MJ Customworks

MJ Customworks Serving Chicagoland/northern IL & southern WI.
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MJ Customworks specializes in custom one-of-a-kind live edge & epoxy tables, reclaimed wood projects, bars & bar tops, and high-end furniture for homes, luxury interiors, restaurants and businesses.

This is what a good morning looks like for a woodworker. A truck or an empty trailer, and an absolutely ridiculous amoun...
09/04/2026

This is what a good morning looks like for a woodworker.

A truck or an empty trailer, and an absolutely ridiculous amount of beautiful hardwood.

I love stopping at Barrington Hardwoods in Crystal Lake to see what they’ve got in stock. Their inventory is HUGE, the lumber is dry and ready to work, and there’s always a chance of finding something more than I expected.

Domestic hardwoods, exotics, figured pieces, live edge, you never quite know what you’re going to find.

And honestly, that’s half the fun.

Big thanks to the folks at Barrington Hardwoods for being such a great local supplier and helping keep my shop stocked with good wood!

One of my favorite parts of a kitchen remodel is seeing how a few custom pieces can completely change the feel of an oth...
08/17/2026

One of my favorite parts of a kitchen remodel is seeing how a few custom pieces can completely change the feel of an otherwise very modern space.

For this kitchen, I built three major impact pieces: a massive custom island, floating shelves, and a custom wood vent hood all with reclaimed wood from All American Reclaim. The dark blue cabinetry and clean white countertops create a beautiful modern foundation, while the natural wood brings warmth, texture, and soul back into the room.

Like most remodels, the original plans didn’t make it all the way to the finish line untouched. Electrical and plumbing constraints meant some of the design had to pivot as the project progressed. Rather than fighting those limitations, we adapted the design around them—and I think the result ended up being even better for it.

The finished kitchen feels modern without feeling cold, functional without looking overly designed, and most importantly, like it belongs in the home.

That’s one of the things I love most. Custom work is taking a design idea, working through the realities of the space, and turning it into something that feels like it was always meant to be there.

Every firehouse has a table.It’s where meals are shared, shifts change, stories are told, training gets discussed, and c...
06/10/2026

Every firehouse has a table.

It’s where meals are shared, shifts change, stories are told, training gets discussed, and crews spend time together between calls.

I recently had the opportunity to build this dining table for Glenview Fire Department Tuck Company 14. Built from solid walnut and proudly displaying their insignia, wonderfully done by Marengo Signs beneath a durable epoxy smooth top. The table sits on a heavy black steel and Angelim wood base designed for decades of use.

Long after the build is forgotten, my hope is that this table continues to serve the people who serve our communities.

Thank you to the guys at Truck Co. 14 for trusting us with this project!

This custom hardwood banquette was designed to maximize seating, storage, and everyday function while fitting seamlessly...
05/09/2026

This custom hardwood banquette was designed to maximize seating, storage, and everyday function while fitting seamlessly into the homes existing architecture. Built with large capacity soft-close drawers, hidden electrical access and wrapped with custom upholstery by the multigenerational team at Fred’s Upholstery in Woodstock, IL.

Projects like this are a reminder that custom work is about more than appearance, it’s about creating thoughtful solutions that fit the way people actually live in their space.

Thanks again to this wonderful couple in Sawyer, MI for trusting us to deliver their vision!

MJ Customworks

Address

Marengo, IL
60152

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 4pm
Tuesday 7am - 4pm
Wednesday 7am - 4pm
Thursday 7am - 4pm
Friday 7am - 4pm

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