Block Island Furniture

Island native Ben Martin works on building a bench while discussing his new business venture, Block Island Furniture. Martin is building the bench outside his shopin the Oddfellows building so that weary travelers can pause and take a break in the summer heat. He’s also adding more shelving so they can look at his products while they rest.It has been a life-long ambition, to have a space where island-made products are created and sold, Martin says.“For me, construction was always in the forefront,” the veteran contractor stated, crediting the high pay for his decision to stay in the field. Construction is one of the few year-round jobs available on Block Island.
“But creating a custom piece for a client, on Block Island, with island materials, for a reasonable price, that’s been my dream,” he says.Martin uses reclaimed lumber for many of his pieces, building dining tables, Adirondack chairs, beach chairs, coffee tables, and numerous other items on display in his shop. Coat racks, canvas bags, aprons, coasters, candle holders, and glassware adorn the shelves of his shop. Clients commission him to custom-make the larger items in his workshop on the West Side.Martin hopes to eventually have a workbench

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