# Saltwoods

**Trade:** Carpentry · **Address:** 79 Wexford St, Needham, MA 02494 · **Phone:** (617) 744-9401 · **Website:** http://www.saltwoods.com/ · **Languages:** English

**Rating: 4.6/5** (high confidence) — from 74 reviews across 5 sources.
99% of sentiment-scored reviews read net-positive. Last 6 months: 3 reviews, 0 negative.

## The honest read

Saltwoods is a Needham woodshop built around one thing: turning a single reclaimed or hand-picked slab of hardwood into a table meant to outlast the family that ordered it. Dan Crossman started the business in January 2014 after leaving a 12-year corporate career in Germany, and reviewers going back nearly a decade still name him personally — along with staff members Ryan and Alyssa — for walking them through wood species, finishes and base styles before anything gets built.

The volume of praise is unusual for a furniture maker: 229 Google ratings and 30 on Houzz, both averaging 5.0 stars, spanning commissions from 2017 through 2026, with three more 5-star reviews landing in just the past six months. The same story repeats across dozens of them — a live-edge dining table, a reclaimed oak trestle, a custom kitchen island countertop — customers describing a showroom visit where they picked a slab off the wall and later watched the finished piece delivered and set up. In 2024, the shop built a custom table for a local firehouse after a competitive-bid process, work that goes beyond the residential dining room. Regional press has taken notice too: the Boston Globe, Boston Magazine, New England Home and North Shore Magazine have all photographed Saltwoods pieces in finished homes going back to 2016.

Not every account is glowing. A 2024 review described a long lead time on a $5,500 table and a dispute over a storage and delivery fee once the piece was ready — worth asking about upfront if timing matters to you or you'd rather not pay to have it held.

Saltwoods is the call for someone who wants one statement piece — a dining table, an island top, a bench — built to order rather than pulled off a showroom floor, and who's willing to visit the Needham shop and sit through a real production schedule to get it. Confirm delivery timing and any storage or installation fees before signing off on the order.

**Strengths:**
- Named craftsmen — Dan, Ryan and Alyssa praised repeatedly by name
- Regional press — featured in the Boston Globe and Boston Magazine
- Consistent ratings — 5.0 stars on both Google and Houzz
- Municipal work — built a custom table for a local firehouse

**Concerns:**
- Delivery dispute — a 2024 review cited a long lead time and storage fee conflict

## Claims & citations

Every claim below is backed by real evidence rows — uncited claims are dropped in code before publication.

