Our Story
Built to last
I'm Michael, and Atelier des Lacs is my workshop. I make every piece by hand in my Sainte-Anne-des-Lacs workshop.
With proper care, the pieces I build are designed to last 200-300 years and be passed on to future generations.
That's why I work only in solid hardwood. The benches are solid oak; the cutting boards are cherry and maple. What you see on the surface goes all the way through.
The furniture has solid wood joints, glued and built to hold. The benches get a hard wax oil finish that soaks into the wood rather than sitting on top as a film, so a worn spot can be cleaned and re-oiled without stripping. Each cutting board comes with a can of beeswax and mineral oil board butter for the same reason.
Because each piece is made by hand, each one is unique.
Solid wood, all the way through
Solid all the way. No fillers, no thin wood skin, just real wood through and through.
Easy to renew. Scratched or worn? A light sanding and a fresh coat of oil bring it right back.
Made to keep. Built to be repaired rather than replaced, and to be handed down.
End grain: kinder to your knives
Kind to edges. The wood stands on end, so your knife slips into the grain instead of scraping across it.
Thick and solid. When the surface wears, sand it smooth and oil it again for a fresh start.
Simple care. Wash by hand, dry it standing up, and oil it whenever it looks thirsty.
Come see what's on the bench
Pieces ready to go home are under Available now. Have something particular in mind? I welcome commissions. Follow the process on Instagram at @atelierdeslacs_.
Thank you for being here.
Michael
Sources: USDA Wood Handbook, Ch. 15: Finishing of Wood · Serious Eats, cutting boards and knives, 2023