Computer Desk
Pantry Shelves
Bathroom Vanity
Art Studio Tables
Kitchen Window Shelves
Garden Trellis
Reclaim Unused Under Counter Space
Custom Drawer
Outside General Use Table
Outside Kitchen – Maui
Custom Builds
Author: Joseph Mellone
Computer ✯ Writing ✯ Arborist ✯ Trades
Reception Desk
This particular project required the build of a large reception desk to welcome guests and to also serve as a project work space. Another requirement was for it to big and bold. The client wanted a rustic look to it as well. As the build and design started out, it became clear to me that the 10 foot long unit would be heavy, so casters were incorporated as well.
Rhode Island – 2021
Sound Stage
Sometime’s the music of your life is in need of a place to play. This particular project was very fun and the client’s lives are full to the brim with music that spans nearly half a century. A sound stage was not only on the wish list, but a must have requirement for when, shall we say The Rolling Stones want to visit.
Rhode Island – March 2021
New Steps
A family owned flower farm on Maui was in dire need of some new steps to their office and operations center. Most all of the work is done outside, tending to the plants and making arrangements for customers.
The older steps had been hit by a vehicle during a delivery. The steps were not rail friendly either, so a complete redesign was done to make the steps more usable and comfortable to use.
The older steps may be seen below.
The final result below.
Hawaii • February 2019
The Goat’s Gate
There was a large fence that provided privacy to the home owners back yard. It was made of wood, large and tall and on a hill that eventually caused posts to give way to wind and erosion. I was asked to repair it and considering I’ve built many a fence in my day, it was an easy yes.
There was also an added perk for me personally, working on this project because the fence bordered a goat pasture. And theses goats were very curious and interested in the home owners, specifically the lady of the house who had taken an interest in feeding them in the afternoons.
With the fence down, the opening offered an ample view to the pasture. The goats daily grazing, napping and playing routines were a pleasant change for the back yard view and for the lady. Come to find out, she worked a morning job and would come home in the early afternoon to see the goats in the field, who would of course look back at her. She decided to to feed them a treat and if you are familiar with goats, treats are number one on their agendas.
As I repaired the posts, I realized the fence would hinder the goats afternoon delight and the lady of the house would no longer have access to her new companions. I like to solve such problems and suggested I build a goat gate to allow for privacy as well as the afternoon treats for the goats.
Always Curious
Finished, now let’s open the gate.
And .. it stays open most of the time …
… and is held by a second latch.
Hawaii • January 2019
Kula Fence
A patch of land on Maui was in need of a boundary line section of fence and a privacy section near a roadway. The land owner wanted a solution that would last and stand the test of time. This requirement dictated the use of pressure treated wood, also sealed below ground and installed in cement. The end result turned out quite nice and with a very welcome collaboration between the land owner and myself, the Kula Fence was born.
All fences start with a line of string.
The final result below.
Hawaii • November 2019
Old Red Door
Every time it rained, the red door had been subjected to water splashing on it and I would come to discover that this went on for about 80 years. The top portion of the door was still functional and the old glass still intact. The bottom; however, had been repaired to some extent, but the decay had made its decision. A new door was needed.
As the project unfolded, the wall was also in dire need of repair and the choice to fix it this year was a good one. The rot was starting to work its way left and right, taking the sill plate with it.
The old red door below.
The colorful doormat reminds me that this is an entrance into an artist’s studio. I reluctantly removed the ivy from under the door, but had to when I found it rooting in the rotted wall. You can also see some rain damage to the cedar shingles.
The following pictures show the results. As much as the artist could jump into the studio, a small set of stairs were added to make entering and exiting less of an athletic event.
80 Years of Use 
Mouse Entrances Closing Soon 
Nature Finds a Way 
Out with the Old Wood 
Ready for the New Door 
Ready to Finish 
Mice Aren’t So Happy 
Ready to Paint 
First the Stairs
Primed and ready to be the “New Red Door”.
