Testimonials
"I recently purchased a monumental custom table in an antique French style from Ratko, and cannot say enough good things about it. It is beautifully carved, well-finished, made of the finest oak, and sturdy beyond all belief.
It is difficult to believe there are still craftsman with his skill, but with Ratko it is true. He kept me informed and sent pictures along the way, and was a delight to work with. I highly recommend buying a table from Ratko."
Nelson Mixon,
Phoenix, Arizona
It is always a pleasure to work with D & R International Antiques. They find unique AUTHENTIC antiques on request. Ratko can custom make, fabricate and restore anything to its authentic look and feel!
A few years ago, we asked Ratko to make an oak, custom table to fit a specific space and size, able to sit 16 guests. It is PERFECT, exactly what we wanted. It has 2 hidden leaves that can be pulled out when desired.
We have enjoyed working with Ratko and Darlene for over 30 years.
Phillipe and Julie Coquard- Wollersheim Winery & Distillery
Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin
We own a walnut table designed and built by Ratko Pavlovic and cannot express how much we love it!
Their service is wonderful! It wasn't long after we spoke to them regarding the table's size and style that we had a table which exceeded all our expectations. They are wonderful people and easy to talk to!
The table is super durable, very well built, and looks amazing. Our table without a doubt is the most prized piece of furniture we own and is not only a kitchen table but a valued family heirloom.
The table has a great finish that holds up to our 10-month old's very messy eating habits. We are constantly getting complements on our table and enjoy entertaining friends and family around the table!
We recommend Tables By Ratko to anyone who is looking for a piece of furniture built with the highest quality of materials, and designed by someone who has spent their whole life in all things wood, be it antique furniture or custom tables and benches.
Samantha and Timothy Cross
Brandon, WI
My 16-foot-long dining table is the centerpiece of my large living room. It is an example of the superb craftsmanship of Ratko Pavlovic. Working with Ratko was one of the highlights of building our home. We knew we needed quite a large table, not only for our large family, but also for the space in our room. He measured and found two perfectly suited, very wide lengths of antique wood to use.
We have positioned it at the axis of our entry. Everyone entering the home is taken by this exquisite piece. Each end features hand-carved Tyrolean panels. Ratko helped me choose these designs and then carved them beautifully for these ends.
We have used our table extensively for dining as well as for serving buffet style with the chairs pulled back. Breaking bread with friends has created many, many happy memories. We continue to use our table and think of Ratko when we are asked about it. If you choose something made by Ratko, this amazing designer and craftsman, you will not be sorry. He will give you something to use and enjoy for a lifetime.
Suzanne Stewart
Austin, Texas
Country Living Magazine
I wanted an eight foot table for my bed and breakfast in Wisconsin. Our home is on the National Register and so not just any table would do. After thinking about it for some time, I gathered up a few ideas and ran them by Ratko. He said "leave it to me, Jim," and so I let the master do what he does best.
Two months later I got the call that the table was finished.
It was perfect - a work of art that fit my space just right. What more can I say?
Thank you Ratko!
Jim Pollard- "The Bowen House"
Richland Center, Wisconsin
A Nakashima bench is wasted if you don't use it. On the other hand, if you use it then sometimes the Amazon package might do something unexpected, and leak shampoo. And then you're left with a big spot marring the unmatched beauty of George's work. And you've no idea how to get the genie back in the bottle. Or the shampoo out of the wood.
We were at a loss what to do. We did a lot of asking around, and found that there were very few ideas how to address our problem, but if anyone could deal with it, it'd be Ratko. Photos were exchanged, the bench was picked up, and a few weeks later it came back to our house in better shape than when it left. Remember, we use our bench. It gets wear. Our shampoo spot was completely gone, and some of the other signs of love were worked out of the surface as well. Ratko's fee was -entirely- reasonable.
If you've a furniture emergency to deal with and you need a furniture miracle pulled off to restore an absurdly valuable heirloom to its former glory, ask around. If the people you're asking know what they're talking about, you'll find yourself with the same set of choices we had if you need the work done right: Ratko, and nobody else. And then you can feel thankful that there's such a good choice on your list of one name!
Steve C.
Central Wisconsin
For my husband’s birthday this year he wanted a new bar for our rec room. We searched online and contacted several woodworkers in our area. After a couple weeks of consideration we found Ratko and Darlene through our neighbor.
We saw some of the beautiful tables and woodworking Ratko had done, and we knew we found the right person to build our one-of-a-kind bar. We wanted it to be different and unique and it sure is that. The bar is 3 inches thick elm and has a live edge all the way around. The craftsmanship and attention to detail are unmatched. Ratko is a true pro and his woodworking skills are superior to most others.
We could not be happier with the new bar. It’s the focal point of the rec room. We highly recommend Ratko for anyone looking for a top notch woodworker. We will definitely contact him for new projects.
Penny & Jim Winderl
Viola, Wisconsin