--- title: Wood, Craft & Connection | Luke Cole description: Discover Wood, Craft & Connection—your go-to resource for timeless design inspiration, handcrafted furniture tips, and stories about creating spaces where families gather, connect, and build lasting memories. --- [Skip to content](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/articles/author/luke-cole#lfc-main) [Luke’s Furniture CompanyWilmington, North Carolina](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/) Furniture [Dining tables](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/dining-room-tables)[Chairs & benches](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/seating)[Bedroom furniture](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/bedroom-furniture/)[Living & accent furniture](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/living-room-furniture)[Desks & workspaces](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/desks/)[Conference tables](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/conference-tables/)[Gaming tables](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/gaming-tables/) Built-ins & Millwork [Built-ins](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/built-ins/)[Cabinets, hutches & bars](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/dining-cabinets-and-shelves)[Mantels & floating shelves](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/mantles)[Architectural woodwork](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/architectural-woodwork/) [Our work](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/gallery) [Inspiration](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/lookbooks-inspiration) The Studio [Our story](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/about-lukes-furniture-company-handcrafted-custom-furniture-in-nc)[Our process](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/design-process)[Pricing](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/pricing/)[Visit the studio](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/schedule-a-design-consult)Trade program [Request a Quote →](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/request-a-quote) Menu Furniture [Dining tables](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/dining-room-tables)[Chairs & benches](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/seating)[Bedroom furniture](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/bedroom-furniture/)[Living & accent furniture](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/living-room-furniture)[Desks & workspaces](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/desks/)[Conference tables](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/conference-tables/)[Gaming tables](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/gaming-tables/) Built-ins & Millwork [Built-ins](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/built-ins/)[Cabinets, hutches & bars](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/dining-cabinets-and-shelves)[Mantels & floating shelves](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/mantles)[Architectural woodwork](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/architectural-woodwork/) [Our work](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/gallery)[Lookbooks & Inspiration](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/lookbooks-inspiration)The Studio [Our story](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/about-lukes-furniture-company-handcrafted-custom-furniture-in-nc)[Our process](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/design-process)[Pricing](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/pricing/)[Visit the studio](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/schedule-a-design-consult)Trade program [Request a Quote →](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/request-a-quote) ​ WOOD, CRAFT & CONNECTION # Ideas for a Home That Feels Like Yours Practical answers about custom furniture, wood, finishes and the choices that make a piece work beautifully in your home. [Explore the Learning Hub →](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/learning-hub)[Size Guide ↗ (new tab)](https://lfcsizeguide.lukesfurniturecompany.com/)[Wood Guide ↗ (new tab)](https://lfcwoodguide.lukesfurniturecompany.com/) [![Live Edge Spalted Maple Bar Top](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_2812-1.jpeg?width=900&height=600&name=IMG_2812-1.jpeg)](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/articles/what-is-spalted-maple-a-guide-to-its-character-and-furniture-uses) November 12, 2026 ## [What Is Spalted Maple? A Guide to Its Character and Furniture Uses](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/articles/what-is-spalted-maple-a-guide-to-its-character-and-furniture-uses) Quick answer: Spalted maple gets its dark lines and color variation from fungal activity in the wood. Sound, properly dried material can make distinctive furniture; appearance ... [Read the guide →](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/articles/what-is-spalted-maple-a-guide-to-its-character-and-furniture-uses) [![](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Dining%20Tables%20and%20Benches/St%20James/Eric-4-1.jpg?width=900&height=600&name=Eric-4-1.jpg)](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/articles/custom-vs-store-bought-cost-per-year) July 10, 2026 ## [Custom vs. Store-Bought Dining Table: 20-Year Cost Comparison](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/articles/custom-vs-store-bought-cost-per-year) When you're comparing a $2,500 table at a furniture showroom to a $4,000 - $6,000 (our tables generally range between $3000 - $8000) custom table, the sticker prices make the ... [Read the guide →](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/articles/custom-vs-store-bought-cost-per-year) [![](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Gallery/Dining%20Tables%20and%20Benches/Extension%201.jpg?width=900&height=600&name=Extension%201.jpg)](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/articles/what-size-dining-table-do-you-need-a-practical-guide-for-families-of-4-6-and-8) April 24, 2026 ## [What Size Dining Table Do You Need? A Practical Guide for Families of 4, 6, and 8](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/articles/what-size-dining-table-do-you-need-a-practical-guide-for-families-of-4-6-and-8) Use Our Size Guide to Find the Perfect Size for Your Space [Read the guide →](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/articles/what-size-dining-table-do-you-need-a-practical-guide-for-families-of-4-6-and-8) [![](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Gallery/Wood%20and%20Finish%20Samples/Southport-7.jpg?width=900&height=600&name=Southport-7.jpg)](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/articles/why-does-my-dining-table-look-cheap-even-though-i-paid-a-lot-for-it) April 22, 2026 ## [Why Does My Dining Table Look Cheap Even Though I Paid a Lot for It?](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/articles/why-does-my-dining-table-look-cheap-even-though-i-paid-a-lot-for-it) [Read the guide →](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/articles/why-does-my-dining-table-look-cheap-even-though-i-paid-a-lot-for-it) [![](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Collections%20Graphic-1-1.png?width=900&height=600&name=Collections%20Graphic-1-1.png)](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/articles/lfc-custom-furniture-pricing-guide-what-to-expect-from-each-collection) April 15, 2026 ## [LFC Custom Furniture Pricing Guide: What to Expect from Each Collection](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/articles/lfc-custom-furniture-pricing-guide-what-to-expect-from-each-collection) When considering custom furniture, one of the first questions most people ask is: [Read the guide →](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/articles/lfc-custom-furniture-pricing-guide-what-to-expect-from-each-collection) [![](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Gallery/Dining%20Tables%20and%20Benches/Brunswick/IMG_1035%20-%20Copy-2.jpg?width=900&height=600&name=IMG_1035%20-%20Copy-2.jpg)](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/articles/what-does-farmhouse-table-really-mean-today) March 23, 2026 ## [What Does “Farmhouse Table” Really Mean Today?](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/articles/what-does-farmhouse-table-really-mean-today) If you’ve been researching dining tables, you’ve likely come across the term “farmhouse table.” [Read the guide →](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/articles/what-does-farmhouse-table-really-mean-today) [![](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Walnut%20Ping%20Pong%20Table.png?width=900&height=600&name=Walnut%20Ping%20Pong%20Table.png)](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/articles/what-is-a-custom-gaming-table-and-is-it-worth-it) February 23, 2026 ## [What Is a Custom Gaming Table? (And Is It Worth It?)](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/articles/what-is-a-custom-gaming-table-and-is-it-worth-it) If you’ve ever searched for a custom gaming table, you’ve probably noticed two distinct types. [Read the guide →](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/articles/what-is-a-custom-gaming-table-and-is-it-worth-it) [![](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Gallery/Wood%20and%20Finish%20Samples/Walnut%20Square.jpg?width=900&height=600&name=Walnut%20Square.jpg)](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/articles/how-to-tell-if-furniture-is-really-solid-wood-and-not-veneer-or-mdf) January 29, 2026 ## [How to Tell If Furniture Is Really Solid Wood (And Not Veneer or MDF)](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/articles/how-to-tell-if-furniture-is-really-solid-wood-and-not-veneer-or-mdf) “Solid wood” is one of the most commonly used—and misunderstood—terms in furniture marketing. Many pieces advertised as solid wood contain only a small amount of real lumber, with ... [Read the guide →](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/articles/how-to-tell-if-furniture-is-really-solid-wood-and-not-veneer-or-mdf) [![](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Gallery/Headshots/LukesFurniture-11.jpg?width=900&height=600&name=LukesFurniture-11.jpg)](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/articles/how-long-does-custom-furniture-take-to-build-what-to-expect-from-start-to-finish) January 22, 2026 ## [How Long Does Custom Furniture Take to Build? What to Expect From Start to Finish](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/articles/how-long-does-custom-furniture-take-to-build-what-to-expect-from-start-to-finish) Instant Quote Tool One of the first questions homeowners ask when considering custom furniture is simple and completely reasonable: [Read the guide →](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/articles/how-long-does-custom-furniture-take-to-build-what-to-expect-from-start-to-finish) [![](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Gallery/Dining%20Tables%20and%20Benches/Other%20Tables/DSC_0510.jpg?width=900&height=600&name=DSC_0510.jpg)](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/articles/best-dining-table-shapes-for-open-concept-homes-rectangle-vs.-round-vs.-oval) January 15, 2026 ## [Best Dining Table Shapes for Open-Concept Homes (Rectangle vs. Round vs. Oval)](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/articles/best-dining-table-shapes-for-open-concept-homes-rectangle-vs.-round-vs.-oval) Open-concept homes have transformed how people live, entertain, and gather. Kitchens, dining rooms, and living areas now flow together into one shared space—making furniture ... [Read the guide →](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/articles/best-dining-table-shapes-for-open-concept-homes-rectangle-vs.-round-vs.-oval) Page 1[Next →](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/articles/author/luke-cole/page/2) TURN YOUR IDEAS INTO A PIECE THAT FITS ## Let’s plan something for your home. Bring your inspiration, room photos or a question. Luke will help you work through the design, dimensions, wood and finish. [Request a Quote](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/request-a-quote)[Schedule a Design Consultation](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/schedule-a-design-consult) ## Luke’s Furniture Company Custom furniture, built-ins and millwork, designed around the way you live and work. ### Explore [Dining tables](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/dining-room-tables) [Chairs & benches](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/seating) [Console tables](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/living-room-furniture) [Bar cabinets & servers](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/dining-cabinets-and-shelves) [Bedroom furniture](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/bedroom-furniture/) [Built-ins & millwork](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/built-ins/) [Architectural woodwork](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/architectural-woodwork/) [Conference tables](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/conference-tables/) [Gaming tables](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/gaming-tables/) ### Plan your project [Pricing guide](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/pricing/) [Our process](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/design-process) [Schedule a Design Consultation](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/schedule-a-design-consult) [Designer trade program](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/build-process) [Learning Hub](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/learning-hub) [Journal & guides](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/articles) [Request a Quote](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/request-a-quote) ### Visit & connect 3871 US Hwy 421 N, Unit C Wilmington, North Carolina [(910) 613-0641](tel:+19106130641) [luke@lukesfurniturecompany.com](mailto:luke@lukesfurniturecompany.com) © 2026 Luke’s Furniture Company [Privacy policy](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/privacy-policy) · [Warranty, shipping & returns](https://www.lukesfurniturecompany.com/warranty-shipping-return-policies) × [Text Luke](sms:+19104082961) Text Luke Text Luke Have a furniture project or a quick question? Text us directly at: [(910) 408-2961](sms:+19104082961) We’ll reply personally as soon as we’re available. Close