Applebaum Woodwork

Berwyn, Illinois

Applebaum Woodwork
Founded by Sam Applebaum

Applebaum Woodwork is a small woodshop specializing in patterned end-grain cutting boards, trays, and one-of-a-kind woodworking projects. At the center of it is Sam Applebaum, a drummer who found his way into woodworking somewhat unexpectedly when touring came to a halt during the pandemic.

With time suddenly at home, Sam started drawing and needed frames for his work. His dad showed him how to make them himself, and what started as a practical project quickly turned into something much bigger. He got hooked on learning how to build, experimenting with wood, and figuring out just how intricate he could make something by hand. In 2022, that curiosity became Applebaum Woodwork.

Today, Sam is especially drawn to complex end-grain patterns and designs that create an almost three-dimensional effect. The finished pieces are functional objects, but they’re also the kind of cutting boards you might hesitate to actually cut on because they’re so satisfying to look at.

There’s something we love about a business that exists because someone followed their curiosity. One picture frame became another project, which became another skill, which eventually became an entire woodshop. Applebaum Woodwork is a very good reminder that sometimes you just have to keep making the thing you can’t stop thinking about.