Wood Joint Studio
915 N. Franklin St. — A working North Franklin woodshop where custom furniture, fine woodworking, boat projects and redwood tonewood carry on Fort Bragg’s tradition of making things by hand.
Last updated: September 25, 2026
Overview
Wood Joint Studio at 915 N. Franklin Street is part of Fort Bragg's continuing tradition of fine woodworking and custom craftsmanship.
Founded by Bob Sanderson and Taimi Barty, the studio produces custom furniture, cabinetry, hardware and boat-related projects. Its work reflects the influence of the College of the Redwoods Fine Woodworking Program and renowned cabinetmaker James Krenov.
The business also produces specialty redwood tonewood for musical instruments through WJS Tops, connecting Fort Bragg's timber heritage with modern craftsmanship.
Location
Wood Joint Studio operates at 915 N. Franklin Street in Fort Bragg's north-end commercial and light-industrial area.
The property has the practical appearance of a working shop, with broad work doors, a fenced yard and space for materials and equipment.
Unlike downtown retail storefronts, this building was designed around hands-on work rather than window displays.
History
Wood Joint Studio was established by Bob Sanderson and Taimi Barty, a married couple who attended the College of the Redwoods Fine Woodworking Program from 1999 to 2002.
The program, strongly influenced by master cabinetmaker James Krenov, attracted students from around the world and helped establish Fort Bragg as an internationally recognized center for fine woodworking.
Its emphasis on thoughtful design, precise joinery, proportion and respect for natural wood became an important influence on their work.
The couple developed Wood Joint Studio into a custom woodworking business producing furniture, cabinetry, specialized hardware and boat-related projects.
Their work reflects the versatility that has long characterized Fort Bragg's craftspeople, combining traditional woodworking techniques with practical custom design.
Through WJS Tops, the business also prepares old-growth and sinker redwood as tonewood for guitars and ukuleles.
This specialty work gives Fort Bragg's timber heritage another purpose. Redwood once processed primarily as construction lumber is carefully selected for its grain, resonance and musical qualities.
The Building Today
Wood Joint Studio continues operating as a working custom woodshop at 915 N. Franklin Street.
The business produces custom furniture, cabinetry, hardware, boat-related projects and specialty redwood tonewood through WJS Tops.
Its modest workshop building remains part of North Franklin Street's practical working landscape, supporting skilled craftsmanship rather than conventional retail activity.
Community Memories
The original community discussion included a brief but enthusiastic compliment describing the people at Wood Joint Studio as great woodworkers.
Although only one response was recorded, it reflects the appreciation for skilled craftsmanship that has helped make Fort Bragg an important woodworking community.
The studio also represents the lasting influence of the College of the Redwoods Fine Woodworking Program, whose graduates established independent workshops throughout the Mendocino Coast.
Timeline
1999–2002 – Bob Sanderson and Taimi Barty attend the College of the Redwoods Fine Woodworking Program.
Early 2000s – Wood Joint Studio develops from their woodworking experience and Fort Bragg's established fine woodworking tradition.
Later years – The business undertakes custom furniture, cabinetry, hardware and boat projects while developing specialty redwood tonewood through WJS Tops.
2026 – Wood Joint Studio continues operating at 915 N. Franklin Street.
Why It Matters
Wood Joint Studio represents the evolution of Fort Bragg's relationship with wood.
The town's early economy depended heavily on logging and lumber production. The College of the Redwoods Fine Woodworking Program helped establish a different tradition centered on careful design, furniture making and individual craftsmanship.
Wood Joint Studio continues that tradition through custom woodworking and specialty redwood products.
Its work demonstrates that Fort Bragg's woodworking heritage continues in the small workshops where skilled craftspeople transform raw materials into useful, carefully constructed objects.
Sources & Original Research
This article blends verifiable historical records with personal recollections shared by longtime Fort Bragg residents. Much of this information comes from community memory and is not available in any published source.
This article combines the original Buildings & Businesses project post, community recollections, business information and published woodworking resources.
Community contribution: India Gingell.
Additional sources: Wood Joint Studio official website; WJS Tops; Sanderson Hardware; BuildZoom contractor listing; Fine Woodworking author listings for Bob Sanderson and Taimi Barty; College of the Redwoods Fine Woodworking Program.
Original post and photograph: Gee Bee.
