Business Details
9 Years
experience
Handcrafted Reclaimed Wood Furniture in Norfolk, VA
Nate Kinnison Photography represents a legacy of craftsmanship spanning over seven decades. Founded in the 1950s as Shorty's Craft Shop by Allen Kinnison, our roots lie in traditional woodworking, custom furniture creation, and antique restoration. Through three generations, we've preserved techniques that honor natural wood characteristics while minimizing waste. Our transition to Nate Kinnison Photography in 2017 marked a renewed focus on reclaimed materials, transforming industrial remnants and salvaged timber into functional art. Our expertise extends to wood carving, metal fabrication, and sustainable design, with equipment and knowledge passed down through the family. We maintain a curated collection of global hardwoods alongside our private stock of reclaimed materials.Our commitment to quality is evident in every piece, whether large-scale commissions or small, handcrafted objects. The same tools and machines used by Allen Kinnison continue to shape our work today, ensuring continuity of craft. Our Norfolk, VA facility houses both modern operations and historical artifacts from our Portsmouth shop. We specialize in creating timeless pieces that balance practicality with artistic expression, honoring our founder's philosophy of resourcefulness. Every product reflects our dedication to preserving woodworking heritage while embracing contemporary design challenges.
Services
Custom Furniture
Reclaimed Wood Products
Timber Beam Restoration
Wood Carving
Antique Repair
Metal Fabrication
Industrial Design
Sustainable Woodworking
Details
- Year established: 2017
Highlights and features
- Family-owned woodworking business operating since the 1950s
- Specialize in transforming reclaimed materials into functional art
- Maintain original tools and techniques from our founder's era
- Commitment to zero-waste principles in all projects
- Expertise in both antique restoration and modern wood fabrication
Services
Custom Furniture
We create one-of-a-kind furniture pieces using reclaimed wood and traditional techniques. Our process transforms salvaged materials into durable, artistic pieces while maintaining each wood's natural character. Clients receive heirloom-quality items that tell a story through unique grain patterns and historical imperfections. Our expertise ensures both aesthetic appeal and functional longevity.
Reclaimed Wood Products
Our reclaimed wood products repurpose industrial remnants and salvaged timber into functional objects. We source materials from local shipyards, demolished structures, and fallen trees to create eco-friendly products. Each item preserves the wood's history while meeting modern design needs. This approach reduces waste and gives new life to materials that would otherwise be discarded.
Timber Beam Restoration
Specialized restoration of historic timber beams for commercial and residential applications. We combine traditional joinery techniques with modern engineering standards to preserve structural integrity. Our work maintains historical authenticity while ensuring safety and durability. This service supports heritage building preservation and adaptive reuse projects.
Wood Carving
Hand-carved wood detailing for architectural elements and decorative pieces. Our craftsmen use both traditional hand tools and modern equipment to create intricate designs. This service caters to custom projects requiring ornamental woodwork or unique design elements. Each carving preserves the natural characteristics of the wood material.
Antique Repair
Restoration of antique furniture and wooden artifacts using period-appropriate techniques. We specialize in preserving original finishes while repairing structural damage. Our approach maintains historical value while extending the usable life of cherished pieces. This service includes both functional repairs and cosmetic refinishing.
People
Nate Kinnison
Owner & Craftsman
Third-generation woodworker continuing his grandfather's legacy. Specializes in transforming reclaimed materials into functional art while maintaining traditional techniques. Leads daily operations at Nate Kinnison Photography's Norfolk facility.
Allen Kinnison
Founder
Established Shorty's Craft Shop in the 1950s. Developed woodworking techniques emphasizing resourcefulness and quality. Operated the business into his 90s, mentoring subsequent generations in traditional craftsmanship before passing in 2016.
Charles Kinnison
Former Owner
Shop teacher and second-generation woodworker who preserved family techniques. Managed operations until his passing in 2017, ensuring continuity between Shorty's Craft Shop and Nate Kinnison Photography. Mentored Nate in advanced woodworking methods.
Questions
What types of materials do you work with?
We primarily use reclaimed wood from local shipyards, demolished structures, and storm-damaged trees. Our inventory includes both domestic and imported hardwoods, along with salvaged industrial timber and antique wood remnants.
Can you create custom pieces from client-supplied materials?
Yes, we welcome projects using client-provided wood. Our craftsmen can transform personal wood collections or family heirloom timber into custom furniture while preserving the material's history and character.
Do you offer commercial design services?
We provide custom solutions for commercial spaces including restaurant interiors, office furniture, and architectural millwork. Our team works with designers to create unique installations using reclaimed materials.
How do you ensure sustainability in your work?
Our zero-waste philosophy means every wood scrap gets repurposed. We prioritize salvaged materials over new lumber and maintain a closed-loop system where offcuts become smaller products or shop fuel.
What's your repair process for antique furniture?
We use traditional joinery and finishing techniques to restore antiques. Our approach preserves historical integrity while addressing structural issues. Clients receive detailed documentation of repair methods and material sources.
Can visitors tour your Norfolk facility?
We offer scheduled tours of our Norfolk workshop to showcase our process and available materials. Visitors can see ongoing projects and discuss custom work with our craftsmen.
