Meet the Craftsman
Every heirloom begins with a conversation, a vision, and a commitment to build something worthy of being passed to the next generation.
"Quality Isnt Rushed Its Earned."
I'm Derek Lunau, owner and master carpenter of Western Pride Woodworks. Every piece I build is handcrafted one at a time from premium Canadian hardwoods with patience, precision, and respect for the craft.
Derek Lunau
Owner • Designer • Master Carpenter
Personally building every piece that leaves the workshop
More Than A Furniture Builder
For nearly three decades, I have dedicated my life to fine carpentry, woodworking and building custom furniture from premium Canadian hardwoods.
Every dining table.
Every board game table.
Every bench.
Every custom project.
Is built one piece at a time.
Not because that's the easiest way.
Because I believe it's the right way.
Woodworking has never simply been a profession for me.
It's a responsibility.
Families trust me to build furniture that will become part of birthdays, holidays, game nights and everyday life.
That trust deserves my very best work.
Every Piece Bears My Mark
For nearly thirty years, my work has carried something very personal.
Not a company logo.
Not a marketing badge.
My carpenter's mark.
Long before Western Pride Woodworks had a website, I was marking the underside of my work with a simple symbol inspired by traditional craftsman's marks. It combines my initials with a form influenced by the ancient Algiz rune a symbol that has long represented protection and standing true to your values.
I have never viewed it as decoration.
To me, it is a quiet promise.
When I place my mark on a finished piece, I am saying one simple thing:
I built this.
Every joint, every surface, every finish and every detail passed through my own hands before it became part of your home.
Most people may never see the mark.
It is hidden beneath the table, where only its owner may discover it years later.
I think that's exactly where it belongs.
Furniture should speak for itself.
The mark simply tells you who stood behind it.
Every photograph on this page was taken on the property where I design and build Western Pride Woodworks furniture
Why I Build Furniture
People often ask what I build.
The answer is simple.
I build dining tables.
I build board game tables.
I build custom furniture.
But what I really hope I'm building are memories.
Long after the finish has cured and the joinery is forgotten, I hope the furniture is still doing its job bringing people together.
For more information on my approach for each project please visit my Workshop Notes
Why I Build Every Piece Myself
Western Pride Woodworks isn't a factory.
It isn't an assembly line.
Every project from custom board game tables, solid wood dining tables and fine furniture is personally designed, built and finished by me.
That means I remain involved from selecting the lumber to the final inspection before delivery.
I believe consistency comes from responsibility.
When my name is attached to a project, I want every detail to reflect the standards I've spent years developing.
Why Canadian Hardwoods
Canada is home to some of the finest hardwoods in the world.
Black Walnut.
White Oak.
Cherry.
Ash.
Maple.
Each species has its own character, strengths and beauty.
Choosing the right Canadian hardwood isn't simply about appearance.
It's about selecting the material that best fits the family, the project and the years of use ahead.
Where Every Project Begins
Before the first board is selected and before the first cut is made, every project begins with time spent listening to nature, thinking, and planning. Some of my best ideas arrive in quiet moments like these, watching the evening sun settle over the property that my wife and I and our beagle Danny call home. Those moments remind me that furniture isn't simply built it is carefully considered, one decision at a time.
Why I Don't Rush
One of the most common questions I receive is:
"How quickly can my furniture be built?"
The better question is:
"How well can it be built?"
Good craftsmanship takes time.
Finishes require proper curing.
Wood deserves careful selection.
Details deserve attention.
Those things cannot be rushed.
They shouldn't be.
For more information please see our workshop note on why we refuse to rush custom furniture
Why I Keep My Workshop Private
People occasionally ask to see inside my workshop or request progress photographs during a build.
While I'm always happy to share the finished piece, I choose to keep the workshop itself private.
Over many years I've developed methods, workflows and techniques that are part of how I build furniture today.
Those represent decades of learning, experimentation and refinement.
The workshop is also my creative space.
It's where ideas are explored, problems are solved and every project begins.
Protecting that environment allows me to continue focusing on what matters most building exceptional furniture for every client.
The Workshop Notes
One of the reasons I created the Workshop Notes was to share the philosophy behind the furniture without revealing every trade secret behind its construction.
They aren't step-by-step woodworking tutorials.
They're reflections from the workshop.
Lessons learned.
Ideas worth sharing.
Thoughts about craftsmanship, patience and designing furniture intended to last for generations.
Please read our workshop notes for more perspective on how we approach building your furniture.
My Commitment
When someone chooses Western Pride Woodworks, they aren't buying furniture from a catalogue.
They're trusting me to build something that may become part of their family's story for decades.
That's a responsibility I never take lightly.
Every project receives the same commitment.
Careful planning.
Thoughtful craftsmanship.
Honest communication.
And the belief that quality should never be compromised for speed.
Why I Started Western Pride Woodworks
Not because I wanted the biggest woodworking business.
Not because I wanted to build hundreds of tables every year.
But because I believe furniture should be built carefully enough that a family never regrets buying it.
Every project is an opportunity to create something that may still be part of someone's home decades from now.
That responsibility is something I take seriously.
Built Here. Built With Pride.
