KC CUSTOM HARDWOODS

Words by Megan Litts | Photos by Josie Henderson

Since 2017, KC Custom Hardwoods has redefined sustainable furniture through its one-of-a-kind live-edge tables. By collaborating with tree removal companies and the Kansas City Parks and Recreation department, the company not only sources local materials but also gives a new purpose to what would otherwise be discarded.

The creation of live-edge tables is a meticulous yet rewarding journey involving milling, drying and assembly processes that can extend over several months—or even years in some instances, depending on the type of wood. Upon harvesting the material and transporting it to their warehouse, the milling process begins immediately for most wood types to prevent degradation. The slabs then undergo a critical air-drying phase, lasting up to a year before they are ready for the wood kiln. Although the drying period is the most timeconsuming aspect of the process, it is essential to ensure the furniture's durability and integrity. Once this stage is completed, individuals interested in acquiring a live-edge table can either collaborate with KC Custom Hardwoods’ in-house designers, who craft their unique pieces from prepared wood slabs, or they can select from an inventory of elegant, masterfully crafted tables. Their inventory is extensive, but notably, approximately 75 percent of the wood used in their tables is from black walnut trees.

It has an elegant finish and is widely available throughout the Midwest. With the recent opening of a brand-new showroom near Overland Park, Kansas, where they proudly showcase their impressive collection of live-edge tables, the process of ordering and designing the ideal piece has become easier than ever for all who are interested. Committed to sustainability and craftsmanship, KC Custom Hardwoods continues to transform the beauty of nature into functional art.

@kccustomhardwoods

Central States Tile has changed ownership. CST was founded in 1989 by Gary Sowell who continued to own and operate the business till now.

Rick Winburn has purchased CST e ective October 23rd, 2023. The sta at CST will remain the same and there will be no changes in the day-today operations of the company. It will be business as usual.

Rick is a Missouri native who spent the fi rst 32 years of his career as a general dentist. After a 5-year stent as a U.S. Navy dentist, he came back to the Kansas City area where he owned a dental practice in Overland Park. Having sold that practice earlier this year, he is looking forward to the challenges of a new and exciting opportunity here at CST. Rick is eager to get to know all the long-term and valued partners of CST.

Gary would like to thank everyone who has supported CST through the years. The success achieved could not have been done without your help. Thank you all so much and please support the new owner and certainly our employees you all have known for the past years. The commitment to quality products and customer service has not changed. That has been the strength of CST and that will not change.