Sutter Fine Woodwork
Allen Sutter, owner of Sutter Fine Woodwork in Invermere, has been in the business of creating exquisitely crafted furniture and cabinetry for the last 24 years. He was born in Golden BC, educated at SAIT in Calgary, and apprenticed to a Swiss master cabinet maker in Canmore for 4 years before starting his own business in 1990. A Certified cabinet maker, he has built a solid reputation from Vancouver to Calgary, of providing the highest-quality product and service at very reasonable prices, in both the commercial and the residential arenas.
The company does a lot of commercial work, manufacturing bars, storefronts and all types of millwork. Cabinetry such as kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, moldings and wall units are the mainstay of the business. For projects larger than he can handle in his shop, Allen uses the resources of a company of certified cabinet makers who share his vision of producing the highest quality product on the market.
Allen works closely with architects and designers to implement their visions for individual pieces or complete home cabinetry, often refining their initial ideas for the purposes of longevity. Once given the concept and specifics such as dimensions and functional requirements, he completes the process, making an enduring product that pleases the client, the designer and himself. Because he stands behind his work, each piece is meticulously crafted so that, once installed, Allen knows it will give service and pleasure to the client for many years.
Sutter Fine Woodwork also makes custom furniture of timeless design and heirloom quality. Chairs, tables, beds, storage cabinets and entertainment units in a full range of styles from traditional, to rustic, to sleek contemporary can accommodate the wishes of homeowners who want an outstanding piece for a special place in the home. Allen often does the designing himself, especially if the client doesn’t know exactly how to describe his or her idea. He uses traditional joinery for the most part in crafting these unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that can be passed down from generation to generation.
When it comes to building materials, environmental concerns are first and foremost a consideration. About 99% of the time, the company stays away from materials which contain toxic substances such as formaldehyde. They use non-toxic LEED-certified materials whenever possible.
“Woods seem to go in and out of vogue with the years”, says Allen. Right now, knotty alder is a favorite for the rustic look. He uses numerous species such as maple, butternut, hickory, poplar, birch, European beech and occasionally, softwoods such as fir and knotty pine.
Exotic woods are used rarely because of their scarcity and issues of sustainability, but once in a while, the intricate details of a smaller piece require a wood that will hold a fine detail and Allen will choose to use ebony or cocobolo for accents. Black walnut is perfect for a very traditional design that calls for a dark, heavy look. White oak is used especially for the arts-and-crafts look of the past century. When asked about his favorite wood to work with, Allen said his all-time favorite wood is cherry.
For many years, Sutter Fine Woodwork has been making custom furniture for the Lake O’Hara Lodge and, locally, he has recently done the complete cabinetry for the first four custom-designed-and-built homes at Eagle Ranch.
There is no job too large or too small for us,” says Allen. “If there is a requirement, we can fill it.”
Office: 786 Westridge Drive, Invermere, BC, V0A 1K4 – 250-341-6963
Shop: Bays 5&6, 1346 Industrial Road #1 – 250-342-5511
Fax: 250-341-6962
Cell: 250-688-7078
Email: sfw@telus.net
Website: http://www.sutterfinewoodwork.ca
