About ME
So my name is Chris Stone, also known as Fivetone Cabinetry. I am a passionate cabinet maker based in Stroud, Gloucestershire. In the midst of the Covid pandemic back in 2020, I unfortunately lost my job at a prestigious bespoke kitchen and furniture company in Bristol due to the unavoidable lockdowns. However, instead of succumbing to the challenges, I decided to channel my skills and creativity into something constructive.
I transformed my humble garage into a workshop and began crafting beautiful fitted furniture. Initially, I didn't anticipate it becoming a full-fledged business; it was more of a way to cope with the uncertainties of the lockdown. But as word got out and demand grew, I found myself transitioning into larger spaces to accommodate the production of sizable furniture pieces.
This unexpected journey made me realize my newfound passion for design. I relished the opportunity to be in control of both the creative process and the manufacturing aspect. What really fueled my enthusiasm was the ability to take full responsibility for delivering products of the highest quality to my customers.
Drawing from my background in the film and TV industry as well as my musical endeavors, my naturally artistic and creative instincts have played a pivotal role in my design approach. To bring my visions to life and allow clients to visualize the final product, I taught myself how to use SketchUp—empowering me to provide accurate representations of what their bespoke furniture will ultimately become.
At Fivetone Cabinetry, craftsmanship and artistry intertwine, as I wholeheartedly pour my dedication and expertise into each piece I create.
The workshop
I am fortunate to share the workshop space in Stroud with the exceptionally skilled carpenter AJ Hudd Carpentry. Our workshop may be moderate in size, but it possesses the power to bring forth grandeur in the form of enormous furniture creations.
One notable feature is the expansive assembly area, enabling me to meticulously ensure the perfect squareness of every cabinet before it embarks on its journey to the finishing stage. Additionally, the presence of a spacious workbench grants me the freedom to tackle and construct substantial projects with ease. This is complemented by an array of cutting-edge machinery that allows me to process raw timber and seamlessly craft intricate components. Supported by an abundant collection of hand tools and the remarkable efficiency of Festool machinery, there is truly no limit to what can be manufactured within this creative haven.
FinisH
One of my biggest challenges in moving to Stroud was finding a decent spray finisher for my pieces.
I firmly believe that a spray finish offers the highest quality and professional look to any finished product, which is why I like to offer it as a standard option. I have had experiences in the past where clients or decorators decided to finish the furniture themselves, and it just never looked right. Sometimes they completely ruined the overall aesthetic and made the furniture feel like a shoddy job which has put me off offering this going forward.
However, after some disappointing encounters, I discovered RJ Hunt and Sons, a fantastic company that specialises in finishing work. They have become my go-to for all my spray finishing needs. Not only do they consistently deliver an incredible finish, but they also prioritise my jobs and offer competitive rates. This partnership allows us to offer our customers the best product possible, with perfectly color-matched and meticulously detailed lacquered or painted finishes.