Words from our clients...
Mere words don't express the beautiful, artistic creations we have acquired from Trident Fine Woodworking. We were so very fortunate to have commissioned pieces especially created for our Dining room and wine cellar. We were searching for unique and one of a kind pieces. Michael is the ultimate artist with exceptional skills, who definitely knows his craft well. We are honored to possess his extraordinary works of art!"
- M.J. & Roberto Gerometta-EspiGero Ranch, Temecula, CA
"I saw Michael's work at a Liberty Station show, and was impressed by the clean lines, elegant design, and the quality of workmanship. His work has a compelling timelessness and a comforting beauty, bringing to mind both substance and tranquility. I purchased a footstool of bird's-eye and striated maple that my children, grandchildren, and (I hope) their grandchildren will use into the next century."
- K.M.M, San Diego
"I met Michael through a friend of my son. When I found out that we shared a common interest in woodworking I was intrigued with him and what he has made. He invited my wife and I to visit him and his family at his home and woodworking shop to see some of the pieces that he has made.
What an exciting experience to see his home and shop and some of the magnificent pieces that he has furnished his home with. An art gallery in itself. Michael is truly a talented individual and I believe he ranks at the top in the field of woodworking.
I couldn't resist and ended up buying a rocker from him. It now has a place of honor in our living room and is admired by all that visit us.
Thank You Michael Murphy
- Harold Conklin, Washington
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"Michael made us a custom timeless work of art for our daughter. Made of walnut & cherry solid wood, he created a unique Murphy art table that can grow with her as she grows. It doesn’t take up valuable space in her 10x12 art studio & is a beautiful piece."
- Maressa Conover, San Diego, CA
" I absolutely LOVE my rocking chair, sculpted by Mike Murphy! I got it on time, just before my son was born. It fits so comfortably and it’s so perfect for nursing him as he falls asleep. It’s become our morning and evening ritual. There have been times when the only thing that will console him is sitting down with him and rocking. He loves it just as much as I do. Not only is it comfortable, it 's also gorgeous. It’s easy to see that Mike puts so much time, effort and love into his pieces. I will be keeping this chair in the family for years to come. Maybe one day my son will be rocking his very own children in it. Thank you, Mike Murphy for my beautiful chair, one that I will cherish always."
- Theresa A., San Diego, CA
"My Fiancé and I were gifted a slab of English Walnut from a tree that my late grandfather had planted 70 years prior. We knew instantly this was the perfect opportunity to create a coffee table as our first family heirloom. I contacted numerous woodworkers in the San Diego area looking for the right person. We reviewed work portfolios, asked design related questions, requested quotes, etc. We were truly having a difficult time finding the right person, until I received a callback from Michael. First, I sent Michael some pictures and measurements of the slab and explained our idea at a high level. He then invited us down to his stunning workshop in Jamul, where we discussed the process further. I left feeling relieved that we had finally found the right person for the job. Michael's feedback on the design was extremely valuable throughout the entire process. He was also very willing to work with us on our budget to ensure that the table checked all of our boxes. We picked up the finished table last weekend, and could not be more thrilled. Michael is a stand up guy and true professional. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Trident Fine Woodworking to anyone who is looking to create heirloom quality furniture that will last many lifetimes."
- AJ Mead, San Diego, CA
Absolutely unbelievable. This isn't "furniture" and Mike isn't a general contractor who walks into your house and installs prefabbed cabinets or trim. These are heirloom quality pieces made by a man who is an absolute expert at his craft of fine woodworking. Michael Murphy works with you to conceptualize exactly what you want and then he makes that dream come true. Be it a king sized bed, a dining room table, a set of bar stools, a wine rack, a set of rocking chairs, or anything else you can imagine, he'll design and make you a piece that you are proud to show in your home. Maybe you have a tree on your property that has sentimental value but has recently fallen? Don't get rid of it! Let Mike Murphy at it. He'll take that tree and make something out of it that truly honors its past. As one of Mike's closest friends, I've had the opportunity to help him in his shop or to haul lumber on a number of occasions. What strikes me every time I am there is the care he puts into his work and the quality of service he gives to his customers (I have no doubt that he can name every single customer that he's ever had by name and the piece that he made for them). Many of them have been so pleased with their experience that they stay in touch with Michael on a social level. Quality and service like that are rare these days. And I have no doubt that every time you look at your Trident Fine Woodworking piece, you'll remember that experience and will be impressed with the level of quality. Your only problem with a piece made by Mike Murphy is making sure your house is of high enough quality for IT :)!!!
We found Michael Murphy of Trident Fine Woodworking through the San Diego Fine Woodworkers Association, and we feel like we really lucked out when chose his name from the membership list. Every aspect of our project with Michael, from the very first exploratory emails to delivery and installation of the finished product, exceeded our (high) expectations.
We had Michael craft a large, wall-hung cabinet for our art glass. We went to his shop where he showed us several possibilities for wood to use and we talked about construction details that we hoped to include, like dovetail joints and movable shelving. While there, we also got to see some of his other work in person, and his craftsmanship is just outstanding. Everything. Is. Perfect. We ultimately chose a lightly figured maple that we all thought would form a subtle but beautiful backdrop for the art glass. And it did. The cabinet is as much art as its contents.
Michael and his very nice wife, Theresa, delivered the finished cabinet and installed it for us. Every time we look at it, it makes us happy all over again.
If you have the chance to work with Michael (and Theresa), take it. The craftsmanship is worth every dime and the experience is 5-stars
Michael Murphy is incredible. He made a custom foldable art desk/drafting table for my daughter. She is ten and it is the perfect size for her. It's made of 200 year old reclaimed cherry wood and it will be in my daughter's life forever. Not only is he amazingly talented but he is a really nice person with an amazing heart. I couldn't give a higher recommendation!
"My wife and I were looking for some nice chairs for us to sit on the lawn and look over the lake in the back of our home. Fortunately we met Mike Murphy at Trident Fine Woodworking. My wife has always loved Adirondack chairs next to bodies of water. Mike showed us some of his work and we were immediately impressed by his craftsmanship. Mike helped us with choosing the wood, finish and the little details to suit our wants and needs. We live in Nebraska so the weather is at both ends of the extreme. Mike recommended teak and we could not have been happier with his advice. Once we received the chairs, we were amazed at the detail. Beyond our expectations! These were more than just chairs. We will be passing these on to our grandchildren someday. The quality is leagues beyond what is found anywhere else. I am so thankful we met Mike Murphy. We couldn't be any happier with the finished pieces. My only problem is that now my wife wants them to sit on a NEW patio."
- David & Kim Henson, Omaha, Nebraska
"We LOVE our footstool! The wood goes perfectly with both our dark wood furniture as well as light wood. We have received numerous compliments on it. The footstool is very unique and elegant, yet very sturdy. It has become a staple in our house!"
- Tina T., San Diego, CA
"We first saw Michael’s pub table and chairs in an issue of Fine Woodworking and contacted him through his website. Our inquiry was met with a very nice return phone call and throughout the process Michael was as nice and his work was as professional as our first impressions. However, what is not captured with a picture is the tactile pleasure of his pieces…their smoothness, their innumerable curves, their surprising thickness in places that can only happen with hand-worked and built furniture. And the chairs are really comfortable!
This furniture set will be cherished by our family for generations to come no matter what the fashion of the time. Michael’s pieces are beautifully designed, masterfully crafted, and have a smooth-as-silk finish that takes days of fond gazing to fully appreciate."
- The Hecks, San Francisco Bay Area