Handcrafted Wooden Canoes Showcase the Beauty of Artisanal Woods
Trent Preszler was inspired to build a canoe after watching the series finale of "Parks and Recreation," in which Ron Swanson, played by Nick Offerman, paddled off into the horizon in a wooden canoe.
Preszler began building his first canoe in 2014 and spent 14 months on the project, documenting the entire process on Instagram. He credits the woodworking community on Instagram as a key source of inspiration and encouragement while he was honing his woodworking skills.
Made by private commission only, each of Preszler's canoes is a unique and completely functional work of art, sturdy enough to take out on the water and worthy of being considered a precious heirloom. Preszler painstakingly molds each custom vessel from hundreds of hand-cut wooden strips, an exacting process that can take up to a year. Luxury bronze fittings and hemp and leather-wrapped seats are among his canoes' signature components.
When it comes to the design of the canoe and the specification of components, Preszler is influenced by aesthetics as well as the character of each wood species. He is partial to highly figured woods, such as Movingui with its lustrous rippled grain and satin sheen. Dramatically striped Zebrawood is another favorite. He describes Macassar Ebony, as "beautiful, but challenging to work with. It tends to crumble, and the dust gave me a skin rash." Western Red Cedar is Preszler's go-to timber for canoe hulls. "It's flexible, easy to work, and I can source it in the dimensions I need."
Roberts Plywood, located in Deer Park, N.Y., is one of Preszler's principal lumber suppliers. "Trent usually comes in with an idea of what he wants, but sometimes he just sees something that blows his mind, maybe a piece of Macassar Ebony," said Vice President Robin
Frequently asked questions
Who is Trent Preszler and when did he start building canoes?+
Trent Preszler is a woodworker who began building his first canoe in 2014, spending 14 months on the project and documenting the process on Instagram. He credits the Instagram woodworking community as a key source of inspiration while honing his skills.
How long does it take to build a handcrafted Preszler canoe?+
Each custom canoe is molded from hundreds of hand-cut wooden strips, an exacting process that can take up to a year. The canoes are made by private commission only.
What wood does Trent Preszler use for canoe hulls?+
Western Red Cedar is Preszler's go-to timber for canoe hulls because it's flexible, easy to work, and available in the dimensions he needs.
What exotic wood species does Preszler favor for his canoes?+
Preszler is partial to highly figured woods such as Movingui, which has a lustrous rippled grain and satin sheen, and dramatically striped Zebrawood. He also works with Macassar Ebony, though he finds it challenging because it tends to crumble and its dust caused him a skin rash.
What signature components are featured on Preszler canoes?+
Preszler's canoes feature luxury bronze fittings and hemp and leather-wrapped seats as signature components. Each vessel is a functional work of art sturdy enough for the water and worthy of being considered an heirloom.
Who supplies the lumber for Trent Preszler's canoes?+
Roberts Plywood, located in Deer Park, N.Y., is one of Preszler's principal lumber suppliers. According to Vice President Robin, Preszler usually comes in with an idea of what he wants, but sometimes is inspired on the spot by a piece of wood like Macassar Ebony.