About Brad Booher Woodworking

“Function-a-losophy”

This term was born after my brother and I accidentally dropped a brand-new (and expensive) 36-inch tube TV in the 90s. The lesson?  Anything big and heavy should have handles.  My "functional philosophy" is simple.  A bookshelf should actually support the weight and size of "books".  A coffee table's finish should withstand a spilled cup of "coffee."  If a piece doesn't offer common sense features, what’s the point?

Quality

My belief is that function extends to quality.  While I admire IKEA’s clean, modern aesthetic, my philosophy on craftsmanship is the opposite - Don’t do what they do.

Mass production prioritizes affordability and convenience, often at the expense of durability.  I believe furniture should be built to last, not to be replaced every few years.  Solid wood, proper joinery, and finishes that stand up to daily use are the foundation of my work.  A table shouldn’t wobble, a shelf shouldn’t sag, and a drawer should glide smoothly for decades.

Good design isn’t just about looks, It’s about function, longevity, and the feel of something well made.  That’s the difference between disposable furniture and heirloom craftsmanship.

Joinery

Durability starts at the core.  Strong and precise joinery.  The way pieces of wood come together matters.  If a joint is meant to be seen, it should be beautiful.  Like an offset stain on the end grain of dowels or a meticulously crafted box joint.  But if it’s not a design feature, it shouldn’t be noticeable at all.  Exposed screw heads or filler over nail holes?  Not in my work.  I either conceal them completely or turn them into an intentional part of the design.

Style

With function, quality, and craftsmanship as the foundation, my style takes inspiration from sleek, contemporary modernism.  Clean lines, minimalist forms, and just a touch of the abstract.  I find ideas everywhere.  Hotel lobbies, modern office buildings, woodworking communities, and yes… even IKEA.  But while I may borrow design cues, my execution is different.  Every piece I create is built to stand the test of time.