- Started in January 2014 by Dan Crossman, who left a 12-year corporate career in Germany to pursue woodworking and design _(confidence: high)_
  - [Official Website](http://www.saltwoods.com) — “Company history (self-reported): Saltwoods was started in January 2014 after Dan Crossman decided to leave his 12-year corporate career in G…”
- Founded and owned by Dan Crossman _(confidence: high)_
  - [Official Website](http://www.saltwoods.com) — “Ownership (self-reported): Founded and owned by Dan Crossman.”
- Based in Needham, MA, and handcrafts tables, benches and other furniture from reclaimed and salvaged hardwoods _(confidence: high)_
  - [Official Website](http://www.saltwoods.com) — “Saltwoods is a custom furniture workshop and showroom in Needham, MA that handcrafts tables, benches, and other wood pieces from reclaimed a…”
- Google rates Saltwoods 5.0 stars from 229 ratings _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Saltwoods&query_place_id=ChIJb1HwLkl044kR0Q5nNjc2_yY) — “Google: 5★ from 229 ratings”
- Houzz rates Saltwoods 5.0 stars from 30 ratings _(confidence: high)_
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/furniture-and-accessories/saltwoods-pfvwus-pf~277239075) — “Houzz: 5.0★ from 30 ratings”
- Customers repeatedly single out Dan Crossman, Ryan and Alyssa by name for guiding the design process _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT201NmJtZEtkR3hIWm05SWJWZGhkazV4Y1hGR1JHYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x26ff363736670ed1!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOm56bmdKdGxHZm9IbVdhdk5xcXFGRGc%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Dan and his team were great - the showroom is great to see various options and types of wood and examples of their work, and Dan does a g…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT214aGRUaFhSMGQxWmpJM1NYbDNNVzVVTlhwblVYYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x26ff363736670ed1!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOmxhdThXR0d1ZjI3SXl3MW5UNXpnUXc%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Terrific experience working with Dan Crossman and the Saltwoods team! They made us two custom nightstands in the exact dimensions we need…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJVFRuYWpMbUtUYzNnRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x26ff363736670ed1!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEITTnajLmKTc3gE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ We had an incredible experience at Saltwoods and couldn’t be happier with our live edge dining table purchase! We worked with Ryan who he…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTUN3b3Z1U1hREAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x26ff363736670ed1!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgMCwovuSXQ%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Ryan is really awesome and is really helpful if you have any question. I would highly recommend saltwoods for anyone who likes to get the…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURQeS1EX2l3RRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x26ff363736670ed1!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDPy-D_iwE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Was searching for a quality dining table for our new home and everything we found was veneer and mass marketed. Stumbled on Saltwood whil…”
- Regional design press has featured Saltwoods' custom tables in the Boston Globe, Boston Magazine, New England Home, North Shore Magazine and Boston Design Guide _(confidence: high)_
  - [bostondesignguide.com](https://www.bostondesignguide.com/blog/anchored-for-living/) — “bostondesignguide.com — The dining room features a custom-designed table by Saltwoods in Needham, paired with lighting from Shiplights in Ma…”
  - [nshoremag.com](https://www.nshoremag.com/northshore-home/coastal-hues-and-period-details-infuse-a-nahant-home-with-effortless-chic/) — “nshoremag.com — Genta enlisted Needham-based furniture maker Saltwoods to handcraft the live-edge dining room table out of English elm.”
  - [nshoremag.com](https://www.nshoremag.com/northshore-home/a-spirited-studio-henley-design-crafts-a-new-home-for-itself-in-downtown-salem/) — “nshoremag.com — the Henley team partnered with Saltwoods Boston, a local furniture workshop, on a long workstation.”
  - [nehomemag.com](https://nehomemag.com/cecilia-casagrande-transforms-a-newton-victorian/) — “nehomemag.com — Saltwoods created the streamlined walnut table, and the Allied Maker pendant hanging above it exhibits a verdigris finish.”
  - [bostonmagazine.com](https://www.bostonmagazine.com/property/2024/05/14/jill-neubauer/) — “bostonmagazine.com — Saltwoods made the 15-foot white-oak console with a rusted steel insert on top to withstand a piping hot dish just out …”
  - [bostonglobe.com](https://www.bostonglobe.com/magazine/2016/09/09/designing-kitchen-around-favorite-color/5gQIULi6HnO6YqEGWERdtO/story.html) — “bostonglobe.com — a reclaimed-wood table handcrafted by Saltwoods in Watertown.”
  - [bostondesignguide.com](https://www.bostondesignguide.com/blog/grounded-architectural-structures-rooted-site/) — “bostondesignguide.com — a black walnut live edge dining table made by Saltwoods Boston (legs by Costa Fabrications).”
  - [bostonglobe.com](https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/05/29/magazine/home-design-ideas-bringing-pops-color-into-family-room/) — “bostonglobe.com — Saltwoods in Watertown made the custom walnut coffee table with black metal base.”
  - [4j.org.ua](http://4j.org.ua/inopressa/397956-new-england-living-handcrafted-custom-tables-from-saltwood.html) — “4j.org.ua — BOSTON (CBS) – When it comes to creating handcrafted tables, one Boston-area workshop is going above and beyond. Rachel Holt tal…”
