Steve Habersetzer 

Steve is a self-taught, artisan woodworker of nearly 50 years. A native Washingtonian, he learned to build by tearing down houses. He worked in the woods -  tree planting, cutting cedar shake bolts, building houses, and teaching building. Then he got into the boat-building world until he realized he wanted to build things he could turn over by myself. He started building furniture and cabinetry. Steve has been at the Wood School from almost day one.

Steve’s skills and designs reflect a deep interest in ecological problem-solving with a specialty in non-toxic construction and finishing. After building cabinetry for many years, he became sensitive to the formaldehyde glue and so had to come up with another way of building cabinetry using non-toxic materials. 

"All of my work is with solid woods -- no veneers, plywood or particle boards. Finishes are boiled linseed, beeswax, or tung oil. Frame and panel construction with book-matched panels is a trademark of my craft."

Steve also has a deep commitment to using local timber. He devised the West Coast version of the Windsor chair using local West Coast wood, instead of East Coast hardwood.

“I want to build things that will last for generations and are repairable.”

Steve's work is diverse: from the elegant simplicity of a handmade cedar bucket to the complexity of a Gypsy Wagon. He has been commissioned by storytellers, artists, musicians, and would-be gypsies to build beautiful and functional caravans. These days his primary focus is on designing and building functional furniture like chairs, trestle tables, and side tables.

Email: oatsplanter2@yahoo.com