What We Do

Along with our evolving collection of ready-to-ship products, we also offer a range of woodworking services, including custom furniture, architectural millwork, milling, and personalized signs/engravings. Please contact us for more information.

  • Custom Wood Furniture and Furnishings

    Our team is dedicated to turning your ideas into beautifully made pieces. We design and build a wide variety of furniture, including: tables, chairs, benches, doors, beds, desks, bookshelves, dressers, and more.

  • Architectural Millwork

    From detailed moldings to bespoke cabinetry, our team creates pieces that seamlessly blend function and artistry. We offer custom cabinetry, molding, rosettes, door/window casings, built-in shelves, railings, and balusters.

  • Milling

    If you're working on your own project or just need help cutting your lumber to size, we offer slab surfacing, planing, joining, and S4S.

  • Personalized Signs and Engraving

    From custom signs to detailed engravings, our CNC services create one-of-a-kind wood pieces.
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Wooden table on a neutral background

Our Story

Based out of Sandy Spring, Maryland, we are a small woodworking studio specializing in wooden furniture, accessories, architectural mill-work, and more. Cherry & Chisel Woodworks began when Yusef, Owner and Lead Woodworker, decided to take what he learned from his years of experience working at a prominent woodworking shop to start a business of his own. He employed the help of his lifelong friend, Julian, to create the small two-man team that runs Cherry & Chisel today.

Our Process

Whether you have a large-scale project or a smaller one in mind, we are here to collaborate with you every step of the way. We have worked closely with clients to design and build custom wooden furniture that stands the test of time. From large-scale architectural projects to small handcrafted accessories, each piece is built with attention to detail and a commitment to quality.

Along with quality, we are committed to sustainable woodworking practices, and have implemented the following practices as a part of our zero-waste initiative:


Sustainable Material Sourcing

  • Use locally sourced lumber from Maryland and Mid-Atlantic suppliers to reduce transportation emissions
  • Source from certified sustainable forests (FSC-certified lumber)
  • Reclaim and repurpose salvaged wood from old barns, buildings, or fallen trees
  • Partner with local tree services to use urban timber from removed trees

Longevity and Repair

  • Build furniture designed to last generations, not years
  • Offer repair and refinishing services to extend furniture life
  • Use traditional joinery techniques that allow for future repairs
  • Educate customers on proper care and maintenance
  • Design timeless pieces that won't go out of style

Waste Reduction Practices

  • Save and use wood scraps for smaller projects, cutting boards, or accessories
  • Donate sawdust and wood chips to local farms for animal bedding or composting
  • Design projects to maximize yield from each board and minimize waste
  • Keep an inventory of offcuts for future small-scale projects
  • Use only recyclable packaging whenever possible

Eco-Friendly Finishing

  • Use low-VOC or zero-VOC finishes, stains, and sealers
  • Choose natural oil finishes over synthetic options
  • Apply water-based finishes instead of solvent-based when appropriate
  • Offer natural wax finishes for a non-toxic, food-safe option

Meet the Team

  • Person working with wood and tools in a workshop setting

    Yusef Mohammed

    Owner and Lead Woodworker

    Yusef's journey as a woodworker began on a farm in Washington state, where he first learned the fundamentals of construction and woodcarving through hands-on experience. Driven by a passion for precision and artistry, he later honed his skills during five formative years in a professional woodworking shop in Maryland, mastering more advanced woodworking techniques. Over time, Yusef evolved into a specialist in custom millwork, architectural detailing, and bespoke wooden furniture, earning a reputation for blending structural integrity with refined aesthetics.

  • Man sanding a wooden surface in a workshop with various tools and equipment around.

    Julian Barnes

    Manager and CNC Expert

    Julian made a career shift to pursue his passion for woodworking, bringing a unique blend of technical savvy and creative vision. Now serving as the assistant woodworker, CNC expert, and marketing manager, Julian plays a pivotal role in the day-to-day operations. His expertise on the CNC allows him to blend intricate designs with traditional woodworking techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Your Sustainability Practices?

