Vendor Spotlight: Dueholm Woodworks
Dueholm Woodworks Preston Collection sofa table, sold exclusively at Birchwood Wells
At Birchwood Wells, we pride ourselves on selling as many products as possible that are handmade from local and regional artisans. Behind their work is a story of passion, purpose and hard work.
One of those stories that excites and inspires us is of Allen Dueholm with Dueholm Woodworks. Dueholm designs and builds custom furniture from his home in West Bend.
Allen Dueholm in his workshop in West Bend
“[My work] is more refined, legacy, heirloom pieces that are going to be handed down and live a lifetime and through generations,” he said.
Describing his style as ‘modern rustic,’ Dueholm sells two exclusive collections at Birchwood Wells.
The Preston Collection, named after his youngest son, includes square and rectangular sofa tables, end tables and coffee tables made from ash trees, that feature a slight live edge.
Dueholm Woodworks Preston Collection coffee table, sold exclusively at Birchwood Wells
The Tuscola Collection, named after his street, includes round dining tables and accent tables with smooth edges that are also made of ash but are stained in ‘Pecan’ for a darker, warmer finish.
Dueholm Woodworks Tuscola Collection dining table, sold exclusively at Birchwood Wells
Dueholm’s pieces not only look beautiful, they are made to last. He uses a catalyzed conversion varnish on his furniture, making them extremely durable.
“Heat resistant, water resistant, scratch resistant,” he said. “And it holds up better than most finishes on the market.”
Dueholm Woodworks Tuscola Collection dining table, sold exclusively at Birchwood Wells
Now a well-established craftsman in the area, Dueholm’s career was headed in a different direction up until a few years ago.
Prior to creating his own business, he worked for two decades for major retailers, designing everything from the layout of the store to the service counters, to the actual products for sale.
Yet over the years, Dueholm felt something was missing: “I was designing for them, not designing for myself.”
Dueholm at his house in West Bend
Ultimately, he made the difficult decision to walk away from his stable job and comfortable salary to prioritize his happiness and ambitions.
Dueholm went back to his roots—channeling what he learned as a child: “I grew up in a wood shop. My dad built houses starting out and then he ended up doing cabinet work for 28 years.”
He used money from a severance package to buy tools and transform his garage into a workshop.
Dueholm’s workshop in his garage in West Bend
Dueholm’s workshop in his garage in West Bend
Dueholm credits Birchwood Wells for helping him get his start. The store was his first major client back in 2019 when he was still in the process of reinventing himself.
Dueholm Woodworks Preston Collection coffee table, sold exclusively at Birchwood Wells
“I was just trying to get my name out there. I didn’t have brand recognition, I didn’t have the loyalty of my [current] repeat customers,” he said.
He says he had always been drawn to Birchwood Wells’ products and values, often visiting the shop for design inspiration. Once he launched his business, he returned, hoping Birchwood Wells would appreciate his products and values.
“[Birchwood Wells]—they’ve got such a strong brand recognition within the community, of being community-focused, locally-acquired product base,” Dueholm said.
Fast forward to 2021, and Dueholm’s tables have been some of Birchwood Wells’ most popular pieces of furniture.
Word of Dueholm’s craftsmanship has also spread across the Midwest. While completing Birchwood Wells’ orders, he is busy managing orders for a dozen or so other clients as well. His projects are typically booked six to seven months in advance.
“My lead time is a little different than some of the other guys that can put it together really quickly,” he explained. “It’s all joining, planing, and then glue ups and fine sanding.”
Dueholm finishing a custom-curved bench made of Ipe wood
But Dueholm says, for his clients, the wait is worth it. They’re getting a piece of quality craftsmanship with a story behind it.
Among some of his most memorable projects, Dueholm helped transform a 150-year-old Milwaukee church into a luxury wedding venue by repurposing pews as shelves, and building reception tables.
Repurposed church pews at St. James 1868
Reception tables at St. James 1868
As for what’s next? Dueholm says he would like to increase production by mentoring young woodworkers so they can learn his craft and someday, be a part of the team at Dueholm Woodworks.
Dueholm says one thing that will remain constant: the business partnership-turned friendship he’s forged with Birchwood Wells. He says he feels forever grateful for the platform the store gave him, and the customers who continue to welcome his designs into their homes.
“They took a chance and they trusted me,” he said.
Dueholm Woodworks dining tables and sofa tables are currently available for purchase at both Birchwood Wells’ Cedarburg and Delafield stores.
