Welcome to Shaver Lake Wood Works, where the spirit of the lake meets masterful woodworking. Nestled among the trees of Shaver Lake, CA, is the birthplace of handcrafted swings, chairs, and outdoor furnishings that transform any porch or deck into a serene lakeside retreat. With over a decade of experience in boat-making, our products reflect skilled craftsmanship and modern artistry.

Our Craft

Every piece we build starts with a hand-selected board of sustainably sourced red balau. From selecting lumber to the final oil-seal finish, our swings and chairs are crafted with the precision of a sailboat yard and the warmth of a cabin by the lake. We select, sand, and assemble each joint by hand, then install marine-grade stainless hardware so your furniture endures whatever the mountain weather brings.

Why Red Balau?

We build every bench, swing, and armchair from Red Balau, a premium tropical hardwood prized for its strength, beauty, and weather resistance. Native to Southeast Asia, red balau (also known as Bangkirai) is often compared to teak—but at a more accessible price point—with even greater density and durability.

What Makes Red Balau Special?

• Extreme Durability: Red balau is incredibly dense and hard, making it naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage. It’s a top choice for decking in extreme climates—and perfect for high-altitude, high-moisture environments like Shaver Lake.

• Smooth, Rich Finish: This wood has a deep reddish-brown color with tight grain and a smooth texture. It finishes beautifully and ages gracefully to a silvery patina if left untreated, or can be oiled to maintain its rich tone.

• Weather-Resistant by Nature: Unlike softer woods that warp, crack, or deteriorate in sun and rain, red balau holds up year after year. It’s a tropical hardwood built to withstand harsh conditions without splitting or checking.

• Sustainably Sourced: We select only responsibly harvested red balau from trusted suppliers, ensuring that your furniture supports sustainable forestry practices.

• Built for a Lifetime Outdoors: When paired with 316 marine-grade stainless steel hardware, our red balau benches and swings are designed to withstand the elements year-round—with no compromise in strength, comfort, or style. Whether it’s perched by the lake, on a mountain deck, or under the pines, these pieces are made to last for generations.

Our Story

Jon was raised in Shaver Lake, where he learned to sail on Huntington Lake. He fell in love with sailing and began cruising his sailboat. Throughout the years, Jon has sailed over 30,000 nautical miles and fully restored his Hans Christian 33T, Prism. He started working on boats full-time during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he honed his woodworking skills. Included in this journey is Corah, a fellow sailor. They met while she was knee-deep in cabinet building for her sailboat. Jon dreamed of bringing that foredeck feeling to landlocked porches, and in 2025, they founded Shaver Lake Wood Works.