At Not Just Boards, we combine skilled craftsmanship with creativity to offer unique woodworking services. From beautifully designed furniture that's both practical and decorative to custom cabinetry tailored to your space. Our services include handmade dining tables, built-in cabinets, and storage solutions that are both stylish and functional. We also work closely with clients to bring their ideas to life, crafting one-of-a-kind designs that reflect their vision. Inspired by African artistry and Lowcountry charm, every piece we make is crafted with care, attention to detail, and a love for timeless design. Whether you need a special gift, a custom centerpiece, or a complete home upgrade, we’re here to help.

Discover the artistry and craftsmanship behind Not Just Boards by exploring our collection of handcrafted designs. Each piece reflects our dedication to quality and creativity, from elegant cutting boards to custom furniture and built-in cabinetry. Whether it’s a statement dining table, a functional storage solution, or a personalized project, our work is designed to elevate your space. Rooted in African heritage and inspired by Lowcountry charm, our creations combine beauty and practicality. Browse our gallery to see how we transform wood into timeless pieces that tell a story—and imagine what we can create for you. 

Understanding Your Vision

At Not Just Boards, every project starts with a conversation. Whether it’s through an onsite visit or detailed communication, we take the time to understand your needs, style, and goals for the space. This initial step ensures we’re aligned with your vision, allowing us to create something truly personalized and functional.

Precision Measurements

Once we understand your vision, we move to the next step—gathering precise measurements. Accuracy is key to a successful project, and we take great care to ensure every detail is accounted for. These measurements form the foundation for creating a piece that fits perfectly in your space.

Selecting the Right Materials

Choosing the right materials is a critical part of any project, and we guide you through this process by sharing our expertise. We’ll discuss the differences between common and exotic hardwoods, explaining how each option impacts the look, durability, and cost of your piece. We also compare materials like typical plywood versus premium prefinished options, helping you understand how these choices affect the functionality and finish of the final product. This collaboration ensures you’re confident in the materials we use and their contribution to the quality of your design.

3D Design and Review

To help you visualize your project, we use SketchUp, a professional 3D design software. This allows us to create a realistic layout of your project that you can review and adjust. Whether it’s a custom dining table, built-in cabinets, or any other creation, this step ensures you’re completely satisfied with the design before production begins.

Crafting Your Piece

Once the design and materials are finalized, we move into the production phase. Using the approved plan as our guide, we carefully craft your piece with precision and skill. Our commitment to quality means every detail is thoughtfully executed to ensure the final product matches your expectations.

Delivering Your Vision

By following this clear and collaborative process, we make sure there’s no guesswork. From start to finish, our focus is on creating a piece that you’ll love for years to come—one that perfectly reflects your vision, enhances your space, and showcases the quality of the materials we’ve chosen together.

Ready to bring your vision to life? Share your ideas with us through our Contact Us page, and let’s create something truly unique together. Whether it’s a custom piece of furniture, built-in cabinetry, or a one-of-a-kind design, we’re here to make it happen! Follow the link below to fill out an introductory form which captures all the necessary information to begin the process.

Click here to Contact Us

Our Story

Founded in 2015, Not Just Boards began with a simple goal: to create high-quality, handmade items that are both beautiful and functional. Over time, our passion for woodworking grew, and so did our offerings. Today, we specialize in crafting not only unique custom furniture but also cabinetry and cutting boards. Every piece is thoughtfully designed and meticulously crafted, reflecting our commitment to excellence and creativity.

Our Craft

At Not Just Boards, we take pride in every detail of our work. Using the finest materials and techniques, we ensure that each product is built to last and designed to inspire. From sleek modern designs to timeless classics, our creations blend practicality with artistry, making them perfect for any home. 

Our Community

Located in Mount Pleasant, SC, we are inspired by the rich heritage and charm of the Lowcountry. Our work reflects the warmth and character of the region, bringing a touch of local artistry into every piece we create. Whether you're looking for a unique gift, a statement piece for your home, or a custom project tailored to your needs, we’re here to help. At Not Just Boards, we believe in creating more than products; we create connections and lasting memories.

Our Work Experience

Donovan Craig brings a unique blend of education, technical expertise, and hands-on experience to every project he undertakes. Educated at Maritzburg College in South Africa, Donovan developed a strong foundation in technical drawing, a skill that sharpened his eye for precision and detail. This early passion for design and structure led him to study architecture at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, NC. Here, Donovan deepened his understanding of architectural principles, which continue to inform his ability to conceptualize and execute intricate designs.

The technical drawing knowledge Donovan acquired has proven invaluable in his career, enabling him to create clear, accurate visions for projects while also enriching the overall design process. His ability to merge structural functionality with aesthetic appeal stems from this foundational expertise, ensuring that every project he works on is not only practical but also visually compelling.

In addition to his educational background, Donovan gained extensive managerial and technical experience during his tenure as General Manager at Servpro, a leading company specializing in fire, water, and mold mitigation. This role required him to oversee complex projects, coordinate diverse teams, and ensure that work was completed efficiently and to the highest standard. His experience with residential property restoration has given him a profound understanding of the structural, functional, and aesthetic considerations necessary when upgrading and maintaining homes.

By combining his architectural education, technical drawing skills, and project management expertise, Donovan offers his clients a comprehensive approach to their projects. His ability to seamlessly integrate design vision with practical execution ensures successful outcomes, whether he’s crafting bespoke furniture, creating custom cabinetry, or overseeing larger residential transformations. Donovan’s holistic approach delivers not just exceptional craftsmanship but also enduring satisfaction for his clients.

Family and Roots

At the heart of Not Just Boards is a deep connection to family and heritage. Born and raised in South Africa, I’ve spent over 20 years living in the United States, blending the traditions of my African upbringing with the charm and culture of my life here. My family is my greatest support—my loving wife, two wonderful children, and our loyal dog, Max, inspire me every day. This strong foundation is reflected in the care and commitment I bring to every project, ensuring each piece carries the warmth and authenticity that only comes from family values and personal passion.

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