About Sims Slabs
At Sims Slabs, we believe in giving new life to wood that would otherwise go to waste. Our family-run business transforms locally salvaged hardwoods into one-of-a-kind bowls, tables, and functional art — blending sustainability with timeless craftsmanship.
Every piece we create preserves the natural beauty and character of the wood. From live-edge dining tables to hand-turned bowls, each one tells a story through its unique grain, color, and texture.
Based in Staunton, in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley.
Meet the Makers
Mark Sims
Master Woodworker
With over 35 years of experience as a forester, Mark has a deep connection to the woods. His expertise in understanding wood's unique qualities shines through in every bowl he creates. Using a lathe, Mark carefully handcrafts each piece, turning salvaged wood into exquisite, food-safe bowls that are as much works of art as they are functional heirlooms.
Nathan Sims
Craftsman & Woodworker
Nathan brings a unique background to the family business, having worked as an archaeologist before joining his father as a forester and woodworker. His eye for history and detail is reflected in the handcrafted tables he creates, each piece telling a story through the natural patterns and textures of the wood.
Emma Sue Larramore
Photographer & Social Media
Emma brings the beauty of our craft to the screen through her photography, copywriting, and social media work. Follow us @Sims_Slabs to see what's new, and visit her Instagram @soodlecreativestudio for more of her work.
Michael Scott
Shop Dog
Every great workshop needs a supervisor. Michael Scott keeps morale high, greets every visitor, and ensures no wood shaving goes uninspected.
Our Process
Source
We mill our own slabs from locally sourced hardwoods using a portable sawmill, selecting each log for its unique grain and character.
Shape
Every piece is shaped by hand — turned on the lathe, joined at the bench, or carved to follow the wood's natural form. Our bowls start with a rough turning, then dry for at least a year to prevent future cracking and warping.
Finish
After drying, each bowl is hand-turned again on the lathe and carefully sanded. We laser our logo onto every piece in-house and apply a food-safe finish — bringing you functional art built to become an heirloom.
Recent Work
From Our Clients
“Collaborating on the table was a pleasure. The tabletop exceeded my expectation!”
“The perfect accent piece for our beach house!”
Get in Touch
We love working with clients to create something truly yours. Tell us about your space and what you have in mind — we’ll help pick the right wood, shape, and finish. Most custom projects start with a simple email.