Modern Hippie of the Month: Dean Stubbings, owner and designer of Madera Furniture

Dean

Dean Stubbings is the owner, founder, and designer of Madera Furniture, using recycled/salvaged wood he creates one-of-a-kind furniture. His storefront/workshop is located in Fairfax, California.

When did you start “thinking green,” and what inspired you to do so?

In 1994, I got a job at Urban Ore – a salvage company in Berkeley, California that specializes in recycling. I worked for them on and off for about six years, and it was all I needed to accept the green way of life. People could go there to buy bathroom fixtures, wood, nails, furniture, books, doors… all from demo jobs, including some of the best in old building demos. This experience really taught me the meaning of the saying, “One person’s trash is another’s treasure.” I remodeled my first house using 80% recycled materials, some of which were purchased from Urban Ore.

How does being a “modern hippie” speak to you personally?

I try to implement green philosophies in my daily actions and pass them onto my four-year-old son. I bring my son to work, so he gets to hear the “sales pitch” often – artisan furniture made out of reclaimed/recycled wood. He especially likes that some of it comes from dumpsters. He’s fascinated with trash bins! I’m not sure how many other kids his age know about recycled wood.

Tell us a bit about Madera Furniture and how the company embodies eco-friendliness.

I make artisan furniture (both indoor and outdoor) out of salvaged wood, with all eco-friendly finishes and stains. I have been known to “dumpster dive” for wood. I use local vendors for supplies, local recycled wood, and all-natural products.

coffee table

How did you get started with furniture building?

Urban Ore was kind enough to rent me a space in their huge warehouse. I would buy their wood and make furniture right there on the spot. After many moves and especially after my son was born, I decided that it was time to open up my shop.

farm leaf table

How do you get ideas for your work?

Mainly from custom orders, but I build what I like. It’s usually super rustic.

adirondack and round table

What are the price points of your furniture?

Outdoor benches and tables run about $400 to $600, farm tables are $1,200 to $1,500, and raw edge dinner tables are priced about $2,000 to $3,000.

raw edge table, courtesy meisdesign.com

Where did you get your experience in woodworking?

I’ve been building benches for over 16 years, so practice, I guess!

What other modern hippies inspire you?

Anyone that can find something old and return it to working order. Urban Ore, they inspire me.

What are some eco-friendly products you can’t live without?

AFM Naturals for paint and building products.

Madera Furniture, www.maderafurniture.net, 1587 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Fairfax CA, 94930, Get Directions, (415) 516-3567.

Ellie P. Campbell

Ellie P. Campbell’s eco-interests range from natural and organic foods to skincare products, clothing and other useful gear. She is a freelance photographer, editor, writer and graphic designer. Find her beautiful photography at www.elliepcampbellphotography.com. Read Ellie’s other contributions to Modern Hippie Mag here.