The Journey Behind Henry Hardwood

Written By CJ Henry

Welcome to the first official blog of Henry Hardwood! I'm thrilled to share this space with you—a place where craftsmanship meets creativity and every project tells a story.

If you're new here, let me introduce myself. My name is CJ, and I’m the one-man operation behind Henry Hardwood. Before diving into woodworking, I served six years in the U.S. Air Force and spent two decades in the IT sector. Those experiences shaped my discipline and problem-solving skills, but it was my search for balance and tangible results that led me to woodworking.

It all started when my wife requested a picnic table for Christmas one year. At that moment, woodworking became more than just a hobby; it became a passion. I discovered the joy of transforming raw materials into functional and beautiful pieces that bring joy and purpose to others.

Over time, what began as a way to destress has grown into a full-fledged business. From handcrafted wooden crosses to custom A-frame signs and unique creations like the Tonal Accessory Anchor, I pour my heart into every project. Whether it’s a one-of-a-kind piece for your home or a thoughtful gift for someone special, my goal is to blend quality craftsmanship with personalized design.

In this blog, I’ll be sharing the stories behind my creations, tips on woodworking, and insights into running a small, veteran-owned business. I’ll also dive into the process of turning your ideas into reality and explore how sustainable practices and thoughtful design can make a difference.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Whether you’ve purchased a piece, supported me by following along, or just stopped by to explore, I’m deeply grateful. Stay tuned for upcoming posts, and don’t hesitate to share your thoughts or ideas—I’d love to hear from you!

Here’s to crafting stories, one project at a time.

Thanks,
CJ
Owner & Craftsman
Henry Hardwood

Putting in drawer slides for a clients workstation.

CJ Henry

Welcome to Henry Hardwood, a small, veteran-owned woodworking business where craftsmanship meets passion. My name is CJ Henry, and I’m proud to create custom, handmade wooden pieces that bring both beauty and function to your home.

For over 20 years, I worked in the IT sector, and before that, I served six years in the United States Air Force. While I cherish those experiences, I often found myself longing for a creative outlet—something tangible that I could craft with my own two hands. That’s when I discovered woodworking.

What started as a way to destress quickly became a lifelong passion. My first project was a picnic table my wife requested for Christmas, and from the moment I saw her joy, I knew I’d found something special. Over time, I continued to hone my skills, transitioning from a hobbyist to a full-time craftsman and launching Henry Hardwood.

Today, I specialize in crafting unique items like shelves, wooden crosses, wind chime stands, and custom furniture. Each piece is made with care and precision, ensuring it’s not only functional but also a reflection of your style.

At Henry Hardwood, every piece tells a story—yours and mine. My mission is to create meaningful, timeless pieces that you’ll cherish for years to come. Whether it’s a custom order or one of my signature designs, you can count on quality, craftsmanship, and a touch of heart in everything I make.

When I’m not in the workshop, I enjoy spending time with my wife and two boys, camping, and watching football. I’m always drawing inspiration from the world around me, observing other pieces and the techniques used to create them. Thank you for supporting my journey and considering Henry Hardwood for your woodworking needs.

Feel free to reach out for custom orders or to learn more about my work. I look forward to bringing your vision to life!

https://www.henryhardwood.net
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From Barns to Picnic Tables: My First “Client” Story