?

A: Yes, it is! It's kind of both, actually. Starting in middle school, my friends started calling me Stu. I still don't know why, but it stuck. Stuck throughout high school and college, so when I was starting this just after graduating from BGSU, I was struggling to decide what to call my business. A friend suggested "just call it 'Stu's Wood'." Shout out to my dude, Austin. Anyway, you can call me Stu. You can call me Stephen. You can call me Al. Shout out Paul Simon.

Q: Do you do custom work? What do I do if I have a custom request?

A: I do! I love custom work. It's how I got started in this whole thing. Custom furniture, cutting boards, home decor, and on and on. If you have something in mind, there's a solid chance I can figure out how to make it. 

To make a custom request, either fill out the form on the contact page or email me at stephen@stuswood.com.

Q: Where did you learn how to do this?

A: My grandpa did woodworking since before I was born. I still have things he made me as a young lad. When he started downsizing his shop, he passed on a number of his tools to me. Many of which I still use today. My dad is one of the handiest people I know. The way he just knows how to make things work still boggles my mind. All that to say, I just picked up a lot of it from them. Getting started, I constantly went to my dad to ask him how he would tackle XYZ. Honestly, I still do, too.

Outside of their firsthand knowledge, I spend a lot of time on YouTube. I know what I don't know and there's usually someone out there who does. Google, woodworking forums, asking around. All useful tools. I try to think of myself as a "professional amateur." There's always something new to learn. 

Q: Where do you sell your work?

A: Here! But I am also in a few stores around NW Ohio and also travel around to shows and markets. The best way to see where I'll be in person next is on my Instagram page, @stuswood. 

Q: What kind of stain do you use?

A: I don't (usually). I love the beauty of all of the different species of wood. I use genuine hardwoods, domestic and exotic, in practically all of my work. Want something darker? Walnut it is. On the lighter side? Maybe you'd like Maple or Hickory. It is my preference to let the wood speak for itself. No disrespect, but stain isn't really for me. If you have a specific stain you want used, I'm open to working with you. Color matching based solely on pictures has historically been a hassle and hasn't particularly been worth the effort. Again, if you have it already picked out, I'm open to consideration.

Q: Will you paint ______________?

A: I really try not to. Trust me. You don't want me painting anything. I'm good with wood.