At Cherry & Chisel, our commitment to sustainability goes beyond words to tangible actions. We embrace a "zero-waste" philosophy, ensuring that every piece of material has a purpose. While our wood shop requires electricity, we take pride in being situated in Sandy Spring, MD where our emissions remain significantly below the national average. Recognizing the environmental impact of finishing processes, we opt for a VOC-free hard-wax hand-rubbed finish. This plant-based, durable solution not only upholds our eco-conscious values but also ensures the well-being of both individuals and the environment.

When Can I Expect To Receive My Order?

For smaller items (cutting boards, trays) we are usually able to parcel ship, via UPS. You’ll be able to track them via your order confirmation, and standard transit time is 3-5 business days. For larger items our standard shipping is via private van delivery or via local pick-up.

For custom made pieces, please allow 3-5 weeks for production, and an additional week or two for delivery. Contact us if you need expedited production for a fee, which depends on how busy we are and how quickly you need your product.

We offer expedited production for a fee, depending on how busy we are. Contact us with the details of what you’d like to order, and how soon you need it.

Where Is Your Furniture Made?

We make all our furniture from start to finish in-house, at our small production wood shop Sandy Spring, MD.

What Type Of Finish Do You Use On The Wood?

We use a natural, VOC-free hardwax oil on all our pieces, unless explicitly told otherwise by the customer. It is extremely durable and user-friendly.

How Should My Cutting Board Be Maintained?

Simply wipe with a damp cloth. Occasionally clean with soap and water, then reapply food-grade mineral oil to keep it conditioned. Applying a beeswax blend is also recommended for added care.

Do you take custom furniture orders?

Absolutely — custom work is at the heart of what we do at Cherry & Chisel Woodworks. Whether you have a detailed vision or just a rough idea, we work closely with you to design and build a piece that fits your space, style, and budget. We've built everything from custom dining tables and bed frames to built-in shelving and architectural millwork. Reach out through our contact page to start your custom piece.

What areas do you primarily serve?

We're based in Sandy Spring, Maryland, and primarily serve the greater Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area, including Montgomery County, Prince George's County, Howard County, and the surrounding region. For larger custom projects, we're happy to discuss delivery and installation options beyond the immediate area. We are also able to ship nationwide.

What types of wood do you work with?

We work with a wide range of domestic hardwoods, including walnut, white oak, maple, cherry, ash, and more. We also source reclaimed and salvaged wood as part of our commitment to sustainable woodworking. The right wood for your project depends on your aesthetic preferences, intended use, and budget. We're happy to guide you through the options.

How do I get a quote for a custom piece?

Simply head to our Contact page and send us a message describing what you have in mind. It helps to include details like the type of piece, approximate dimensions, preferred wood species, and any design inspiration you have (photos are always welcome). We'll follow up to discuss the project and provide a quote.

What is architectural millwork, and do you offer it?

Architectural millwork refers to custom-crafted wood elements that are built into a home or building (custom cabinetry, moldings, door and window casings, built-in shelves, railings, balusters, and rosettes). It's the kind of detail that elevates a space from ordinary to exceptional. At Cherry & Chisel, we design and build custom millwork for residential and commercial clients throughout the DMV area.

Do you offer CNC engraving for businesses or personal use?

Yes! Our CNC services are available for both personal and commercial projects. We create custom wood signs, personalized gifts, decorative engravings, branded business signage, and more. Whether you need a one-of-a-kind piece for your home or signage for your restaurant, retail space, or office, we can bring your design to life.

What's the difference between your ready-to-ship products and custom orders?

Our ready-to-ship products are pieces we've already designed, built, and available for immediate purchase to ship within a few business days. Custom orders are built from scratch to your specifications, including your choice of dimensions, wood species, and design details. Custom pieces typically take 3–5 weeks to produce. Both options are made entirely in-house at our Sandy Spring workshop.