How We Do It
At Nalu Builds, we believe exceptional furniture begins long before the first cut is made in the workshop. That's why we do things the old-fashioned way.
Unlike most furniture makers, we mill all of our own lumber. Every piece begins with a tree—often one that has fallen naturally or has been removed for safety reasons. Rather than allowing these valuable hardwoods to become green waste, we give them a second life as heirloom-quality furniture, custom cabinetry, and functional art.
Operating two of the largest sawmills in Hawaiʻi, our skilled sawyers transform raw logs into dimensional lumber, live-edge slabs, and large wood "cookies" tailored to each project's needs. The freshly milled wood is then carefully stickered and stacked, where it slowly air-dries before being kiln-dried. This process often takes a year or more, allowing the wood to stabilize naturally and develop the character that only time can create.
Only after this patient process is complete do we bring the lumber into our workshop, where each piece is thoughtfully designed and handcrafted.
By focusing on windfall, salvage, and safety-removal trees, we help keep Hawaiʻi's valuable hardwood resources in circulation. Every board we use represents carbon that remains stored rather than released, transforming local timber into enduring works of functional art.
The result is more than furniture—it's a celebration of Hawaiʻi's remarkable hardwoods, crafted with respect for the land and built to be enjoyed for generations.