- Built a custom table for a municipal firehouse project after a competitive quote process, described in a 2024 review _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQzc0xYQkZnEAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x26ff363736670ed1!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgID3sLXBFg%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Saltwoods team was amazing. This was a table for our Firehouse and since it was a municipal job we had to do our due diligence and get qu…”
- Reclaimed and live-edge hardwood tables are the recurring commission across years of reviews _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2pWSFYwRmFUazlYVVdob01tTm5Vblp5UTFKaVNVRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x26ff363736670ed1!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOjVHV0FaTk9XUWhoMmNnUnZyQ1JiSUE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Dan Crossman and his crew at Saltwoods designed and created the most gorgeous custom walnut kitchen work table for my family’s antique ho…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJVFRuYWpMbUtUYzNnRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x26ff363736670ed1!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEITTnajLmKTc3gE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ We had an incredible experience at Saltwoods and couldn’t be happier with our live edge dining table purchase! We worked with Ryan who he…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQtMmVQUl93RRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x26ff363736670ed1!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgID-2ePR_wE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ From start to finish we’ve had a wonderful experience with Dan and his team at Saltwoods.  They built 4 pieces for us — a kitchen table f…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURldklpcjBRRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x26ff363736670ed1!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDevIir0QE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Saltwoods Saves the Day!  My wife and I have recently finished a major overhaul of our kitchen.  The final piece was a new, custom made t…”
- Also builds custom benches, coffee tables, consoles and kitchen island countertops _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2tGbWEwMURNR1puU0cwNE9GaDVlVnBDVjI5MmMzYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x26ff363736670ed1!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOkFma01DMGZnSG04OFh5eVpCV292c3c%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Great communication throughout entire process from selecting wood and finish to home installation. Beautiful wood kitchen island countert…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT21VMmJWQkJaVzV6V20xMWMwRnpabUp1UmtaMFZXYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x26ff363736670ed1!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOmU2bVBBZW5zWm11c0FzZmJuRkZ0VWc%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Dan and the team helped design and build a custom walnut bench with storage for records and equipment. It turned out great!”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURqeWZEeXZBRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x26ff363736670ed1!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDjyfDyvAE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Dan and his team did an amazing job building two unique pieces for our home: they were able to understand our style and needs, and had gr…”
- A 2024 one-star review described a long lead time and a dispute over a storage/delivery fee on a $5,500 table _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURYNFB6VlpnEAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x26ff363736670ed1!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDX4PzVZg%7C%7C?hl=en) — “1★ I purchased a $5,500 table. After the very long lead time at their schedule, the table was ready-white glove delivery, that I paid for. M…”
- Specializes in Carpentry _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2pWSFYwRmFUazlYVVdob01tTm5Vblp5UTFKaVNVRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x26ff363736670ed1!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOjVHV0FaTk9XUWhoMmNnUnZyQ1JiSUE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Dan Crossman and his crew at Saltwoods designed and created the most gorgeous custom walnut kitchen work table for my family’s antique ho…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURqeWZEeXZBRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x26ff363736670ed1!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDjyfDyvAE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Dan and his team did an amazing job building two unique pieces for our home: they were able to understand our style and needs, and had gr…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQtMmVQUl93RRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x26ff363736670ed1!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgID-2ePR_wE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ From start to finish we’ve had a wonderful experience with Dan and his team at Saltwoods.  They built 4 pieces for us — a kitchen table f…”
  - [Official Website](http://www.saltwoods.com) — “Saltwoods is a custom furniture workshop and showroom in Needham, MA that handcrafts tables, benches, and other wood pieces from reclaimed a…”
- Also offers Specialty Services _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2tGbWEwMURNR1puU0cwNE9GaDVlVnBDVjI5MmMzYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x26ff363736670ed1!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOkFma01DMGZnSG04OFh5eVpCV292c3c%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Great communication throughout entire process from selecting wood and finish to home installation. Beautiful wood kitchen island countert…”

