Business Details
34 Years
experience
Custom Handmade Furniture & Kitchen Remodels in Vermont
ClearLake Furniture was founded in 1992 by master woodworker Brent Karner, whose dedication to craftsmanship remains at the heart of every piece we create. Our Vermont-based workshop combines traditional techniques like interlocking joints and dovetails with modern design tools to produce heirloom-quality furniture tailored to individual preferences. Each item is handcrafted by a single craftsman from sustainably sourced hardwoods, ensuring meticulous attention to detail and personal accountability. We maintain full transparency by allowing clients to select their own wood and observe the creation process, fostering trust and collaboration. Our commitment to quality is reinforced by the ClearLake Guarantee, which stands behind our materials and workmanship. With over three decades of experience, we serve both residential and commercial clients across the Northeast, offering virtual consultations and design services to expand accessibility.Our sustainability initiatives prioritize locally sourced materials and eco-friendly practices, reflecting our responsibility to the environment. The ClearLake Investment Program provides future flexibility, allowing trade-ins for new custom pieces. Our team of skilled artisans brings decades of collective experience in fine woodworking, theater design, and construction, ensuring expertise across diverse projects. From initial concept to final delivery, we prioritize client satisfaction through personalized service, clear communication, and unwavering dedication to excellence.
Services
Custom Furniture
Kitchen Remodels
Commercial Furniture
Interior Design Services
Trade-In Program
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of master woodworking expertise
- Each piece is handcrafted by a single artisan from start to finish
- We provide full transparency through wood selection and workshop access
- Our sustainability practices prioritize locally sourced hardwoods
- We offer lifetime trade-in options for future upgrades
What people say
Beautiful beyond belief
Absolutely fabulous
Excellent work
Outstanding design
Satisfied customer
Services
Custom Furniture
Each custom furniture piece is crafted by a single master woodworker using traditional techniques like dovetails and interlocking joints. Clients select from sustainably sourced hardwoods including cherry, walnut, and tapped maple while working directly with artisans throughout the process. The result is heirloom-quality furniture signed and dated by the craftsman, designed to last generations with proper care.
Kitchen Remodels
Our kitchen remodeling service combines functional design with artisan craftsmanship using locally sourced materials. Clients choose from multiple wood species and countertop options while utilizing our 20/20 design software for 3D visualization. Projects range from single-room renovations to complete home overhauls, with recent work spanning Vermont to New Jersey.
Commercial Furniture
We create custom commercial furniture solutions for institutions and businesses requiring durable, aesthetically pleasing pieces. Our portfolio includes 150 stacking chairs for UVM and custom tables for the Taft School. Each project receives personalized attention with options for eco-certified materials and large-scale production capabilities.
Interior Design Services
Our design team provides virtual and in-person consultations to help clients visualize their ideal spaces. Services include material selection, spatial planning, and style guidance tailored to Vermont homes. We specialize in integrating custom furniture with existing decor for cohesive, functional living environments.
Trade-In Program
The ClearLake Investment Program allows customers to trade qualifying furniture pieces for new project credit. This unique offering provides long-term flexibility while maintaining value. The program applies to most standard hardwood furniture, supporting sustainable practices through extended product lifecycles.
People
Brent Karner
Master Craftsman
Founder of ClearLake Furniture with over 30 years of experience in fine woodworking. Graduated from North Bennet Street School in 1985 and has specialized in heirloom furniture since. Combines traditional techniques with modern design principles while overseeing all production.
Abi Karner
Office Manager
Manages daily operations with 35 years of experience supporting the business. Handles administrative tasks and client communications while maintaining quality control standards. Provides continuity through her deep understanding of company operations.
James
Craftsman/Finisher
Vermont native with extensive trades experience transitioning to furniture making. Handles both construction and finishing processes with attention to detail. Brings practical knowledge from residential construction and manufacturing backgrounds.
Mark
Craftsman
Theatre design graduate with 15+ years in scenic construction transitioning to fine furniture. Applies artistic sensibilities to woodworking while maintaining structural integrity. Specializes in complex joinery and custom design execution.
Paul
Craftsman
Former construction business owner with 16 years of carpentry experience. Applies practical building knowledge to furniture creation. Focuses on precision craftsmanship and material optimization while mentoring newer team members.
Questions
What types of furniture do you offer?
We create custom tables, chairs, cabinetry, beds, and occasional furniture using sustainably sourced hardwoods. All pieces are handcrafted by individual artisans.
Do you provide virtual design consultations?
Yes, we offer virtual consultations for clients outside Vermont, allowing full design collaboration without onsite visits.
Can I select my own wood materials?
Yes, clients visit our workshop to personally select boards for their furniture from our hardwood inventory.
What warranty do you provide?
Our ClearLake Guarantee covers materials and craftsmanship for all custom furniture pieces.
Do you work on commercial projects?
Yes, we handle commercial furniture needs ranging from single offices to large institutional projects.
Is financing available?
We offer a trade-in program for future upgrades rather than traditional financing options.
Reviews (4)
Kyrik Weidman
May 10, 2022
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Incredible custom handmade furniture - Beautiful and of the highest quality. The quintessence of Vermont craftsmanship.
Andrew Olaharski
Feb 16, 2022
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Purchased a set of cherry bar stools and we love love LOVE them! Perfect compliment to the rest of the kitchen. The best recommendation I can give is when I am a repeat customer (and we are now moving forward with a dining room table). So yeah, they are that good!
Charles Peabody
Sep 05, 2021
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I would highly recommend; you can tell they take great pride in their craft and the resulting quality is both excellent and beautiful. The experience was great (staff and Brent the owner), everything is custom made thus customizable, (capable of lasting a couple generations). I started off buying a bow front dresser and liked it so much I ended up getting the rest of the bedroom set a few months later, then I added a desk when Corona Virus hit for my home office.
Doris Minichini
May 16, 2021
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Recently bought a condo unit nearby and wanted to support a local shop for a new sectional. Had a wonderful experience here from beginning to end. Plenty of options, advice, and friendly service. Great communication throughout. Would definitely recommend and plan to return in the future.
