Garbageman Turned Master Craftsman Greg Klassen, River Table Originator, Celebrates Decade of Furniture Design

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Greg Klassen, master craftsman and artisan furniture maker, is proud to announce the 10th anniversary of his design studio. Originator of the globally-acclaimed River Table Collection, known for its weathered wooden slabs with unpredictable natural edges and signature blue glass inlays that evoke bodies of water, Klassen studied woodworking in California and Sweden before beginning his trailblazing career creating small batch furniture and limited edition art in 2008.

"Prior to launching my studio, I worked as a garbageman at a door company by day, designed furniture in my garage at night and received food stamps to make ends meet," noted Greg Klassen. "I am proud to have weathered this period in my life without losing sight of my dreams. I believe it was this perseverance that gave me the fortitude to launch my River Table concept and navigate this entirely original design category as a one-man shop. I am thankful for the continued enthusiasm for my work and look forward to what the next chapter holds."

Growing up on a stone fruit farm in California's productive San Joaquin Valley, Klassen's reverence for nature, respect for materials and commitment to producing pieces of the highest production standards have guided his creative philosophy. His handmade designs take anywhere from two weeks to two months to complete and start with salvaged American hardwood including big leaf maple, black walnut and claro walnut trees sourced from mostly small, independent sawmills. From start to finish, the production process results in one-of-a-kind pieces that are defined by the organic details intrinsic to reclaimed wood.

All work, including tables and wall art, is exclusively crafted in Klassen's recently built, self-designed studio space before shipping out to collectors around the world. The workshop sits adjacent to his young family's century-old farmhouse surrounded by hand-harvested raspberry fields and mountain vistas. The location is purposeful and acts as further inspiration for Klassen's art.