Check out this short video to see how Tables By Ratko starts the process of creating one of a kind heirloom tables which are later hand-crafted in Ratko’s quaint workshop in Southwest Wisconsin, by himself, one at a time...
HANDMADE IN A QUAINT WORKSHOP
Ratko focuses only on making tables and looks for rare trees that are destined to be harvested for various reasons and transformed into tables that will last for generations.
No two tables are alike. Each table is uniquely signed by Ratko, and numbered, and a certificate of authenticity is provided at the time of delivery. Each of his tables reflect who he as a classic furniture maker, following traditional and long-established period styles which are enhanced by him and his personal touch. Ratko chooses to use the hand-made, labor-intensive approach to his creations, using period joinery (mortise and tenon) techniques and traditional methods. The oak pegs are whittled by hand. All edges are hand-finished. He makes his own stains from natural pigments; natural finishes are used most often and are applied by hand, not pistol-sprayed. The construction yields to complete disassembly for ease of transport and set up.
ANCIENT WOOD
One of the biggest walnut logs in SW Wisconsin, 12' by 60-70"
The woods selected for Ratko’s tables are rare-full length solid timbers. They are personally sourced from American virgin old growth forests that are required to be harvested and from urban and private lands. He also personally selects reclaimed wood that shows the natural wear that only time can create. The species include red and white oak, wild cherry, walnut, elm, maple, and pine. The timbers are anywhere from 200-600 years old.
Imagine years ago when these trees were just saplings and what the world history was like then; this perspective will enhance the specialness of what Ratko has to offer you.
The grain and cut of the wood timbers are selected based on which growth patterns reflect the best quality and how this lumber has responded to the elements of time and will respond as a table. He rejects any wood that has been compromised to assure you that your table will be sound. The timbers are all naturally, not artificially dried.
These ancient table top selections are massive 1 or 2 boards, up to 45 inches wide!!!!! and 12-20 feet long! -something almost unheard of today. These boards lived a previous life to sustain the life of our ancestors
UNIQUE STYLES TO FIT YOUR HOME
Live edge elm 12' x 4'
Live edge slabs are available up to 20 feet long and up to 65-70 inches wide, harvested from Southwest Wisconsin walnut-superb quality! Here is where Ratko takes artistic license to create truly unique bases of his own design and inspirations, and is not influenced by what is currently popular.
An extra plus are unique benches that Ratko can match to the table style. Besides the monumental dining hall and conference table size tables, he also offers what in the wood industry calls ‘cookies’- live edge round slices of trees up to 70 inches in diameter. This type of cut displays the annular growth rings. These cross cut sections are finished to your specifications and make great coffee or center tables.
These tables are not ‘repros’, but are authentic in terms of the period look and feel. His goal with each table that he toils over is to make you very happy and give you the opportunity to build a lifetime of happy memories while family and friends are gathered around for special occasions, memorable meals and cheer. These heirlooms are investment pieces to be cherished for generations.
Your table will be the focal point of any room and command a presence for sure.
Prices depend on style, current inventory, and type of wood. Please fill out the contact form with your specific requirements or questions and let’s begin the dialogue. Ratko will add new table designs and bench styles as time goes by.