Jonathan Karner of Giving Back Green Custom Woodworking: Crafting Heirloom Furniture with Purpose
In a world of Ikea dining tables and generic design, you might say that Jonathan Karner of Pasadena, Maryland is crafting works of art as much as he is building furniture.
As the craftsman behind Giving Back Green Custom Woodworking, Jonathan is quietly redefining what custom woodworking looks like. His pieces aren’t just functional: they’re personal, intentional, and built to become part of your family’s story.
From Automotive Shop to Artisan Workshop
Prior to covid, Jonathan wasn’t likely to be found in the woodshop, but instead under the hood of a car.
With over 20 years in the automotive industry, he built a career as a master-certified technician. But like many stories born during the uncertainty of trying time, a shift was coming.
“I needed a second income,” Jonathan explains about 2020. “But once I started creating things for people – real pieces tied to their homes and their vision. That’s when everything clicked.”
What began with small projects like cutting boards quickly evolved into custom furniture tables, cabinetry, built-ins, and more. Today, his side business is thriving, with a clear goal in sight: going full-time within the next two years.
More Than Furniture: “Heirloom Artwork”
Ask Jonathan to describe his work, and he won’t just say “custom furniture.”
He calls it heirloom artwork.
That philosophy shows up in every piece he builds. Whether it’s a live-edge dining table, a full library wall with a ladder system, or a custom office overhaul, each project is designed to be one-of-a-kind.
“These aren’t pieces you’ll find in a box store,” he says. “They’re built to last decades, if not generations.”
And that’s not just talk. His process is meticulous:
- Carefully sourced, kiln-dried hardwoods and slabs
- Precision joinery techniques for long-term stability
- Structural reinforcements like steel C-channels
- Premium finishes like Rubio Monocoat for durability and easy repair
The result? Furniture that doesn’t just look stunning; it holds up to real life.
Passion Fueled by Purpose
The name Giving Back Green isn’t random, it reflects two core beliefs that guide Jonathan’s work.
First, his faith.
“I give glory to God for the skills I’ve been given,” he shares. “I’m self-taught, but there’s a connection there.”
Second, sustainability.
Jonathan works with responsibly sourced lumber, often partnering with mills that harvest wood for environmental or safety reasons, rather than clear-cutting forests.
“It’s about using materials the right way,” he says. “Not just taking, but giving back.”
A Truly Custom Experience
When you work with Giving Back Green, you’re not handed off to a sales rep. You’re working directly with the craftsman from start to finish.
Here’s what that looks like:
- Discovery : Understanding your space, needs, and vision
- Design : Collaborating on size, materials, finishes, and style
- Material Selection : Reviewing actual slabs and components
- Build Process : Crafted with precision over several weeks
- Delivery & Reveal : The moment it all comes together
Even with all that planning and coordination with the customer, Jonathan says he likes to keep the final product a surprise. “When clients see the finished piece in their home for the first time – that reaction is everything.”
The Beauty of Real Wood
I asked Jonathan if there were any trends he sees with custom requests. His answer? – an appreciation for natural materials, especially live-edge wood and richly grained species like black walnut.
“People want to see the natural beauty,” he explains. “Not something covered up or manufactured.”
Each slab tells a story: unique grain patterns, natural curves, and organic character that can’t be replicated.
That’s what transforms a table into a centerpiece. Many times, even a conversation piece.
Built to Last a Lifetime
In a throwaway culture, Jonathan is building against the grain.
“People can buy a table for $100; but it might last a year or two,” he says. “What I build should last your lifetime, if properly cared for.”
And if properly cared for, even longer.
His pieces are designed to be passed down through generations: something rarely possible with mass-produced furniture.
What’s Next for Giving Back Green?
Jonathan’s vision is clear:
- Expand his workshop
- Grow his client base locally
- Transition to full-time woodworking
- Eventually scale into a larger operation serving the region
But even as the business grows, one thing won’t change:
His commitment to craftsmanship and connection.
Final Word
Jonathan Karner isn’t just building furniture: he’s building legacy pieces in a world that’s forgotten how to value them.
We think that makes him a true Local Legend for Anne Arundel County.
If you’re looking for furniture that’s more than just functional—something designed around your space, your style, and your story—Giving Back Green offers a truly custom experience.
See the Beauty in the Grain,
Giving Back Green Custom Woodworking LLC
Jonathan Karner – Owner, Founder, and Craftsman
(410) 917-1918
https://www.givingbackgreencustomwoodworking.com/
