How We Create Our Custom Wood Products at Hammer & Stain Sierra NV
At Hammer & Stain Sierra NV, each custom wood item is a labor of love, combining craftsmanship, creativity, and quality materials to produce something truly unique. Our studio in the Reno and Sparks area is equipped with professional tools and techniques that allow us to create high-quality personalized signs, coasters, trays, welcome mats, and more — all with a handcrafted touch that mass production simply can't replicate.
Precision Meets Creativity
Every project begins with a vision — yours or ours. Whether you're customizing a name sign, creating a set of engraved coasters, or personalizing a serving tray, we start by selecting the perfect piece of wood. We source durable wood materials that suit the style and function of each product. From reclaimed wood to smooth pine boards, the texture and grain of the material are chosen to enhance the finished look of each item.
Once we’ve selected the base material, we prepare it using a range of professional woodworking tools. Planers and sanders ensure a smooth, even surface free of imperfections. Circular saws, jigsaws, and drills help us cut, shape, and refine the wood to match the design’s size and layout. We use precision measuring tools and templates to ensure consistency, especially for custom orders or larger batches.
Professional-Grade Woodworking Equipment
Our workshop features a full array of tools, allowing us to do more than just simple crafting — we build with intention. We use:
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Planers to create flat, uniform boards
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Orbital and belt sanders for smooth finishes
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Table and miter saws for precision cuts
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Drills and drivers for assembly and hardware installation
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Clamps, squares, and guides to ensure perfect construction and symmetry
Each tool plays a role in bringing your custom piece to life, ensuring not only visual appeal but also structural integrity.
Laser Engraving for Clean, Custom Details
One of the standout features of our products is our laser engraving capability. With a professional-grade laser engraver, we can etch precise, intricate designs directly onto wood surfaces. Whether you're adding a family name, business logo, wedding date, or decorative graphic, laser engraving provides sharp, permanent detail with a level of accuracy that hand tools can’t achieve.
Laser engraving also allows us to produce high-volume custom orders for corporate gifts, event décor, or branded merchandise without sacrificing quality. The engravings are clean, crisp, and consistent, giving each piece a professional and polished finish.
Hand-Burned Details with Wood Burners
For a more rustic or artistic touch, we also offer wood burning (pyrography) as an embellishment option. Using handheld wood burners, we can add shading, texture, or decorative details that give a more handcrafted and vintage feel to a piece. This method is often used for custom quote signs, pet name boards, or heirloom-style gifts where a more organic, hand-rendered appearance is desired.
Wood burning complements laser engraving beautifully — while the laser offers precision, the burner offers character. Together, they allow for endless customization options and help us match the tone and style each customer is going for.
A Wide Range of Paints & Stains
Color plays a huge role in personalizing your piece, and we pride ourselves on offering one of the most diverse collections of paints and wood stains in the Reno/Sparks area. Whether you want your project to be soft and rustic, bold and modern, or colorful and whimsical, we help you find the perfect finish.
Our stain selection ranges from rich walnut and espresso tones to light ash and gray-washed effects. Paint options include everything from matte neutrals to vibrant hues — ideal for seasonal décor or personalized gifts. We also teach paint layering and distressing techniques in our DIY workshops so your project can have that perfectly worn or textured look.
Each finish is applied by hand, sealed for durability, and selected based on your project’s purpose — indoor, outdoor, decorative, or functional.
Built to Last — Sealing, Hardware & Final Touches
After your project has been cut, engraved, and painted, we move on to the final steps: sealing and assembly. We use high-quality sealants to protect against wear, moisture, and sun exposure, especially for items like porch signs or serving trays. Functional items are fitted with hardware — handles, hangers, or bottle openers — and each piece is carefully inspected before it leaves our studio.
Attention to detail sets us apart. We believe a handmade item should look beautiful and perform well, so every element — from alignment to edge smoothness — is evaluated during our finishing process.
Handmade in Northern Nevada — With Heart
All of our wood products are proudly made in-house at our Hammer & Stain Sierra NV studio. We're a small team with big passion, committed to quality and community. When you shop or craft with us, you’re supporting a local, woman-owned business that puts creativity and customer care at the forefront.
We serve customers throughout Northern Nevada, offering local pickup, workshops, and shipping options for gifts and décor that are as personal as they are beautiful. Whether you're ordering a single custom sign or coordinating a set of engraved coasters for your business, our team is here to help you create something meaningful.
Custom Orders Welcome
Have an idea you don't see listed? We love bringing your vision to life. From large format wall signs to small, detailed tags or ornaments, we’re always excited to work on new designs. Reach out to us directly at [email protected] or visit our DIY workshop page to see how you can create your own custom piece in person.
Let us help you create wood décor and gifts that tell your story — crafted with purpose, precision, and personality right here in the heart of Reno and Sparks.