Mt. Pickett Woodworking was started in the late 70's in the dining hall of the abandoned Buckhorn Lodge on the north shore of Orcas. With the purchase of 5 acres on Mt. Pickett, work was transferred to a tiny 10 ft. x 14 ft. shop. Whenever the sun shone one could find Gary working on saw horses out front where he could swing a board around. The second larger shop was later constructed, followed by a warehouse lumber storage building.

Throughout the 80's we were engaged in the construction of cabinetry for a large number of fine island homes. As we became better known, the size and scope of our cabinet projects increased. By the early 90's we were providing cabinetry and interior millwork for the large estates which were now becoming commonplace in the islands.

Upon completion of a highly unique and complex project for the CEO of a well known sunglasses company, we were hired by their Seattle area interior designer to construct all cabinetry and most of the furniture for a waterfront residence just 4 docks down from the Bill Gate’s home on Lake Washington. Because the only access to this home is by tramway, all work was delivered by barge.

Today the story is much the same, with an increasing emphasis on reclaimed lumber. Our shop foreman, Danny McAndrew, has become an expert in working with all types of wood, often spending a portion of his time training other island raised young men the skills he has perfected here. Although some of our projects have taken us to the greater Seattle area, we much prefer to stay in the shop here on Orcas and work in our pastoral setting - the commute from Gary's home to shop being a mere 100 feet.

We are currently building 36 interior doors, the cabinetry and much of the furniture, as well as providing antique-wide plank flooring, for a family compound on 120 acres of waterfront here on Orcas. Each of these elements are carefully designed and constructed to look centuries old.

A life long dream of designing and building this type of furniture has been brought to fruition here at Mt. Pickett Woodworking and we appreciate the trust and confidence of our many wonderful clients.