A work station hidden.... and a large built in to match, all done in "pickled" oak veneer. Difficult Installation on the 30th floor of a luxury building  

New bartop at The Hideaway , Ridgefield CT. Technically this was a "rush job" start to finish in under two weeks and installed in a few hours on Christmas morning so the iconic restaurant did not have to close down during regular hours. With more time it could have been perfect but the request was "rustic" perfect was not required! knotty pine veneer and solid hickory edge. New drink rail and accents in solid copper. Last picture is the before shot, a well worn bar that was due for new top! 

Built in bookcase, painted. My client wanted something to accommodate several vintage aircraft models and pieces, and for it encapsulate the love seat and end table. The center span is over 9 feet long.

Custom railing from oak, using the original 1950's ballisters from the home. Current code requirements presented a challenge of new higher rail height. We created a second course from remaining parts to meet the new requirement and still retain the craftsman look.

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Montes Custom Works

Barnstorm! A suite of items made from two old barn doors. FIrst, one door was cut down , reinforced , delicately sanded and sealed, to become a table top for client selected bases. A glass top was ordered to complete the transformation.(Client added beach pebbles for a decorative touch) Second door was cut in half and resized then attached to a plain sideboard. The remaining scraps were milled down and repurposed, applied to store bought floating shelves for an economical use of the remaining wood. Then, my client purchased unfinished benches form the local raw furniture store, which I then finished with my proprietary "barnwood grey" stain and satin finish!

Kitchen storage redo, with a hidden surprise! Before and after, these 24 inch deep cabinets held nothing but old pots and clutter. My client had the vision, and I made it reality. A vintage counter, and cupboard , modified and fit in place, and the best is the hidden pull out pantry which I made to look like column detail which exists on the other side of the doorway just out of frame. I custom stacked two under counter pull out pantries that required 6 inches of space in 5 1/4 inches ! Repaired the walls, and on top of it all, gently removed the old cabinets and was able to repurpose them in the garage for tool and automotive item storage!

Two color cedar post detail. Inlaid stained glass to match craftsman details on home, mailbox and windows. Also pictured, our stone work and blue stone on entry stairs

Real carriage doors made of oak, they open independently, and close solid. They weigh about 200 pounds each. Also pictured is stone applied by us to the front of the home. Color was custom mixed. 

Custom built railing and fence from dark and light cedar. The original wrought iron railing that was cemented in was retained for strength and encapsulated with the cedar. Code requirements were now for higher railing, again we created a second course above the old height to meet code. In background is is our hand oiled cedar siding. 

Sometimes you have to give back. Volunteering for families of ALS patients in need building wheelchair ramps.  Feels good and you cant complain about the pay! 

The bar and architectural mill work at the beautiful Viana hotel and Spa. Art Deco was the theme.... Responsible for back bar cabinet, which closes and locks at night via solid cherry doors. Bar front cherry medallions , perforated stainless trim over fabric. Responsible for all finishing of all wood including stair trim and stringers. Huge several month project completed with 3 other talented creative souls in 2010

The Hideaway bartop - Before -->