top of page
All Posts


Wood Stair Handrail Profiles: A Picture Guide to Model Numbers
Choosing a stair handrail is easier when you can see the shape and name it. This visual guide compares seven numbered wood handrail profiles, with a reference picture and dimensions for each. Use these model numbers to start a conversation about your project. The examples below are supplier references, not a statement of Native Rift inventory. Confirm the exact manufacturer, dimensions, wood, and available fittings before ordering. What is a handrail profile? The profile is t

Caleb Orgill
Oct 143 min read


The Native Rift Wood Library: North American Grain, Cuts & Hardness
Explore North American wood through real grain photographs, white oak cut comparisons, Janka hardness, and practical finishing notes.

Caleb Orgill
Oct 134 min read


Halloween Decorating Ideas for Shelves, Hutches, and Mantels
Halloween decorating is at its best when it feels like your home, only a little more mysterious. The look is warm, relaxed, and collected: vintage finds, lived-in furniture, rich wood, and a few playful Halloween details. Think candlelit shelves, a hutch that looks like it has a story to tell, and a fireplace ready for a spellbinding evening. The secret is making the room feel gathered over time, not ordered as a matching set. Pair a sturdy wood shelf with an old side table,

Caleb Orgill
Sep 285 min read


Table Edge Profiles: How the Right Edge Changes the Look of a Table
Learn the differences between eased, pencil, bullnose, chamfered, beveled, Hollywood bevel, sculpted, and ogee table edges and find the right profile for your custom solid wood table.

Caleb Orgill
Sep 244 min read


Wood Finish & Stain Colors
Explore actual manufacturer wood-finish samples from Old Masters, Rubio Monocoat, Bona, General Finishes, and Varathane.

Caleb Orgill
Sep 62 min read


How to Style a Statement Wood Dining Table in a Pattern-Rich Room
Bold wallpaper and richly layered textiles are returning to interior design. Learn how a handcrafted wood dining table can bring warmth, structure and balance to a pattern-rich room.

Caleb Orgill
Aug 303 min read


How to Clean Wood Furniture Without Damaging the Finish
A practical guide to safely dusting, washing, spot-cleaning, and protecting solid wood tables, mantels, shelves, and vanities.

Caleb Orgill
Aug 164 min read
Custom Furniture Utah: From Idea to Finished Piece | Native Rift
Ordering custom furniture can feel like a big step, especially if you have never worked directly with a furniture maker. You may have a saved inspiration photo, a difficult space, or a clear idea of what you want but no idea how to turn it into a finished piece. At Native Rift, our custom furniture process is designed to make that transition straightforward. We build solid wood furniture for homes in Utah and beyond, including custom dining tables, benches, fireplace mantels,

Caleb Orgill
Aug 124 min read


Reviving a Dead DeWalt DW618 Router: Tracking Down a Broken Speed-Control Connection
I recently picked up a DeWalt DW618 Type 2 electronic router that appeared to be completely dead. It was plugged in, the outlet worked, and flipping the power switch produced absolutely nothing—no hum, no movement, and no sign that the motor was receiving power. The router is a 2¼-horsepower, 12-amp model with electronic variable speed from 8,000 to 24,500 RPM. It showed normal signs of shop use, but nothing on the exterior immediately explained why it would not start. Starti

Caleb Orgill
Aug 43 min read


Round vs. Rectangular Tables: What Size Seats How Many?
Choosing the right table shape is about more than style—it affects how people gather, how the room flows, and how comfortably everyone can sit. Here’s a quick guide to round and rectangular tables, plus typical seating counts by size. Round tables (best for conversation) Round tables keep everyone equally included and are great for smaller dining areas because there are no corners to navigate. Typical seating by diameter (comfortable, not cramped): 36" diameter: 2–4 people 42

Caleb Orgill
Jun 261 min read


Rift Sawn vs Quarter Sawn vs Plain Sawn White Oak: What’s the Difference?
White oak has become one of the most sought-after hardwoods in modern home design. Whether you’re shopping for floating shelves, fireplace mantels, dining tables, or custom cabinetry, you’ve likely heard terms like rift sawn, quarter sawn, and plain sawn. But what do these terms actually mean—and why do designers care so much? The difference comes down to how the log is cut, which affects the grain pattern, stability, appearance, and overall character of the wood. Understandi

Caleb Orgill
Jun 183 min read


New Stool Drop: Real-Wood Counter Stools Built for Everyday Living
Meet our newest counter stools—made-to-order, crafted from real wood, and designed to bring warmth and character to your kitchen or bar.

