Excelsior Sawdust Company LLC was born when owners Patti and Steve Benson were searching for a reclaimed, rustic table to complete the dining room in their northern Minnesota cabin. Unable to find anything that met their needs, they decided to create their own table with wood from their children’s old play set. Repurposing the wood became a fun challenge. “We found ways to showcase years of wear and tear into the character and richness of the table,” Patti Benson says. “For example, we found a section that had been worn by a toy steering wheel and built that piece of wood into the center of the table.”
The Bensons soon realized their fun table project could grow into a viable business. When a closed cabinet shop in Tonka Bay was for sale, they jumped at the chance to open their own woodshop. Now they create other rustic and lake-inspired décor for clients, including walnut and ash lamps, wood trays and other small tables. “More than welcome us to our cabin, these pieces recreate that sense of special family memories and time together,” Benson says.
For more info or to inquire about custom woodwork, email excelsiorsawdustco@gmail.com.
