by Craig Kaminer / Photos by Starboard & Port

For David Stine, every piece of furniture he makes begins with a walk in the woods. His own 1,000-acre woods.

This Southern Illinois furniture maker’s work marries traditional American craftsmanship with sustainable practices. Every piece he creates is one-of-a-kind and his designs maximize the natural, singular beauty of the wood. He is the fourth generation to steward his family’s land in rural Illinois, where he harvests his own lumber, mills his own boards, and crafts every piece of furniture by hand. His award-winning work epitomizes the sustainable spirit of traditional, authentic American craftsmanship.

David was born and raised on the land where he now harvests the wood he uses in his work. “I grew up on a dairy farm where my grandfather and father taught me woodworking. We repaired furniture and fences and built tables, cabinets, bookcases, and beds. I fell in love with taking something so simple and natural – a piece of wood – and crafting something beautiful and useful from it.”

That joy never left him.

He started David Stine Furniture while he was a law student more than 25 years ago. In 2002, after practicing law in Washington D.C., he decided to devote himself full time to woodworking. “My wife and I moved back to the family farm in Illinois, to the land that I love so much.”

The land is both the source of his lumber and his inspiration. Being so close to the wood influences his work in the most natural, harmonious way. Every piece he crafts is a reflection of the land itself.

Whether it’s a single, signature piece or 300 items for an office, David works closely with his clients to craft pieces that enhance their surroundings and articulate their vision. Every client receives David’s undivided attention and unparalleled customer service.

You can see his furniture all around St. Louis, from Louie on Demun to Schlafly Brewery, to Gerard Craft’s and Baily’s restaurants, and used in projects by Emily Castle, Arcturis, and Clayco, not to mention Ralph Lauren Home and St. Regis Hotels.

“Authenticity, integrity, sustainability, and quality aren’t buzzwords to me. They are the cornerstones of my business. This is real American furniture from a company that prides itself on serving the needs of our clients. We respect the materials we use and we love what we do. And it shows in everything we make.”

David and his wife, Stephanie, who also is involved in the family business, split their time between Dow, Ill. and Clayton. David is quick to remind everyone that “All good things come from the Midwest. Everyone knows that.”

“A Walk in the Woods” is featured in our July/ August issue: https://issuu.com/sophisticatedliving/docs/slsl_j-a_2022