Benchbuilt

Steam Bent Oak Flags

My work with the American flag is meant to capture its history, hardships, durability, and beauty. Each piece begins with steam-bent oak—shaped, sanded, and hand-painted with a variety of artistic mediums. The bending process gives the flag a natural, flowing motion, as if it’s waving in the air. To honor our past, the flag is antiqued, with a broken staff symbolizing sacrifice and tattered, blackened edges reflecting the struggles we’ve endured. Oak represents the enduring strength of the American spirit, while the stars and stripes are brought to life with a finish that transitions from semi-gloss to matte. Every flag is a one-of-a-kind work of art, signed and dated.

— Gyhl Koeppen
USMC Veteran

Vintage upright piano with ornate wood carvings and a matching stool.

Custom woodworking and restorations

For more than 35 years, I’ve dedicated my craft to creating timeless furniture and art with a deep respect for history and design. My work blends traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques, drawing on skills in woodworking, wood bending, metalwork, leatherwork, upholstery, painting, refinishing, laser engraving, and more. Whether you’re envisioning a custom piece or restoring a classic, I’d love to bring your project to life.

Piano Refinishing and Electronic conversions

If your beloved instrument has irreparable components, don’t worry! I offer a beautiful solution: a complete cabinet restoration combined with a high-quality digital keyboard. This modern enhancement not only preserves the elegance of your 100+ year-old piano but also delivers a rich, authentic sound that resonates through the original soundboard—eliminating the hassle of future tuning. Don’t wait to breathe new life into your heirloom; let’s create something extraordinary together! Contact me today and let’s start this exciting transformation!

Submit your Project
A vintage wooden roulette table with a wheel in the center, a small wooden ball, and a wooden cane resting against the table edge.

Previous Restorations

Take a moment to explore images of past projects and see the restoration process in action.

Projects

Benchbuiltwallets.com

Benchbuiltwallets.com

A brown leather wallet with a heart shape stitched on it, lying on a wooden surface with a smartphone and a black object nearby.
Close-up of a black leather wallet with a crest emblem, placed on a wooden table near a glass of iced tea or whiskey.
A brown leather wallet with stitching and metal emblem, placed on a wooden surface, with a glass of amber-colored drink in the background.
Submit your Project