Testimonials

I had been looking for a long time for someone to make me a butcher’s block for my renovated kitchen. After a friend’s recommendation, I commissioned Russell to build the butcher’s block to my specific dimensions.

I found Russell’s craftsmanship and enthusiasm exemplary, and his attention to detail was superb.
The finished piece was beyond all my expectations and I would have no hesitation in recommending Russell to anyone.

We recently asked Russell to produce a custom Butcher's Block for our butler's pantry in our new home.
It would be larger than any other he had previously made and would use both Rimu and Kwila in a checkerboard style.
The finished product was perfect - his measurements precise, workmanship was to the highest level, and overall, he went above and beyond to produce an incredible result.
On a personal level, Russell was extremely friendly, cost-effective and his communication was to be applauded.
We will definitely engage Russell's services again in the future!"

I needed some large shelving made. And to match the existing room fittings I was looking for re-cycled Rimu as my timber. Russell not only matched the wood, he also replicated the design and shape perfectly.
I will certainly be using Fredricksons Furniture in the future.

Russell made us a stunning dinning room table. Everyone who has looked at it says how amazing it is. Outstanding workmanship and the pride Russell takes in what he does is seen in the finished product. Cant wait for wife to let us start using it! :-) Thanks Russell!!!

In mid 2017, I decided to replace my forty-five year old electronic organ.  The idea of using a universal MIDI console, with Hauptwerk software, was appealing. Unfortunately, no suitable consoles, new or used, were available, so I decided to design my own.

Drawings in hand, I visited Fredricksons Furniture, in Marshlands, Christchurch. I looked at the fit and finish of some custom cabinets and butcher block tops in his workshop and determined that Russell Fredrickson was my man. Because the project was large and complex, we agreed to terms and staged payments as each major assembly was completed.  
First, Russell and I visited Prime Panels, the manufacturer of laminated MDF, in Hornby. Russell’s advice on choice of materials was invaluable. He then drafted the most economical panel cutouts, paying careful attention to matching the grain with adjacent parts. The MDF panels were ordered and Russell acquired the White Oak lumber to be used throughout, to match the MDF panels.
As the work progressed, I visited Russell’s workshop, to see the assemblies and to tweek the designs. Some of the compound angle cuts were quite difficult to design and even more difficult to fabricate, but Russell was able to make them, using complex jigs on his table saw. He also suggested changes to make the components more robust and easier to assemble. There are many photos of the various stages of assembly.
Our working relationship was great and our enthusiasm increased with each phase of the project. The final console is a beautiful piece of furniture, as can be seen in the photos. All of the keyboards and other electronic components fitted perfectly and I now have a wonderful, three manual organ to play. It sounds fantastic too.
I cannot speak too highly of Russell’s cabinet making skills and his knowledge of materials, without which my “grand opus” would not have been possible.

I had a breakfast bar built by this talented man and everyone absolutely loves it. It is the highlight of my whole room and of such great quality. If you want anything made of Rimu, this is the guy!

High Quality and Beautiful looking furniture. Keep up the good work.