Maker Portrait: NYCitySlab
01-Jan-2021
NYCitySlab, founded and operated by Robert Rising, is dedicated to saving fallen trees and rescuing beautiful wood slabs from commonplace destruction and waste. Robert aims to transform every last piece into works of craftsmanship and function.
"We collect vintage boards from construction sites all over the City. We save trees from parks and yards that would otherwise be turned into mulch. We'll transform these great materials into something that can last a lifetime."
When looking for material, Robert focuses on “the stuff that has the biggest meaning and that gives it the longest life.” His pieces celebrate all parts of New York: from the Coney Island Boardwalk to Belmont Race Track to the now torn-down Blatt Building on Broadway, from Soho to Dumbo to South Street Seaport. NYCitySlab represents New York and all of its history.
NYCitySlab is located in New York (USA).
“I try to work with the stuff that has the biggest meaning and that gives it (the piece) the longest life.”
Originally: Storm-fallen trees and vintage boards from demolished buildings
NYCitySlab uses over 25 species of local New York City and northeast native trees. As trees in New York City’s five boroughs are taken down for various reasons, they are usually turned into mulch or firewood. NYCitySlab offers an alternative, milling the downed trees to become furniture and other creations.
Robert’s team also collects vintage boards from construction sites all over the City. The stories behind the wood give Robert’s furniture a character not easily found in new lumber.
