Mauldin Woodworking
Making Things That Bring People Joy
MAKING THINGS THAT BRING PEOPLE JOY
SPECIES FEATURED IN THIS ARTICLE: Sapele, Spanish Cedar, Mahogany
FIND INFORMATION ON THIS AND ADDITIONAL SPECIES AT WWW.IWPAWOOD.ORG
Even as a youngster, Evan Mauldin was drawn to wood and woodworking. By age 20, he knew he wanted woodworking to be his life’s work. “I had a rule in the early days that I wouldn’t say no to anything,” Evan said. “I took on every job that came to me and made everything from swings to a reptile enclosure.” As word of his skill and craftsmanship spread, he became more selective and began to develop his own distinctive style.
He describes his style as minimalist, with clean lines and gentle curves. “It’s sort of a mid-century modern or Scandinavian aesthetic, not overly ornate or frilly, nothing superfluous.”
Evan’s favorite woods to work with are Sapele and Spanish cedar. “I love the cinnamon smell Sapele gives off when you cut it, as well as the color and ribbon figure of the grain. Plus, it’s very versatile; hard like oak or maple but easier to work.”
“The most beautiful piece of wood I ever found was a large plank of quilted and curled Spanish cedar. I made a wedding cake knife and server for my wife, as well as an engagement ring box for a friend from that special piece.”
Evan feels fortunate to have a skillset that allows him to make to make things to bring people joy. “A dining room table or a handmade cane; every piece tells a story, and people often post pictures detailing how they use and enjoy my pieces. I especially love making tables because so much goes on around a dining table. It becomes part of the family dynamic.”
On March 23, 2022, Evan’s woodworking shop burned to the ground due to an electrical fault. His tools and his entire inventory were destroyed. “At first, I was just numb. I had recurring dreams about trying to put out the fire,” he said. “But once the shock wore off, I knew that I would rebuild and continue doing what I knew and loved.”
To anyone considering a career in woodworking, Evan’s advice is to find a mentor or join an online group. “Going to market is also important,” he notes. “Think about the business as a business and learn to enjoy the marketing and networking aspects of it.”
“Woodworking is something everyone should at least try,” Evan believes. “It is very empowering, and you can do a lot with simple tools. It’s a craft that should not be allowed to die out.”
Frequently asked questions
What wood species does Evan Mauldin prefer to work with?+
Evan Mauldin's favorite woods are Sapele and Spanish cedar. He loves the cinnamon smell Sapele gives off when cut, as well as its color, ribbon grain figure, and versatility—being hard like oak or maple but easier to work.
How would you describe Mauldin Woodworking's design style?+
Evan describes his style as minimalist, with clean lines and gentle curves. It reflects a mid-century modern or Scandinavian aesthetic that is not overly ornate or frilly, with nothing superfluous.
What happened to Evan Mauldin's woodworking shop in 2022?+
On March 23, 2022, Evan's woodworking shop burned to the ground due to an electrical fault, destroying his tools and entire inventory. After the initial shock, he decided to rebuild and continue his craft.
What advice does Evan Mauldin give to aspiring woodworkers?+
Evan advises aspiring woodworkers to find a mentor or join an online group. He also emphasizes treating woodworking as a business, going to market, and learning to enjoy the marketing and networking aspects of the craft.
What did Evan Mauldin make from his most prized piece of wood?+
From a large plank of quilted and curled Spanish cedar—the most beautiful piece of wood he ever found—Evan made a wedding cake knife and server for his wife, as well as an engagement ring box for a friend.
Why does Evan Mauldin enjoy making dining tables?+
Evan especially loves making dining tables because so much goes on around them. A dining table becomes part of the family dynamic, and every piece he makes tells a story for the people who use it.