Space is of the essence in an RV. The very best RVs are known for their creativity and innovation in giving every inch of an RV a useful touch. Many veteran RVers look for these elements when purchasing an RV. In some cases they are able to make modifications before purchasing by talking to the factory or manufacturer. In others, they look for companies that specialize in aftermarket customization.
One such company is Wood Design RV Interiors, based out of Nappanee, Indiana. Wood Design RV specializes in designing and building custom cabinets, TV conversions, desks, Fireplace Surrounds and more to fit inside an RV. "We mostly work in high end RVs," says Gene Miller, owner of the company, "It is very hard to find something that has exactly what you want." Miller explains that many of his clients get things as close as they can to what they want out of the factory and then drive down the street (the shop is in the RV belt of Indiana) and get the customizations at his shop. "We also get folks that are second owners of used coaches and want to update it to fit their wants," he adds.
The company was originally started in 1995 by the name of Kaufman Kustom Kitchens owned by Irv Kaufman. Kaufman made kitchens and bath cabinetry for houses, though eventually he started receiving more and more requests for RV cabinetry. The RV side of woodworking business became a main part of the business. Kaufman was a neighbor of Gene Miller and was looking to retire. "I worked in a local woodworking shop where we did a few RV parts and he came in and said to me, 'hey, you should buy my business,'" Miller recalls. Miller thought about it for a bit and then decided to do it in July of 2008.
Wood Design RV Interiors takes care of aftermarket RV woodworking and cabinetry needs for RVers.
"I was 17 at the time so I was definitely a little green," laughs Miller, "But he showed me a lot and helped me get started." Miller originally worked by himself in the business for a while, building RV and home cabinetry. "I then hired my brother to help and eventually a few more people," Miller says, "Now we have 6 of us working in the shop." They also stopped making products for the home. "We prefer to do RVs," Miller explains, "The jobs are smaller so there is a quicker turnaround and we feel we know it better."
The quality of their products is part of the main draw of the company. Miller, who is Amish, upholds a standard of integrity, honesty and fairness. "Our mission is to provide the highest quality custom built wood products to RV owners and manufacturers. To use our woodworking experience and innovative design capabilities to enhance your RV experience. Our dedication to growing a close relationship with our customers allows Wood Design RV Interiors to deliver with unprecedented satisfaction," reads the website.
And this quality and professionalism shows. One review says, "We highly recommend Wood Design RV Interiors LLC! We left their shop this morning and could not be happier! Their work is superb and each person we encountered was friendly, professional and precise!" Another reviewer was even more appreciative, saying, "We recently wrapped up renovations on our motorhome and I feel compelled to shout to the world what a WONDERFUL job these guys did. “Wonderful” does not even do them justice. PERFECTION would be more like it."
"We use solid hardwood base fronts and doors," Miller explains, "And since we come from doing residential cabinetry, our products are made to a residential grade instead of RV grade." As a result, the products are sturdier and made to last a long time.
In the 11 years of making RV furniture, Miller says that things mostly have stayed steady, though he has noticed a few changes. "We get a lot more people customizing new coaches," Miller says, "Also the people are that are customizing are getting younger. We get more people in the 50s crowd and even some in their 40s with kids putting in bunks and things like that."
"One of my favorite perks of working here is seeing the project completed," Miller says, "The before and after is really great and seeing a happy customer is just great." So if you are looking for an upgrade or want to find ways to make your RV space more efficient and useful, look no further than Wood Design RV Interiors.