## License

Status: **not_found** — verified against the official MA state registry, never self-reported.
Re-check at the official registry: https://madpl.mylicense.com/Verification/

## Sources

- [Exa](https://www.bostondesignguide.com/blog/anchored-for-living/): 14 web mentions across the open web (each linked to its source)
- [Google](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Saltwoods&query_place_id=ChIJb1HwLkl044kR0Q5nNjc2_yY): 5.0★ from 229 ratings
- [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Saltwoods&query_place_id=ChIJb1HwLkl044kR0Q5nNjc2_yY): Listed on this source
- [Official Website](http://www.saltwoods.com): 12 yrs in business · Self-reported profile and service details
- [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/furniture-and-accessories/saltwoods-pfvwus-pf~277239075): 5.0★ from 30 ratings

## Mentions

Unverified third-party mentions found on the open web — relay with attribution ("a Reddit commenter said…"), never as Tavlee's own finding.

- “the Henley team partnered with Saltwoods Boston, a local furniture workshop, on a long workstation.” — nshoremag.com (2026-02-20) — https://www.nshoremag.com/northshore-home/a-spirited-studio-henley-design-crafts-a-new-home-for-itself-in-downtown-salem/
- “Saltwoods created the streamlined walnut table, and the Allied Maker pendant hanging above it exhibits a verdigris finish.” — nehomemag.com (2026-02-11) — https://nehomemag.com/cecilia-casagrande-transforms-a-newton-victorian/
- “The first step of my search was to Instagram hard: #LiveEdgeWood, #CustomTable… my hashtag searches eventually led me to Saltwoods in Needham. I didn’t bother shopping around once I saw that they’ve g…” — joanbissdorf.com (2025-10-02) — https://www.joanbissdorf.com/blog/2025/9/30/getting-a-custom-live-edge-table
- “The dining room features a custom-designed table by Saltwoods in Needham, paired with lighting from Shiplights in Marblehead.” — bostondesignguide.com (2025-05-07) — https://www.bostondesignguide.com/blog/anchored-for-living/
- “Saltwoods made the 15-foot white-oak console with a rusted steel insert on top to withstand a piping hot dish just out of the oven.” — bostonmagazine.com (2024-05-14) — https://www.bostonmagazine.com/property/2024/05/14/jill-neubauer/
- “Genta enlisted Needham-based furniture maker Saltwoods to handcraft the live-edge dining room table out of English elm.” — nshoremag.com (2024-04-29) — https://www.nshoremag.com/northshore-home/coastal-hues-and-period-details-infuse-a-nahant-home-with-effortless-chic/
- “We like to imagine the family flanking the island for an informal weekend brunch or coming together around the kitchen table, custom-built by the master artisans at Saltwoods, for a casual weeknight d…” — acamporainteriors.com (2024-03-17) — https://acamporainteriors.com/blog/project-reveal-watch-hill-coastal-classic/
- “Rachel Holt talks with Dan Crossman owner and founder of Saltwoods, a handcrafted wood workshop located just outside Boston, MA.” — newenglandliving.tv (2023-03-20) — https://newenglandliving.tv/saltwoods/
- “Our first featured business partner is Saltwoods, a high-end furniture business in Needham, MA with a rapidly expanding and devoted customer base. Dan Crossman, founder and owner, has been a business …” — newildernesstrust.org (2022-05-08) — https://newildernesstrust.org/business-alliance-saltwoods/
- “Saltwoods in Watertown made the custom walnut coffee table with black metal base.” — bostonglobe.com (2020-05-29) — https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/05/29/magazine/home-design-ideas-bringing-pops-color-into-family-room/
- “a black walnut live edge dining table made by Saltwoods Boston (legs by Costa Fabrications).” — bostondesignguide.com (2020-04-27) — https://www.bostondesignguide.com/blog/grounded-architectural-structures-rooted-site/
- “I ended up coming across Saltwoods on Instagram and instantly fell in love with their reclaimed wood tables.” — dgrubs.com (2016-09-12) — http://www.dgrubs.com/2016/09/12/saltwoods/
- “a reclaimed-wood table handcrafted by Saltwoods in Watertown.” — bostonglobe.com (2016-09-09) — https://www.bostonglobe.com/magazine/2016/09/09/designing-kitchen-around-favorite-color/5gQIULi6HnO6YqEGWERdtO/story.html
- “BOSTON (CBS) – When it comes to creating handcrafted tables, one Boston-area workshop is going above and beyond. Rachel Holt talks with founder Dan Crossman about his unique process and passion for cr…” — 4j.org.ua — http://4j.org.ua/inopressa/397956-new-england-living-handcrafted-custom-tables-from-saltwood.html

## Recent reviews

- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Tamar Ossowski · 2026-08-24**: Beautiful table.  Company was easy to work with. Amazing custom results.  Enthusiastically recommend!!!!
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Sarah Henry · 2026-05-07**: Dan Crossman and his crew at Saltwoods designed and created the most gorgeous custom walnut kitchen work table for my family’s antique home on the Cape. Beautiful craftsmanship and Dan was a pleasure to work with from beginning to end. The Saltwoods crew are masters of their craft.
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Alan Fincke · 2026-04-24**: Great place, very friendly and helpful, and beautiful products!
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Andy Doc · 2026-01-26**: My new kitchen table is absolutely beautiful, exceeding my expectations!  The knowledgeable Saltwoods team helped me pick the wood type and finish and suggested customized details to create just the look I was after. Delivery time was as promised.  We will treasure the table for a long time.
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Lorene Dangelo · 2025-12-25**: I’ve wanted a Saltwoods table for a long time. The quality and craftsmanship is unbeatable. So when the time came to make my purchase, I excitedly went to their showroom to learn more and make my selection. Their representative spent well over an hour with me, thoughtfully providing answers to my qu…
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · sixstring098 · 2025-12-11**: We have ordered from many companies in our full house renovation and Saltwoods is peerless. They are kind, responsive and fast, and they can make anything to the highest quality—and all at fair prices. Dan and their custom service team are particularly excellent.
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Sam Bloomberg · 2025-12-04**: Dan and his team were great - the showroom is great to see various options and types of wood and examples of their work, and Dan does a good job walking you through the various options and even picking out a live edge slab if that's what you're going for. I had a dining table, dining bench, and coff…
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Katie Kralievits Sharp · 2025-12-03**: Terrific experience working with Dan Crossman and the Saltwoods team! They made us two custom nightstands in the exact dimensions we needed for our bedroom in a beautiful Walnut. The entire process was so easy and enjoyable - Dan was incredibly communicative and made sure every detail was just right…
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Patrick Mara · 2025-11-24**: Absolutely thrilled with our purchase from Saltwoods. We ordered a coffee table and it is beautiful. Unbelievable quality and such a great company to work with. They are a friendly, knowledgable team who clearly loves what they do and cares about what they are creating.
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Katie McClean · 2025-11-19**: Our table is incredible. We love it so much! Dan and his team are beyond talented, and the experience from start to finish was exceptional. It felt like a collaborative endeavor each step of the way, and Dan got our table to us in time for our out-of-town  family to celebrate a holiday with us. We a…

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Data freshness: last scanned 2026-09-08T06:56:03.194Z.
Cite as: Saltwoods — Tavlee (https://tavlee.com/contractor/saltwoods-needham)
Source: https://tavlee.com/contractor/saltwoods-needham