1840 Creative

1840 Creative We are a Chicago based custom woodworking, fabrication, and design studio. We handcraft custom, indus

OUR STORY
1840 Creative is a wood rescue and steel fabrication business that designs and handcrafts quality custom, industrial, and modern-industrial furniture. It celebrates and expresses diverse, creative talent through custom services and fabrication at all phases - from conceptualization to end product. Launched in Chicago, 1840 Creative was established by Yair Rodriguez and Elvis Ortega. It was the result of Yair’s passion for woodworking (as he comes from a family of carpenters) and Elvis’ passion for steel (as he comes from a family of steel workers). Since both enjoy working with their hands, they launched 1840 Creative as a way to fuse their passion for wood & steel to create custom handcrafted furniture made from local resources. 1840 Creative acquires steel from local distributors. 1840 Creative also manages the entire process of repurposing rescued wood (also from the Chicagoland area) – turning old pieces of wood into something new and exciting.
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Whether providing custom design services for clients or fabricating pieces for sale, 1840 Creative products always reflect a standard of excellence and are backed by the business vision and core values. OUR VISION

Pair a high quality custom product with an excellent customer experience.
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OUR VALUES

Craftsmanship - we were brought up "to do things right the first time" and as such - we always look to work efficiently and never compromise quality or safety to "save a buck"

Integrity - clients will always know the origin of their materials, we will always make appropriate suggestions & push back when needed, and we will always guarantee our builds

Communication & Transparency - if we can build it, we will commit to it, and keep you updated along the build. If we cannot build something with confidence and guarantee high quality - we will communicate immediately and be honest about our scope and reach

Custom red oak bench cladding for Restaurant Bar in Lookjng forward to the grand opening this spring!
03/16/2026

Custom red oak bench cladding for Restaurant Bar in Lookjng forward to the grand opening this spring!

The final of three large pieces for AGC in the southwest side. Coming back for final touch ups, doors, and details… but ...
03/13/2026

The final of three large pieces for AGC in the southwest side. Coming back for final touch ups, doors, and details… but it was pleasure and for sure the largest onsite installation we had to date. Lots of learning lessons but also lots of victories to celebrate!

We made this custom Murphy Door with shelving system that integrates 1/2 round bar to serve as a closet rod for miniatur...
03/13/2026

We made this custom Murphy Door with shelving system that integrates 1/2 round bar to serve as a closet rod for miniature dresses that get sold online through our clients’ business. Murphy doors aren’t easy. But when they work… they work. Built with high quality materials and guaranteed to withstand all the movement.

Custom aluminum donor wall for .sanar … Thank you for all you do for the community! 💪🏾
03/09/2026

Custom aluminum donor wall for .sanar … Thank you for all you do for the community! 💪🏾

Custom 2” ash table with Briarsmoke stain (my favorite). Matching 2” ash bench with Briarsmoke stain also. Custom bracke...
03/07/2026

Custom 2” ash table with Briarsmoke stain (my favorite). Matching 2” ash bench with Briarsmoke stain also. Custom bracket work by colleague who did an incredible job!

The adjustable shelving side of the second phase build for this large project. Students and staff will use this for book...
02/22/2026

The adjustable shelving side of the second phase build for this large project. Students and staff will use this for books, plays, and instruments. Brackets set to allow for rolling carts to slide directly underneath.

Custom three-piece armoire for a two-time return client 😎. Tested the team with new process and standards on this one. ...
02/15/2026

Custom three-piece armoire for a two-time return client 😎. Tested the team with new process and standards on this one. Always growing and always getting better.

From concept to completion! Custom designed red oak console with tri corn black coat 😎. right side crafted to fit a reco...
02/06/2026

From concept to completion! Custom designed red oak console with tri corn black coat 😎. right side crafted to fit a recover and left side split.

13’ red oak counter with walnut topcoat went on at Windfree Solar Cafe in Evanston 💪🏾. Looking forward to their grand op...
02/02/2026

13’ red oak counter with walnut topcoat went on at Windfree Solar Cafe in Evanston 💪🏾. Looking forward to their grand opening. Had a matcha latte and it was 10/10 👌🏾. Another project on the books with and Always happy to explore and support small businesses with their build needs 🫡

Custom burled maple plaque for this Horsehead plaque 🐴… this project was only small in physical size. So delicate, so me...
01/31/2026

Custom burled maple plaque for this Horsehead plaque 🐴… this project was only small in physical size. So delicate, so meaningful for the client. Thanks and for another collaboration 💪🏾

13’ red oak counter with walnut topcoat went on at 💪🏾. Looking forward to their grand opening. Had a matcha latte and i...
01/31/2026

13’ red oak counter with walnut topcoat went on at 💪🏾. Looking forward to their grand opening. Had a matcha latte and it was 10/10 👌🏾. Another project on the books with and Always happy to explore and support small businesses with their build needs 🫡

Custom 36’x10’ sky snake for our client in …. “Client: I want to hang a large custom golden snake with lights. 1840 ...
01/15/2026

Custom 36’x10’ sky snake for our client in …. “Client: I want to hang a large custom golden snake with lights. 1840 Creative: Bet.” And voila! 🐍 Can’t wait for the grand opening! 😎

Small custom closet solutions for our client!
01/12/2026

Small custom closet solutions for our client!

Custom oak floating shelves. Custom made steel brackets and installation to close out the year. Already have shelving or...
01/01/2026

Custom oak floating shelves. Custom made steel brackets and installation to close out the year. Already have shelving orders for 2026 and ready to work!

Custom wall planter dividers. Worked with 🐆 from concept to design and ex*****on 😎. Can’t wait to see them with plants ...
12/19/2025

Custom wall planter dividers. Worked with 🐆 from concept to design and ex*****on 😎. Can’t wait to see them with plants and adding cozy privacy for the cocktail bar’s clientele.

Side A of Phase II at Academy for Global Citizenship. Four sitting books lined with acoustic panels, integrated drawers ...
12/17/2025

Side A of Phase II at Academy for Global Citizenship. Four sitting books lined with acoustic panels, integrated drawers under the bench, and upholstery by our colleague. If you’re wondering this is a 28’ x 8’ x 4’ build consisting of over 200 parts 😮‍💨. But we got it done 💪🏾

Client needed a basic, quality, conference table. Say less. May you close hundreds of contracts on your new table ✍🏽 ...
12/06/2025

Client needed a basic, quality, conference table. Say less. May you close hundreds of contracts on your new table ✍🏽

Address

1965 W. Pershing Road
Chicago, IL
60609

Opening Hours

Monday 5:30pm - 10:30pm
Wednesday 5:30am - 10:30pm
Saturday 8am - 8:30pm
Sunday 8:30am - 12:30pm

Telephone

(773) 242-9247

Website

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