Our Story
My name is Paul Leopard. I am a woodworker and I love my craft. My lovely wife Karen runs the business and makes it possible for me to dedicate myself to my projects. South Cumberland Woodworks started with my desire to create fine kitchen boards. That desire has grown immeasurably, and now my focus has shifted to combining my passion of woodworking with my clients need. Want to see more? Then check out our shop… Have a custom board in mind? Please contact me directly through our Contact Page.
While I dabble with exotic wood varieties from time to time, the vast majority of my hand crafted kitchen boards are constructed with materials harvested in the South Cumberland Plateau of the Appalachian Mountains. In fact, over 90% of the wood I buy comes from stock taken from Madison and Jackson Counties in Alabama by local arborist Lee Haymes. My favorites are Black Walnut and Black Cherry but I do a lot of work with Ash, Red and White Oak, and Red Cedar.
My Philosophy: "Fine things in wood are important, not only aesthetically, as oddities or rarities, but because we are becoming aware of the fact that much of our life is spent buying and discarding, and buying again, things that are not good. Some of us long to have at least something, somewhere, which will give us harmony and a sense of durability - I won’t say permanence, but durability - things that, through the years, become more and more beautiful, things we can leave to our children."
-- James Krenov
Project Designs: All kitchen board projects start with a design on the computer. I can completely design a custom board for you or you can provide me with pictures, drawings, or a description of what you would like. All designs will be thoroughly reviewed with you before the first piece of wood is cut.
Project Materials: Once you and I agree on a board design I will start a search for the materials to build your project. I typically buy raw, rough cut wood from various sources in the North Alabama area. I may also go into Tennessee or Georgia to find materials to meet your needs. Almost all of the wood I acquire comes from the forests of the South Cumberland Plateau of the Appalachian Mountains. I do have sources for more exotic woods such as Mahogany and Teak and will draw from those sources if it meets your needs.
Project Construction: Once I begin construction on your project I will frequently take photographs of the process and send them to you. All construction is done in my wood shop at my residence.
Project Finishing: Finishing your design with paint or stain and sealant is as important to the completion of your project as the design and construction. I will discuss the finishing process with you in detail, so that you will have the information you need to select a finish.