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Furnishings & Home Decor 2022
Photograph by Cooper & O'Hara | Written by Karen Ashbee

The Architect Metal and Walnut Dining Table

By Iron Hide Woodworks | Made in Edmonton

When Brad Neilson built his first table for his new home and friends started asking him to create one for them, he knew he had an instant hit. Seduced by a passion for wood- and metal-working, Neilson left his day job to forge a new career in custom furniture. Having worked in the oil patch for 12 years, he was naturally adept at using his hands, but found his previous job left little outlet for his creative side or time for his family.

Launched seven years ago with his wife and partner, Jennifer Neilson, Iron Hide Woodworks is known for unique designs that incorporate both wood and metal. Case in point: Neilson’s cantilevered dining room table, named The Architect. Measuring 10 feet long, the table features a walnut top with three pieces of 14-gage sheet metal welded together and painted black to form a solid cantilevered base. The resulting effect is one that appears to defy gravity.

The table can seat up to 10 people and most of the materials used were sourced from local businesses. Neilson says he came up with the idea three years ago when a client requested a dining room table with a showstopping design, so he decided to create a piece that paired wood with metal. Cantilevered bases show off the blend of both materials best. Like most of Neilson’s work, this statement-making table is at home in a variety of decor styles including rustic, modern, farmhouse or industrial.

“This certainly has become a signature piece,” states Jennifer. “My husband’s creativity really shines with this table, as it’s not just a piece of furniture, but rather functional art.”

The Architect and other custom pieces are available at ironhidewoodworks.com.

$5,700
ironhidewoodworks.com

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