Forging furniture, art and friendship
At The Slab Lads in Slacks Creek, a coffee table isn’t just a piece of furniture.
Each bespoke creation, made up of salvaged timber slabs by founder Stephen Evans, is as artistic as it is functional.
These pieces are also deeply personal and a reflection of the relationships between maker, client, and nature.
‘Our goal is to make things that people reckon are impossible to build; statement pieces that they’re proud to have out when they have dinner with the kids,’ Stephen says.
‘Clients tell us what design they have in their heads and then we’ll source a slab and go through the process of designing what they’re envisioning.’
Stephen, who has worked with wood since he was 16, sources slabs cut from dead standing or fallen trees.
Each slab is kiln-dried with all its unique imperfections, markings, and form.
‘We’re mindful of the impact mass production has on the environment so we wanted to be as green as possible,’ Stephen says.
‘We give new life to wood by using these slabs and work hard to create something beautiful that’s meant to last a lifetime.’
Nothing goes to waste at The Slab Lads, as even minimal off-cuts are turned into small homewares – like chopping boards and mirrors – for clients to cherish.
On average, Stephen and his business partner, Bailey Hoffman, spend 8 to 10 weeks on a single piece.
Their process includes levelling, sanding, resin coating, finishing – and a great deal of creativity and craftsmanship.
‘It’s important to pick the brains of your client but it’s more important to chuck a bit of your own flow in there instead of doing what everyone else is doing,’ Stephen says.
‘You can have guidelines, but it’s still got to be yours at the end – and people love that it’s made in-house by Bailey and me, a 2-man team.’
What started as a form of after-work stress relief for Stephen is now a flourishing business, with the duo creating approximately 200 pieces a year.
They also frequently contribute to community events with prizes for fundraising auctions, and they host free workshops for the West Metro Pirates Basketball Team.
‘We do these things for the kids, because if you don’t, some of them have to miss out,’ Stephen says.
‘I love that I’m able to help and just do what I enjoy every day – hanging with a mate and making cool stuff.’
Learn more about The Slab Lads.
