Local Wood is a Vibe!
- Joe Ferrara
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
Long Island's very own Walt Whitman and why local wood is totally still a thing
Walt Whitman saw something special in this place. He walked these shores, breathed this air, and called it Paumanok — the old Native American name for Long Island. He kept coming back to it his whole life, as if the place itself had a vibe he couldn’t shake.
We think about this when we’re working outside, especially in the woods.
Wine enthusiasts have a word for it — terroir. The idea that climate, soil, and terrain shape what grows there. The same grape in Burgundy and the same grape in Napa do not become the same wine. The place is in the wine.*
Maybe the same is true of wood.
The North Shore of Long Island was shaped by glaciers at the end of the last ice age, leaving glacial soil and a mild coastal climate. The Gold Coast estates preserved vast tracts of forest and planted rare species from around the world. Then they just let the trees grow.
The perfect conditions for monumental specimens. Shu Swamp in Mill Neck has old-growth tulip trees — the biggest are estimated at 350 to 600 years old, candidates for the oldest and largest trees on Long Island. These giants were already hundreds of years old when the Declaration of Independence was signed. Let that sink in.
The walnut we’ve salvaged from backyards and construction sites in Glen Cove, Sea Cliff, and Locust Valley has some of the richest grain we’ve ever seen — deep chocolate with threads of red and purple, and the occasional board flashing a full rainbow of color.
Can you find wood like this elsewhere? Sure.
But there’s something special about using wood from where you live. Maybe local wood is just a vibe.
The Place is in the Wood
Local wood isn’t just our preference — it’s our starting point. When a Long Island tree becomes available, we pay attention. Because it carries the feeling of the place it came from. The idea that we can still be connected to the land itself.
The place is in the wood.
If you want furniture made from Long Island wood, let’s talk.
Joel's outdoor table made using wood sourced from the Sea Cliff tree. The lime green color in the center is lucite which is recessed between the slabs and selected to match the outdoor cushions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of furniture does Sound Designs make?
We started with live edge dining tables, benches, and coffee tables. Over the years we’ve grown, with a bigger team, and a wider range. Our work now includes fine furniture, cabinetry, and commercial work like conference tables, restaurant furniture, and more.
What is live edge furniture?
Live edge furniture keeps the natural edge of the tree intact instead of cutting it into a straight line. Think wavy shapes and textures. Read more about it here.
Do you only make live edge furniture?
No. Live edge is our signature, but it’s not all we do. We also build fine furniture, cabinetry, and commercial pieces. If it’s wood, we’re interested.
What kind of finish options do you offer?
For live edge dining tables and most other pieces, our go-to finish is Odie’s Oil — durable, non-toxic, and it makes the grain pop. We also do other finishes and stains. Got a specific color in mind? Send us a sample and we’ll match it.
How do I care for my Sound Designs piece?
Since we finish with natural products like Odie’s Oil, skip the harsh cleaners. To clean, use warm soapy water and wipe completely dry, or mix one part vinegar to ten parts water and wipe with a soft cotton cloth. That’s really all it needs.
Do you do bow tie (butterfly) inlays?
Bow tie inlays are wedges of wood set across a crack to keep it from spreading. Some slabs need them for strength. They’re also a matter of taste, so we talk it through with you first and find another route if the look isn’t for you.
Is local wood actually better, or is that just a marketing story?
It’s more than a story. The Gold Coast estates didn’t just let native trees grow, they planted rare specimens from around the world. Many the original trees are still here today. So far we’ve found katsura, originally native to Japan, along with honey locust and others. You’re not going to stumble across katsura at a lumber yard. The Gold Coast grew some genuinely extraordinary trees, and when one comes down, we pay attention.
What does “locally sourced” actually mean for you?
It means we actively look for trees that came down on Long Island. We always keep an eye out after storms, when we drive past construction sites, or hear a chainsaw running in the neighborhood. We leave no stone unturned to find the best material.
Do you only use local wood?
We use local wood whenever we can. We also source sustainable American hardwoods when a project calls for it and occasionally use exotic woods when we have a special request.
Can you use a tree from my property?
Maybe, but only for the right tree. It comes down to species, size, and condition, so send us some photos and we’ll tell you honestly whether it’s worth pursuing.
What species of wood grows well on Long Island?
Black walnut, cherry, white oak, elm, and tulip are all native or naturalized here and grow beautifully in this climate. The walnut we’ve pulled from North Shore backyards has some of the richest grain we’ve ever worked with — deep chocolate, threads of red and purple, occasional flashes of full color. The Gold Coast soil does something to these trees.
How long does a custom piece take?
Most projects run six to eight weeks. Larger or more complex pieces take longer. If you need something by a specific date, tell us upfront and we’ll tell you straight whether it’s doable.
Do you plant trees?
Yes — starting in 2026, we’re committing to plant one fruit or nut tree for every dining table we sell. All of them going in the ground on Long Island’s North Shore in November 2026. We’re looking at black walnut, paw paw, and American persimmon — all deer-resistant, all native or naturalized, all genuinely useful. Fruit for people. Nuts for wildlife. Roots for the soil. We build from trees. It felt right to give some back.
Where are you located?
Our shop is at 40 Pratt Oval in Glen Cove, on Long Island’s North Shore — inside the historic Pratt Oval building. Right in the heart of the Gold Coast, which is exactly where a lot of our wood comes from.
Do you deliver?
Yes. White glove delivery throughout Long Island, New York City, and the Hamptons — we deliver and set up the piece ourselves. For larger projects, we’ve even done deliveries as far away as Kentucky.
Do you ship nationwide?
Yes, Sound Designs now ships nationwide. Or as we like to say: from Long Island Sound to Puget Sound, sea to shining sea.
Can I visit the wood shop to see wood in person?
Yes! You’re invited to visit. Please click here to schedule an appointment.
Why are you called Sound Designs?
I studied woodworking near Puget Sound in Seattle, WA before returning home to Long Island. When I started Sound Designs in Glen Cove, not far from Long Island Sound, it was pretty easy to choose this name. Read the origin story here.
— Joe Ferrara, Founder, Sound Designs New York
*Terrapin Sawmill, Setauket, NY | (631) 766-0121 | Website coming soon
Comments