When Erik Buitenhuis started his own business in 1989, he named his company Meubelmakerij De Blokschaaf. An appropriate name for a one-man business that combines old-fashioned craftsmanship with contemporary designs and materials. Blokschaaf is Dutch for block planer, one of the oldest woodworking tools. Roman furniture makers were already working with it, as this ash wood model was discovered in a Roman shipwreck. At the same time, a block planer is one of the hand tools still used by craftsmen in our mechanized era.
New tools
Old and new, Erik Buitenhuis unites both. Although Buitenhuis began as a maker of solid oak furniture, he now works with MDF mostly. Custom built-in wardrobes have become a speciality, and with many people working from home, he’s busier than ever. With the increase in on-site customization, he has also adapted his equipment and replaced his old mains-powered tools with cordless machines.
And as the masters of the furniture makers guild once passed on their knowledge to their pupils in past centuries, Erik Buitenhuis also teaches the tricks of the trade to young furniture makers-to-be. As a recognized training company, he usually works with an intern.
Customers know how to find Erik Buitenhuis through his website and word of mouth. Or they remember him from long ago. “Recently made a closet for someone I also made a closet for 30 years ago,” he says with satisfaction.
