Our Story & Craft
Discover who we are, the materials we use, and how to care for your piece with confidence.
From Passion Project to Craftsmanship
My name is Ryan Lucas, and I’m a full-time woodworker. Skyline Wood Furniture started with one simple project: my wife wanted a solid wood outdoor table, but nothing we found fit the bill. Everything in stores was either flimsy, overpriced, or built with fake materials. So I decided to build it myself. That one table lit a fire in me, and what began as a necessity has become a lifelong passion.
Most furniture today is mass-produced from particle board and artificial surfaces. It looks fine for a while, but it’s cold, generic, and ends up in the dump within a few years. I wanted to offer something better. Something real. At Skyline, we craft solid wood furniture designed to last for generations — pieces that celebrate the natural character of wood instead of hiding it.
The Tools That Shape the Work
I Love old tools. The feel of a 100+ year hand plane or brace excites me and I love to use. But I also love the convenience, and accuracy of new powered tools. So as I as I have grown as a woodworker I live in both worlds. It is rare for any project to not have a hand plane grace its surface or be measured with a square that predates WWII.
I will have more tools and stories listed on our Facebook page.
Embracing Real Wood & Rustic Charm
Every Skyline piece starts with quality hardwoods — oak, walnut, maple, cherry, and more — handpicked for their character. Knots, wormholes, age marks, and grain patterns are what make wood beautiful, and we highlight them with oil and wax finishes instead of burying them under heavy stains or thick coatings. The result is furniture that feels smooth to the touch, but keeps the raw, rustic charm that makes it one of a kind.
In my shop, I balance the old and the new: antique hand tools that have been used for over a hundred years alongside modern equipment that ensures precision and efficiency. It’s not unusual for a 100-year-old hand plane to add the final touch to a piece cut on a high-end saw. That mix of tradition and technology gives Skyline furniture its heirloom quality.
ACACIA
Acacia wood features a warm, reddish-brown color with a pronounced grain pattern that can include interesting swirls and knots. It is a durable and dense hardwood, resistant to scratches and water, making it ideal for furniture, cutting boards, and flooring.
Outmost section of the board on top and bottom*
CHERRY
Cherry wood is cherished for its warm, reddish-brown color and smooth, satiny texture. The wood darkens with age, developing a rich patina over time. It has a fine, straight grain and is easy to work with, making it a favorite for fine furniture and cabinetry.
Middle section of the clock in the photo*
BRAZILIAN EBONY
Brazilian Ebony, also known as “Jacaranda,” is an exotic hardwood with a striking dark brown to black color and a fine, smooth texture. Its high density and durability make it ideal for high-end furniture, flooring, and decorative accents.
EASTERN RED CEDAR
Eastern Red Cedar is known for its rich, reddish color and aromatic scent. This wood features a straight grain with knots and streaks, making each piece unique. It is naturally resistant to decay and insects, making it an excellent choice for both indoor and outdoor furniture.
Clock rim and base of the clock*
KUMORO
Kumoro, or African Teak, is known for its beautiful golden-brown color with dark streaks. It has a straight to slightly interlocked grain and a coarse texture. Kumoro is highly durable and resistant to decay, making it perfect for both indoor and outdoor applications.
MAPLE
Maple wood is known for its pale, creamy color and smooth, fine texture. It features a straight grain that can also display curly or quilted patterns. Maple is a hard and durable wood, commonly used for flooring, cabinetry, and high-use furniture.
PADAUK
Padauk wood stands out with its bright orange to reddish-brown color, which can darken to a deep, rich red over time. It has a straight to interlocked grain and a coarse texture. Padauk is valued for its strength and durability, often used in fine furniture and decorative veneers.
PURPLE HEART
Purple Heart wood is renowned for its vibrant purple color, which can darken to a rich, deep purple with age and exposure to light. It has a straight grain and a fine, even texture. This exotic hardwood is not only strikingly beautiful but also incredibly durable and strong.
WALNUT
Walnut wood features a deep reddish-brown color that darkens with age, with a fine interlocking grain that creates a distinctive ribbon-like pattern. It is a durable and stable hardwood, often used as a substitute for mahogany in fine furniture and cabinetry.
SYCAMORE
Sycamore wood boasts a beautiful, creamy white to light tan color with subtle grain patterns. It is known for its interlocking grain, which can create interesting and visually appealing textures. Sycamore is a durable hardwood, perfect for fine furniture and decorative pieces.
TEAK
Teak wood is renowned for its golden-brown color and natural oil content, which gives it exceptional resistance to moisture and decay. It has a straight grain and a coarse texture. Teak is highly durable and is the preferred choice for outdoor furniture, boat building, and high-end indoor furnishings.
WALNUT
Walnut is a prized hardwood known for its rich, dark brown color and straight, yet sometimes wavy grain. It has a smooth texture and excellent workability, making it a popular choice for high-quality furniture and intricate woodworking projects.
Beyond New Builds: Refinishing & Curated Goods
Skyline Wood Furniture is more than new builds. We also:
- Refinish furniture – giving beloved pieces a second life and preserving family heirlooms with fresh care and craftsmanship.
- Offer curated imports – select specialty items that complement our work. To keep things clear, anything not built or refinished in-house is always placed in a separate collection.
Committed to One-of-a-Kind Quality
When you choose Skyline, you’re not just getting furniture. You’re investing in something personal, something that will last. I pour my heart into every project, treating it as if it were going into my own home. From concept and design through build and installation, I work closely with you to ensure your piece is functional, beautiful, and unique.Our mission is to deliver furniture that makes you proud, impresses your guests, and becomes part of your family’s story.
Caring for What's Yours
Our furniture is built to last, but like anything natural, it thrives with the right care. Here’s how you can preserve its beauty and keep it looking its best for years to come.
Using oil for wood surfaces and wax, we’re able to highlight already beautiful wood.
Oil helps make the purple in Purpleheart keep its brightness and oil on a simple board helps highlight grain and my favorite knots! Coating a piece with wax helps with water resistance and holding oil in.
The rounded edge is designated for fruits, vegetables, and bread, while the side with the square end is for meat. This helps maintain hygiene by keeping meat separate from other foods.
Knife marks are normal and can be easily repaired with light sanding and retreatment.
We are pleased to offer our own specially formulated cutting board oil and wax for this purpose.
Boards are initially treated with cutting board oil and then coated with board wax. The oil penetrates deeply to nourish the wood, while the waxy surface helps prevent staining. This waxy feel is intentional and provides added protection.
If the wax is wiped off, avoid using chemicals; the wax helps preserve the color of woods like Purple Heart.
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Do Not
- Soak your wood cutting board in water, as this can damage the glue and cause the wood to expand, permanently harming the board.
- Allow meats, vegetables, or fruits to sit on the board's surface for extended periods.
- Place the cutting board in the dishwasher.
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Do
- Use these cutting boards regularly; they are designed to be durable and functional.
- After each use, wipe the board with a damp clean cloth or paper towel.
- When the wood surface becomes dry, treat it with Skyline Wood Furniture oil and wax to maintain its condition.
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I’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re dreaming of a custom dining table, want to refinish a special heirloom, or are interested in one of our collections, let’s talk.
Workshop: Maryville, Tennessee
Email: skylinewoodfurniture@gmail.com
Phone: (503) 890-6319