When people ask where my tables are built, the answer is simple.
Right here in Ontario.
I've always believed that if my name is going to be attached to every piece I create, then every piece should be built by my own hands.
That means every board game table, dining table, and custom furniture project begins and ends in my own workshop.
Canada has given me access to incredible hardwoods, outstanding suppliers, and clients who value craftsmanship, patience, and quality over shortcuts.
I'm proud to build here.
Not because it's a slogan.
Because it's home.
Every project also supports the network of Canadian businesses that help make custom furniture possible from local hardwood suppliers and finishing manufacturers to hardware distributors and shipping partners.
When you choose Western Pride Woodworks, you're not simply buying Canadian.
You're supporting a way of building that values quality over quantity, relationships over transactions, and furniture designed to last for generations.
That's something I'll always be proud to put my name on.
Leaving More Than Furniture Behind
A handcrafted table should outlive trends. I believe the forests that provide these incredible hardwoods deserve the same respect.
Every table order includes a complimentary 5–6 foot black walnut sapling. Clients can plant it on their own property as a lasting reminder of their family's table, or, if they prefer, I will plant it on my property or locally on their behalf.
It is a small way to give something back while helping ensure future generations can enjoy the same remarkable hardwoods that inspire my work today.
One of our black walnut trees planted on our property in rural Ontario
Our little black walnut nursery on our rural Ontario property growing black walnut trees for our planting program
A Final Thought
Over the years I've learned that quality isn't one decision.
It's thousands of small decisions made consistently.
It's choosing to listen before offering advice.
It's taking the extra time to select the right boards.
It's refusing to rush a finish.
It's answering an email honestly.
It's making an adjustment on delivery day because something doesn't feel quite right.
Quality isn't found in one moment.
It's found in every moment.
At Western Pride Woodworks, I believe quality is everything...
...and here, everything is quality.
— Derek Lunau
Let's Build Something Together
Whether you're planning a custom dining table, luxury board game table or another custom furniture project, I'd be honoured to help bring your ideas to life.
Every great project begins with a conversation.
I'd love to hear yours.
Trusted by Families Across Canada
★★★★★
Rated 4.8 Stars on Google
The greatest measure of my work is not simply how a table looks when it leaves the workshop. It is how the experience and craftsmanship are remembered after the furniture becomes part of someone’s home.
Built to Outlive Us
“The one thing I remember about your approach was how professional and sincere and how passionate you were about your craft.
I believe 100 years from now that table will still be playing host to people around that table.”
Neil Mac Innis
Client Testimonial
A Game Changer for Family Time
“The quality is exceptional. Every detail, from the finish to the craftsmanship, speaks volumes about the care and expertise put into the table.
It’s helped us disconnect from devices and reconnect with each other over games, laughter and conversation. It has become the centrepiece of our family room and a key part of how we spend our time together.”
Amanda S.
★★★★★ Google Review
A Craftsman Clients Return To
“Derek kept me informed of every step along the way, from the start of the search until the finished product.
The finished product is absolutely gorgeous. Derek did an amazing job, and I look forward to working with him again in the future. I highly recommend Derek for all your custom work.”
Wayne Watson
★★★★★ Google Review
Read the complete client stories and explore more finished furniture in our custom furniture portfolio.
Let's Start With a Conversation
The best custom furniture doesn't begin with wood.
It begins with listening.
I'd love to hear about your ideas, your home, and what you hope your furniture will mean to the people who gather around it. Whether your vision is fully developed or just beginning to take shape, we'll explore it together one step at a time.
No salespeople. No pressure. No obligation.
Every project begins with a conversation not a commitment.
The easiest way to begin is by using the contact form below or sending me an email.
Most custom projects naturally start through email because it gives us both the opportunity to share inspiration, discuss ideas, and keep a written record of dimensions, sketches and important details as your project develops.
If a phone call would be helpful later in the process, I'm always happy to arrange one.
Thoughtful communication is part of good craftsmanship.
Because I'm usually in the workshop building furniture, I may not always be able to answer the phone immediately.
I carefully read and personally respond to every email, usually within one business day.
That means you'll always hear directly from the craftsman designing and building your furniture not a salesperson or office staff.
I'd be honoured to help bring your ideas to life.
Derek Lunau
Master Craftsman
Western Pride Woodworks
[email protected]
705.896.4840
The first step toward building something extraordinary.
🇨🇦 Crafted in Canada
One craftsman.
One table at a time.
Built for generations.
CUSTOM FURNITURE
BOARD GAME TABLES
CUSTOM WOODWORKING
We offer a 15% Discount to all Women on labor on all custom furniture orders , all year every year.
We deliver in ontario Canada Wide Shipping avaliable
Western Pride Woodworks handcrafts custom furniture and offers custom woodworking services for solid wood dining tables, canadian made board game tables and all other custom furniture items including Dungeons and Dragons Tables. Our diversity ,expertise and personal customer service is what sets us apart from other wood shops in the province and country. We offer spectacular results at some of the best price points around for 100% premium custom board game tables. Contact us for a free and honest quote on your requirements. We are located in Innisfil Ontario at 7681 10 Sideroad. We are proud to be a 100% Canadian small business