Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Handcrafted Cypress Furniture in Natchitoches, LA
Olivier Woodworks has been crafting fine Cypress furniture inspired by Louisiana's Acadian French heritage for over 55 years. Established in 1965 by George M. Olivier III, our legacy continues through three generations, with Chalon Ahbol and her son Alix preserving traditional methods while embracing modern customization. Our process combines meticulous attention to detail with a commitment to showcasing the natural character of Cypress wood through strategic grain matching and knot placement. We specialize in heirloom-quality pieces finished with oil-based stains and top coats, ensuring durability and timeless beauty. Our work reflects a deep connection to French Quarter refinement while maintaining the warmth and authenticity of Louisiana's cultural heritage.Every creation honors George Olivier's philosophy that 'the finished pieces do all the talking,' blending functionality with artistic expression. Our team's expertise spans decades of research, experimentation, and innovation in antique furniture construction techniques. We take pride in maintaining Old-World traditions while adapting to contemporary client needs through personalized customization. Our showroom in historic Natchitoches showcases generations of craftsmanship, from iconic bed frames to intricate cabinetry. As stewards of this legacy, we remain dedicated to producing furniture that transcends trends and becomes cherished family heirlooms.
Services
Custom Furniture
Armoires
Beds
Cabinets
Chests
Seating
Tables
Bookcases
Pantry Cabinets
Buffet Cabinets
Details
- Year established: 1965
Highlights and features
- We preserve three generations of traditional Cypress furniture-making expertise
- Our custom designs honor French Quarter refinement with down-home authenticity
- We strategically match wood grain and place knots for unique character
- Our heirloom-quality finishes ensure furniture lasts generations
- We maintain George Olivier's philosophy of functional artistic expression
Services
Custom Cypress Furniture
We create custom Cypress furniture that combines French Quarter elegance with Louisiana's rustic charm. Each piece showcases hand-matched wood grain and strategic knot placement to highlight natural character. Our oil-based stains and top coats ensure lasting beauty while maintaining functionality for everyday use.
Armoires
Our handcrafted armoires feature traditional joinery techniques and custom finishes that preserve the wood's natural character. Available in French and Maspro collections, these storage solutions blend historic design elements with modern functionality for bedroom organization.
Beds
We specialize in bed frames that merge artistic expression with structural integrity. From the iconic Louisiana Bayou Empire design to customizable headboards, each piece reflects decades of research into 19th-century furniture construction methods while incorporating contemporary comfort requirements.
Cabinets
Our cabinetry combines traditional woodworking techniques with modern storage needs. Featuring dovetail joints and hand-finished interiors, these pieces include pantry cabinets, buffet cabinets, and specialized storage units that maintain aesthetic continuity with our furniture collection.
Tables
We craft tables that balance historic design elements with practical use. From the Octagonal Shaker Style end tables to dining tables with turned legs, each piece demonstrates our commitment to matching wood grain patterns and preserving traditional construction methods.
People
George M. Olivier III
Founder
Master craftsman who established Olivier Woodworks in 1965. Descendant of early French settlers, he developed unique Cypress furniture techniques and created iconic pieces like the Louisiana Bayou Bed. His legacy continues through family members.
Chalon Ahbol
Current Owner
Daughter of George Olivier who continues the family tradition. She preserves her father's methods while managing daily operations. Grew up in the workshop and worked closely with her father before his passing in 2017.
Alix
Craftsman
Third-generation woodworker carrying on the Olivier legacy. Works alongside his mother Chalon to maintain traditional techniques while adapting to modern customization requests. Continues the family's commitment to quality craftsmanship.
Questions
What makes Olivier Woodworks' furniture unique?
Our furniture combines Acadian French heritage with handcrafted Cypress techniques. We use traditional methods passed down through three generations, featuring strategic wood grain matching and heirloom-quality finishes.
Can I request custom furniture designs?
Yes, we specialize in customizing pieces to meet client needs. Our team works closely with customers to create unique furniture while maintaining our signature French Quarter refinement and functional design principles.
What types of wood do you use?
We exclusively use Cypress wood, which we believe best captures Louisiana's natural beauty. Our founder pioneered techniques to highlight its unique character marks through specialized finishing processes.
Do you ship furniture outside Louisiana?
Yes, we ship our handcrafted furniture throughout the United States. Each piece receives careful packaging to ensure it arrives in perfect condition while maintaining its heirloom quality.
How long has Olivier Woodworks been in business?
We've been crafting fine furniture since 1965 when George M. Olivier III established the company. Our three-generation legacy continues today with traditional methods and modern customization options.
Reviews (1)
Brenda Basco
May 29, 2021
Report
Looking for some BEAUTIFUL HANDMADE Cypress Furniture. Look no more! This is your go-to place to find exactly what you're looking for. If we don't have exactly what you need, I'm sure our builder can build it to suit your desires. We have some gorgeous beds with several different styles to choose from (including but not limited to our Louisiana Bayou Bed, pencil post bed, etc.), bed steps, memory/blanket chests, bedroom dressers, bedside tables, end tables, kitchen tables of various sizes and styles (round, square, rectangular), kitchen chairs, rocking chairs, gun cabinets, armoires, etc.
Come see us at our workshop located at 117 2nd Street, or our gallery on Front Street in Natchitoches. We also offer smaller items which make great gifts for the ones who have EVERYTHING! Examples include ice cream caddys, beautiful candlestick holders, very pretty cypress bowls great for putting fruit in and other small items. Building or moving into a new house and want new furniture, come let us help you furnish your new house. Tell them Brenda sent you! Lol
Come see us at our workshop located at 117 2nd Street, or our gallery on Front Street in Natchitoches. We also offer smaller items which make great gifts for the ones who have EVERYTHING! Examples include ice cream caddys, beautiful candlestick holders, very pretty cypress bowls great for putting fruit in and other small items. Building or moving into a new house and want new furniture, come let us help you furnish your new house. Tell them Brenda sent you! Lol