I create handcrafted wooden pieces that draw on family history, Japanese influence, and an artist’s eye for detail. Each object is made to last, to inspire, and to bring a sense of place and purpose into your home.
Custom furniture
Wooden Gates
Vanities and Cabinets
Benches
Unique pieces
Schedule a free consultation with me today.
About me
I’ve always been drawn to the quiet details of the natural world. Before I found my way into woodworking, I spent years as a professional artist, focusing on pen and pencil drawings of plants, insects, and moonlit landscapes. That early love of delicate line work and careful composition still guides my craft today—it’s at the heart of every piece I create in wood.My woodworking is deeply rooted in family heritage. On my mother’s side, my great-grandfather was a skilled woodworker who built furniture and excelled in chip carving, passing down a dedication to precision and artistry. On my father’s side, my great-grandfather, architect Walter Ratcliff, shaped Berkeley’s architectural character with his beautifully crafted Craftsman homes and other notable landmarks. These legacies instilled in me a profound respect for craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and enduring quality. I’m also inspired by Japanese aesthetics, passed down through my mother’s upbringing and family history. That influence appears in my material choices, elegant joinery, and an understated simplicity that gives each piece its own quiet voice.I’m fortunate to source much of my wood—often beautiful, sustainably harvested redwood—from land my great-grandfather purchased near Gualala, California, a century ago. Working with a professional forester, we carefully manage this land so that its resources are renewed rather than depleted, ensuring the health of the forest for future generations. By choosing these materials, I honor that legacy of stewardship and connect my woodworking to a living history.Above all, I believe that great woodworking should enhance everyday life. My background as an artist helps me consider proportion, balance, and composition, so that what I create doesn’t merely occupy a space—it completes it. I hold myself to exacting standards, striving for furniture and objects that aren’t just built to last, but that genuinely uplift the environments they inhabit. Seeing a customer’s delight—knowing I’ve exceeded their expectations—reminds me why I do this work and what truly matters in the craft.In each project, I aim to bring together form, function, and a sense of place. It’s my hope that my woodworking helps you feel more at home—surrounded by craftsmanship that honors the materials, celebrates family stories, and contributes a touch of timeless beauty to your daily life.
I also build beehives
In addition to custom carpentry I also build finely-crafted and highly-functional horizontal Langstroth Beehives.
Learn more about my beehives at:
https://www.ratcliffhorizontalhives.com/
I also sell drawings
In 2010 I started selling my drawings at an art fair in Sacramento. I have traveled all around the United States selling my art at various art fairs.Check out www.RatcliffDrawings.com
to see my art.
My workshop
I am fortunate to have a 500 square foot workshop in the heart of Sacramento.
I love spending time in my workshop listening to audio books while working with wood and building beautiful things for my customers.
Working with Stuart
Have a vision in mind? Let’s bring it to life, together.Here’s what to expect when we collaborate:1. Initial Consultation: We’ll begin with a brief phone call to discuss your ideas, then schedule an in-person visit to understand your space and its unique character.2. On-Site Assessment: During our visit, I’ll take measurements, capture photos, and brainstorm alongside you—translating your vision into a workable concept.3. Design Phase: Using SketchUp 3D CAD software, I’ll develop detailed designs that offer a realistic preview of your finished piece. This lets us refine the details before the build even begins.4. Build & Updates: Once we’ve agreed on the final design, I’ll source high-quality materials and begin crafting your piece in my shop. Throughout the process, I’ll keep you in the loop with regular progress photos, ensuring you’re part of every step.5. Delivery & Installation: When your piece is complete, I’ll personally deliver and install it. My goal is to make the entire experience smooth, enjoyable, and rewarding—leaving you with a finished piece that feels perfectly at home in your space.
Please email, text, or call me to start the conversation.