Caleb Orgill
Jun 171 min read


How to Choose the Right Coffee Table Size for Your Space
Getting your coffee table size right makes all the difference. Here's a complete guide to sizing rectangular and round coffee tables — with infographics showing the exact proportions.

Caleb Orgill
May 223 min read


Custom Furniture in Lehi, Utah: Built-to-Fit Pieces Made for Real Homes
If you’ve been searching for “custom furniture near me” and you’re located in Lehi, Utah (or anywhere in Utah County), you’re in the right place. At Native Rift, we build custom furniture that’s designed around your space, your style, and how you actually live—so you get a piece that fits perfectly and lasts for years. What “custom furniture” really means Custom furniture isn’t just picking a color or changing a handle. It’s building something from the ground up (or tailoring

Caleb Orgill
May 152 min read


Base Cabinets & Hutches: How to Choose the Right Storage for Your Living Room
When you’re designing a living room that feels calm, functional, and pulled together, storage is usually the make-or-break detail. Two pieces that do a lot of heavy lifting are base cabinets and hutches. Used well, they can hide clutter, display the things you love, and help your space feel intentional—not crowded. What’s the difference between a base cabinet and a hutch? A base cabinet is the lower, closed-storage workhorse—typically a sturdy cabinet with doors and/or drawer

Caleb Orgill
May 152 min read


Alder vs Pine Wood: Key Differences and Choosing the Right Option for Your Project
Ready to build? Skip the big-box board pile. Tap the photo to shop alder boards Shop project-ready alder boards — S4S, straight, 6 in. × 8 ft., and free shipping. Need your pieces cut to exact size? Send Native Rift your cut list and we’ll quote a custom-cut alder project pack. Choosing the right wood can make or break your woodworking project. Alder and pine are two popular options that often come up in discussions because they are affordable and easy to work with. But despi

Caleb Orgill
Apr 233 min read


How My Personal Strengths Shape the Work We Do at Native Rift
Hey everyone! I thought it would be fun to give you a behind-the-scenes look at how my personal strengths shape the work we do at Native Rift. According to the CliftonStrengths assessment, my top strengths are Context, Futuristic, Strategic, Belief, and Significance. These strengths influence every part of my craft. Understanding My Strengths Let’s start with Context. This strength is all about appreciating the backstory of things. For me, that means every piece I create is r

Caleb Orgill
Oct 24, 20252 min read


The Timeless Appeal of Real Wood Furniture Finishes
Real wood furniture has a charm that synthetic materials often cannot replicate. The natural grains, textures, and warmth of wood bring a unique character to any space. One of the key factors that enhance this appeal is the finish applied to the wood. Finishes not only protect the wood but also highlight its beauty, making furniture pieces stand out. This article explores the enduring allure of real wood finishes, their types, and how they contribute to the longevity and styl

Caleb Orgill
Sep 29, 20254 min read


The Craftsmanship Behind Locally Made Furniture
The world of furniture is rich with history and craftsmanship. When we talk about American furniture, we delve into a tradition that blends artistry with functionality. Locally made furniture is not just about using high-quality materials; it's about preserving a unique heritage and supporting local artisans. In this post, we’ll explore the craftsmanship that goes into creating locally made furniture, highlighting its benefits, techniques, and the stories behind the pieces. A

Caleb Orgill
Sep 23, 20254 min read


Customizable White Oak Dining Table Seating Arrangements
Are you ready to transform your home with beautiful, durable furniture? Real white oak offers a stunning combination of elegance and strength. This hardwood not only enhances the look of your space but also stands up to the challenges of everyday life. In this article, we dive into the advantages of using white oak furniture, your options for customization, and a helpful diagram that will guide you in choosing the perfect dimensions for your seating arrangements. The Allure o

Caleb Orgill
Sep 23, 20254 min read
bottom of page