Rhode Island – December 2020
Featured Image – As the old part of the wall was removed, this newspaper clipping fell out. Newspaper was sometimes used as insulation, and the date 1941 would make this door about 80 years old. When I am working with old buildings and removing nails and wood that were carefully put into service by capable tradesman, I feel a connection to that time and their lives; having done a job that will put food on table for their family and for having built something that has lasted a long time.
The Tree Fort
This was a very enjoyable project. As the story goes, a family moved into a home and there was a tree fort platform in the back woods. The previous owner had built it with intentions of finishing it, but the busy of life delayed its completion.
The new home owners moved in. The youngest of the family, a boy was excited to see the platform and the parents said they would finish it for them. As the busy of life consumed the new household, the platform waited and a year went by and then another.
The boy was patient and waited. He would be grown up within the decade so the busy parents sought out a builder to complete the project, and I was very fortunate to be that builder.
My father had built a fort for me when I was the boy’s age, and the memories of having one in my life are still with me today.
The boy’s enthusiasm was amazing. He spoke well and voiced his ideas.
He wanted a pulley system and this was integrated into the front of the fort.
There were also some left over triangle pieces of wood he wanted to reuse and suggested they be placed on the small work bench under the stairs. I mounted them permanently for him.
He also wanted to reuse old materials and had been educated with the reuse, repurpose, recycle mantra. Such a joy to see, at such a young age, the desire to conserve resources.
One day while driving home, I saw some old chairs and a blue piece of wood that could be turned into the desk he wanted. People in the neighborhood leave out materials for the taking before the trash claims them. I made it so the desk would fold up and down for him.
I was grateful for this project and loved every minute of it.
Check out the sliding picture and some of the finished ones below.
The transformation was amazing.
Rhode Island – 2020
The Little Porch
With frequent tropical rain in Haiku, HI, a client requested a small covered porch for the back entrance of the house. Porch is 24′ long and just over 5′ wide, providing ample coverage from the elements.
Some unique bracing on the existing house was a challenge for a clean roof attachment, but it came out well. Water and propane services needed to be rerouted to the side of the house.
A small table provides both a morning spot for breakfast or an evening Pau Hana after a day in the tropics.
The beginning of the column footing build is below.
The final result below.
Hawaii • August 2018
Mailboxes
Mailboxes are both amusing and inspiring. This simple postal mechanism is a very necessary have in our society. It serves to accept local news, cards from family and friends, small packages and presents, and the ever so popular bill. The internet and email and online paper free services, are reducing its usage, but for now and years to come, it will continue to serve your mailing address.
As I drive the streets, north and south, east and west and on islands in the middle of nowhere, there are many a mailbox in various levels of disrepair. There are also some very nice ones, where the home owner has taken time to install a new one, or build a custom one.
I have had the opportunity to build and repair a few. The build is enjoyable. A vertical pole level and true, secured into the earth, and the mailbox, metal or plastic, mounted in someway to receive the mail. There are rules for height and distance from the road which assist the mail carriers. The whole process is very simple, but requires a plethora of carpentry, excavation and painting tools.
Several completed projects. They take about a day to complete, from design to build, to excavation and installation. The one in Maui was fun. The mail box had only be up for less than 24 hours when it received a delivery. I always like to quality test the results 🙂
SEARSPORT AVENUE
This is Belfast Maine in 1877. The first mailbox project is for the Cape Cod style house with the attached barn. At that time, there was mail being delivered in the United States. A brief history is here.
Belfast, ME 04915 – October 2021
ULUMALU ROAD
Maui … Haiku, HI 96708 – February 2020
ATLANTIC HIGHWAY
Belfast, ME 04915 – August 2021
AUGUSTA ROAD
Belmont, ME 04942 – August 2023
Postage History
The first stamps made had the image of Benjamin Franklin and George Washington. The Franklin stamp paid the rate for one half-ounce sent up to 300 miles. The George Washington stamp paid the rate for longer distances or heavier mail.
These two United States postage stamps became valid for use on July 1, 1847.
Nautico Star 