For Davin Murray, woodworking isn't about forcing a material into a design. It's about finding the right piece of wood, understanding what makes it special, and building something that lets that character take center stage.
The Story
It Started With
His Grandfather
Davin's introduction to woodworking came from one of the most influential people in his life.
His grandfather was a craftsman, high school principal, and veteran who built his own home—including all of its kitchen cabinets.
He was also the person who introduced Davin to woodworking.
He bought Davin his first tools and helped spark an interest that would eventually become a serious pursuit. Some of those original tools are still in Davin's shop today.
About three years ago, Davin began pushing the craft further—exploring new techniques, working with different species of wood, and deliberately developing his skills.
What began as something passed down from his grandfather became a craft of his own.
At a Glance
The Maker
Maker
Davin Murray
Location
Chapel Hill
Years Woodworking
Seven Years
Favorite Wood
Walnut
Favorite Tool
Table Saw
Favorite Finish
Rubio Monocoat / Hard-Wax Oils
Philosophy
The Wood Comes First
"My job as a woodworker is not to create the beauty, but to create a design that properly shows off the natural beauty of the wood."
That idea runs through his work.
Instead of treating wood as the background for a design, Davin makes it the centerpiece.
Grain, figure, color, imperfections, and natural character help determine what a piece ultimately becomes.
The wood isn't there to support the design. The design is there to support the wood.
The Space
Inside the Workshop
Davin works from a well-equipped two-car garage, with a massive 5' × 9' assembly table at the center of the space.
His favorite tool is the table saw—not because it's particularly exotic, but because of its versatility.
It's a practical shop built around making furniture, experimenting with new techniques, and steadily taking on more ambitious projects.
And some of the tools inside still connect back to where the whole thing started: the first tools his grandfather bought him.
Sourcing
It Starts at the Lumber Yard
For Davin, a build often begins long before the first cut.
His current hardwood supplier is an older gentleman who lives about 40 minutes away and has what Davin estimates to be roughly 150,000 board feet of rough-sawn, air-dried hardwood on his property.
The drive is worth it.
Davin arrives with an idea of what he's looking for, and the two walk the property until he finds a board or slab that speaks to him.
It's a process that requires imagination. A rough piece of lumber may not look like much yet, but Davin has learned to recognize the grain, proportions, and character that could make it the foundation of a great piece of furniture.
Then it comes back to the shop.
The Process
From Rough Lumber to Finished Piece
No two projects follow exactly the same process.
For something like Davin's walnut epoxy coffee table, the progression might look like the steps below. More complicated furniture can involve dozens of additional steps.
But Davin sees that as the nature of woodworking. A finished piece rarely comes from one dramatic moment. It's the result of many small decisions and many small steps executed well.
Or, as he's learned: shortcuts don't save time.
Step by Step
A Walnut Epoxy Coffee Table
Sourcing
Materials Matter
Ask Davin his favorite wood and the answer comes quickly: Walnut.
"I know it's boring, but who doesn't like walnut?"
There's a reason it remains a favorite among furniture makers. Its rich color and distinctive grain can command attention without needing much help—which fits perfectly with Davin's approach to design.
And when it comes time to finish it, he prefers hard-wax oils, particularly Rubio Monocoat . The reason is equally straightforward: it's easy to apply, and it looks great.
The goal isn't to disguise the material. It's to let the wood look like wood.
Design Philosophy
The Wood Is the Centerpiece
The wood is the centerpiece, not the background.
That means starting with better material whenever possible.
Davin tries not to compromise on wood quality, even when budgets are tight. He's found that there's usually a hardwood option for nearly every budget—you just have to be willing to get creative.
It's also the first piece of advice he'd give someone beginning their own woodworking journey:
Buy good wood. Because a great piece starts with great material.
Looking Ahead
What's Next
Davin's next challenge may also be his biggest yet: a dining table build that he expects will push the limits of both his skills and his tools.
And beyond that? A large conference table.
For now, shop space puts that one firmly in the dream-project category.
But seven years into woodworking—and only three years into seriously pushing the craft—Davin is still deliberately finding projects that require him to learn something new.
Quick Hits
Rapid Fire Q&A
Coffee or Tea?
Water
Hand Tools or Power Tools?
Both
Favorite Wood
Walnut
Most Challenging Project
An upcoming dining table build
Dream Project
A conference table—if he had the space
Favorite Woodworking Quote
"There is no scrap wood, just wood not used yet."
Shortcuts don't save time.
Davin has learned one lesson that applies to almost every project: rushing a step usually creates another problem somewhere down the line.
And for someone just getting started, his advice is even simpler:
"Buy good wood."
Learn to recognize good material. Find hardwood that inspires you. Then build something that deserves it.
The Heart of It
A Craft Passed Down
There are still tools in Davin's workshop that were given to him by his grandfather.
That's a fitting connection for a craft built around longevity.
His grandfather built a house and the cabinets inside it. He passed his knowledge—and those first tools—to Davin.
Today, Davin is developing his own approach to the craft: finding remarkable pieces of wood, learning what they want to become, and building furniture that lets their natural character do the talking.
The maker shapes the piece. But the wood tells the story.
Custom Work
Have an Idea?
Looking for something built around a particular space, wood species, or idea? Connect with Davin through Makerbook to discuss a custom project.
Contact the Maker
