Meet Karl

Meet Karl Koza Owner ~ Artisan

I think my love of woodworking began when I was six or seven. My dad and I built a manger scene for Christmas one year. Several years later it was remodeled to house a rabbit my sister acquired.

Somewhere around the age of ten, (1970), my dad decided to finish off the basement. I was paid 50 cents/hours to help. He bought a 3lb maul to use as a framing hammer. I still believe to this day that I did the majority of the nailing. We did a little of everything on that project; framing, paneling, electrical, insulation, drop ceiling and even a little masonry.

Growing up, I was thrilled when neighbors starting building garages or additions. I visited constantly. I questioned everything and in doing so I learned how to screed and float concrete, what J bolts are for, proper spacing for studs and how to cut a birds mouth in a rafter tail

My first solo project was for my mom. She had seen a plant stand in a store downtown. I was probably fourteen at the time. I rode my bike down to the store and sketched up a facsimile. I measured the width and height using the span of my hand. I ended up building it out of 1 x 3 pine with sheet rock screws as fasteners. I routed all the edges, stained and sealed it. I think my sister who later claimed it, still has it today. Thirty years and still going…I can live with that.

When I was out on my own, after college, I started acquiring tools. Most I purchased. Some I kidnapped from my dad. I still have his radial arm saw (photo with cat) that I borrowed to build my garage in 1985. I also have his Black and Decker router, which he bought in the 70’s. It was the first router that I used and it was nostalgic to let my son, who now helps me, use it for a project. He recently finished building a nightstand for himself, made from birdseye maple, paduk with bloodwood and wenge inlay.

Somewhere along the way I figured that I could hone my woodworking skills by making gifts for my sisters. It was actually quite awhile before I made anything for myself. The first piece was a combination bookcase and doll cabinet for my daughter (see photo). It was a large piece made of ash and finished with tung oil. I’ve since added roll top desks for my son and daughter, a lighted curio cabinet, cherry nightstands, ellipse tables, various shelves and a custom entertainment center. Most pieces I’ve designed myself. For many others I use plans from Woodsmith magazine, a publication I whole-heartedly endorse.

Now I delve into custom furniture and Shaker Oval boxes. Making one of a kind pieces like entertainment centers, desks and even a custom bar. It’s nice to know that you’ve made something for someone that they couldn’t find anywhere else. I believe in the Shaker philosophy of furniture construction. Functional in design, simple in style and high quality construction.

Thanks for visiting my website. I hope you enjoy what you’ve seen. If you have any questions or would like any information about having a custom piece built for your home, please feel free to write me.

Karl Koza

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