Built for Simplicity

 Local woodworker creates furniture and home goods defined by Scandinavian-inspired minimalism

Red Seal carpenter, Anthony Eslava, worked in the residential construction industry for 10 years before making a life-changing shift. During the 2020 pandemic, Eslava, like many others, began reevaluating his priorities. He was a new father, and the demanding schedule was putting a huge strain on his time and energy. To ease the situation, Eslava left the hectic industry to open his own woodworking business, Ace Wood Co., where he focused on small-scale wooden home decor like cribbage boards, trays and wall art. 

Using locally sourced wood, his circular cribbage boards are carved with meticulous detail, revealing beautiful imagery that portrays mountains, local street maps or intricate mandalas. Each board also features storage beneath the lid for pegs and a deck of cards, making the game ready to play upon purchase. While Eslava continues to create small goods — like catch-all trays, incense holders and charcuterie boards — his broader focus is now on furniture.

Noting how minimalist design helps spaces breathe, Eslava builds pieces that reflect Scandinavian design. “It’s clean. It’s functional, and it’s never too complicated,” he says of the particular style. Walnut, white oak, and maple have become his favourite species to work with, and his designs often highlight the natural qualities of the wood. His favourite piece, and undoubtedly his most popular, is his Hati papercord bench. The Danish papercord is made from three layers of woven papercord, dried and hardened, making it both durable and flexible — ideal for seating. Each piece can be made to order using different wood species and papercord colours to create one-of-a-kind benches. While the furniture maker enjoys custom requests, he is most fulfilled when he creates items from his own ideas. 

In addition to his hand-built furniture, Eslava also sells plans for his most popular pieces, for other woodworkers to create their own versions. His mission is to help people create their dream environment with unique and thoughtfully designed items. Whether that means the addition of a mindfully placed catch-all tray, a custom-built entry bench for function and aesthetics, or the plans to create your own, Ace Wood Co. is focused on beautifying homes in Edmonton and beyond.