My Story

From Caring for People to Crafting Furniture That Lasts

For more than four decades, my career was dedicated to caring for people. I worked as a Registered Nurse for 43 years, spending the final chapter of my nursing career in hospice care, where compassion, patience, and attention to detail mattered every single day.

While nursing was my profession, woodworking was always my passion.

For years, Donovan Woodworking operated as a part-time business. Even after long shifts at the hospital, I would head to the workshop to build furniture, improve my skills, and create pieces that reflected the pride I take in working with my hands.

In 2025, I retired from hospice nursing and finally had the opportunity to devote myself full-time to the craft I had loved for most of my life.

Today, Donovan Woodworking is where I invest my experience, creativity, and dedication into every project that leaves my shop.

A Craft Learned Through Family

Some people learn woodworking in a classroom.

I learned it by standing beside two men who believed that if a job was worth doing, it was worth doing right.

As the eldest son and grandson of two skilled craftsmen, I grew up holding the other end of a board, carrying tools, measuring twice, and paying attention to the little details that many people overlook. They worked in many trades, but they shared one thing in common. They were perfectionists who believed quality always came before convenience.

Those early experiences taught me more than woodworking techniques. They taught me patience, problem-solving, and respect for quality craftsmanship.

Those lessons continue to guide every project I build today.

Why Live Edge Furniture Became My Passion

Over the years, I’ve built many different woodworking projects, but I discovered that live edge furniture is where my passion truly lies.

There’s something special about taking a beautiful hardwood slab and allowing its natural character to become part of the finished piece. Every grain pattern, curve, knot, and natural edge tells a story that cannot be duplicated.

That’s why my focus today is creating handcrafted live edge epoxy river tables, benches, and custom slab furniture for homeowners and businesses throughout the Pittsburgh area.

No two slabs are identical, which means no two pieces of furniture are ever exactly alike.

I enjoy working closely with each customer to create furniture that reflects both the beauty of the wood and the personality of the space where it will be enjoyed.

Craftsmanship Over Mass Production

I don’t believe great furniture comes off an assembly line.

Every project that leaves my workshop is built one piece at a time using carefully selected hardwoods, quality materials, and traditional woodworking techniques. I take pride in building furniture that is designed to be used, appreciated, and passed down for years to come.

Whether I’m creating a live edge epoxy river table, a custom bench, floating shelves, a fireplace mantel, or another custom woodworking project, my goal is always the same.

Build it with care.

Build it with integrity.

Build it to last.

Serving Pittsburgh With Pride

Donovan Woodworking is proudly based in East Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, serving homeowners, businesses, designers, and clients throughout the greater Pittsburgh area.

Whether you’re looking for a statement dining table, a custom conference table, a one-of-a-kind bench, or another handcrafted wood project, I’d be honored to help bring your vision to life.

Every project starts with a conversation, and I’d love to hear your ideas.