--- title: "Alexander F. Marshall — General Contractors | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/alexander-f-marshall-pfvwus-pf~2013709487 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~2013709487.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Alexander F. Marshall" category: ["General Contractors"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/31d35e0401d24262_2949-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "357 hawthorne ave, Palo Alto, California 94301, United States" latitude: 37.4443 longitude: -122.1497 phone: "(650) 324-1254" website: http://www.marshallalex.com rating: 5 review_count: 26 best_of_houzz_awards: 9 followers: 80 last_updated: 2026-09-04 --- # Alexander F. Marshall Original Houzz profile: [Alexander F. Marshall](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/alexander-f-marshall-pfvwus-pf~2013709487) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** General Contractors - **Location:** Palo Alto, CA - **Serves:** Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Redwood City, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Los Altos, San Carlos, Stanford, Los Altos Hills, Atherton, Woodside, Portola Valley, West Menlo Park, decks, Garden Structures, Garden design, Garden Studios - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (26 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 9 awards (2015–2025), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves CARPENTRY BY DESIGN I enjoy building . I love Backyard structures : Sheds, Decks , Treehouses, Playhouses etc I endeavor to make something fresh and different. . I specialize in custom carpentry and woodworking products, designed and made to specific needs.. I like making things and being challenged in the process.. On my PROJECTS page you see a range of craft , design and imagination. I especially enjoy making custom garden studios, children's play houses and tree houses. I served my apprenticeship In Newcastle , England as a carpenter / joiner. I started off working for a 100 year old family firm . I served most of my apprenticeship with Jimmy Spence . Jimmy was with the firm a long time. He was very patient and had plenty knowledge to pass on. ### Services Provided - Home Remodeling - General Contracting - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Deck Building - Garage Building - Custom Home Bars - House Framing - Attic Conversion - Deck Repair - Laminate Flooring Installation - Tiny House Construction - Workshop Design & Construction - Carport Installation - Staircase Design - Attic Restoration - Trim Work - Crown Molding Installation - Shed Design & Construction - Wood Siding - Wainscoting - Backyard structures - Bar sheds - Cabinet Repair - Carpentry - Custom Bookcases - Custom Built-ins - Custom Cabinets - Custom Design - Custom Entertainment Centers - Custom Fireplace Mantels - Custom Framing - Custom Pantries - Custom Shelving - Custom sheds - Decks around trees - Design - Finish Carpentry - Garden Studios - Gates - Ipe decks - Kids Treehouse & Playhouses - Pergola Construction - Play deck - Playhouse - Sheds - Treehouse - Trellis & Pergola Construction - Trellis Construction ### Areas Served - Sunnyvale - Santa Clara - Redwood City - Mountain View - Palo Alto - Menlo Park - Los Altos - San Carlos - Stanford - Los Altos Hills - Atherton - Woodside - Portola Valley - West Menlo Park - decks - Garden Structures - Garden design - Garden Studios ### Typical Job Cost $500 - 100,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Alexander F. Marshall | | Address | 357 hawthorne ave, Palo Alto, California 94301, United States | | Phone | (650) 324-1254 | | Website | http://www.marshallalex.com | | License Number | 519032 | | Followers on Houzz | 80 | **Social profiles:** - Blog — http://www.youtube.com/user/alex191757 ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Alexander F. Marshall](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/alexander-f-marshall-pfvwus-pf~2013709487) - **Website:** http://www.marshallalex.com - **Phone:** (650) 324-1254 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - A small 1915 arts and crafts style house I rebuilt won an AIA merit award. - HOUZZ service award for three consecutive years 2015, 2016 & 2017. Angie's list service award. - **Best of Houzz:** 9 awards (2015–2025), for Design, Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 26 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Kanthi Nagaraj, Aug. 2024** > I wanted to give a shoutout to Alex for building an amazing playhouse in our backyard. We liked the whole process that Alex followed. He considered our suggestions, encouraged lot of discussions and design ideas. He is more of an artist than a carpenter and he spent a lot of time on many amazing design details in the tree house. He was upfront about the costs and frank in all his discussions. It was a pleasure to work with him. He used excellent materials and the treehouse is a beautiful addition to our backyard. Thank you Alex! **★★★★★ — HU-613702976, Sept. 2021** > When we installed an air conditioning system, we found that the only feasible place to install the AC unit was in our garden. We asked Alex if he could build us an enclosure to try to camouflage the unit. He counseled us to build something that would be decorative but which would not end up looking like a box which, in his view, would be only slightly more attractive than the AC unit itself. It turned out he was absolutely right and we ended up with a design we are delighted with. The enclosure is built of redwood and ipe woods and doesn't try to hide the AC unit but, in our view, is elegant and a real enhancement to our garden. It is functional, in that it can be easily moved to give access to the unit for servicing. Alex has a real eye for design and artistry. His process is very creative and collaborative and his workmanship is excellent. He did the work on site and was considerate and tidied up every night. I am immunosuppressed and Alex was sensitive and flexible about masking and maintaining physical distancing. It was very enjoyable to work with him. We would recommend Alex very highly. **★★★★★ — Mark Alguard, June 2020** > Our 35 year old deck and balcony were in dire need of replacement. Alex came to our rescue. From the get-go I appreciated his realistic approach to our needs and creative innovations. We decided on a combination of ipe for the decking and select redwood for the rails. Alex gave special attention to details and proper techniques and materials to insure we'll never experience dry rot again. > We worked on a time and materials basis which allowed us to make adjustments as we proceeded without the hassle of renegotiating contracts. I was also able to take on some work myself under Alex's oversight which helped keep the cost down and was fun, too. > We love the final result and only regret that the CV lock down has limited our opportunities to show it off. **★★★★★ — Donna Alvarado, March 2020** > Alex did a terrific job when he replaced the deck on the back of our house. He proposed a design based on our request, and then he was very flexible about modifying the plan when we thought of additional issues. > He knows his craft very well and guided our final plan. He paid attention to all the details. We were very happy with the final deck. We heartily recommend him. **★★★★★ — grace, June 2018** > This review is long overdue. Everytime I see my kids playing in the treehouse I think about how I should write a review for Alex, but then I got distracted and forgot about it. > We are so fortunate to have found Alex through houzz last year. We’ve been thinking about having a treehouse built for some time, and finally it came true thanks to Alex. > Alex is great! He is easy to work with, and has a good eye for aesthetic and function with the ability to find the perfect balance between the both. He also pays great attention to details and has a good work ethic. > He designed and built a beautiful treehouse that my kids (and their friends) enjoy, based on what we wanted. > The treehouse that Alex built for us has a platform to jump off for our tree swing, a rope ladder to get on it, a pulley for the kids to pull the bucket up and down, and a ship wheel. We added the zipline afterwards. > And its not just that, the way he built it, we could always add to it and it could grow with our kids. > We will definately work with him again for our next project. **★★★★★ — Scott Carlson, May 2018** > I needed a skilled craftsman to do some tricky work on the exterior fascia of our craftsman house. I'm glad I found Alex. He specializes in carpentry (having apprenticed in England as a carpenter/joiner). I couldn't be more happy with the outcome. He's a straight shooter, communicates well and wants you to, and is a perfectionist (the good kind--not overly fussy and taking forever). I recommend him highly. **★★★★★ — Kathryn Akatiff, April 2018** > We feel so lucky to have found Alex! We wanted to convert our small shed roof patio to a room, and Alex did a great job. He is as much a designer as a carpenter. What might have been a pedestrian looking addition turned out to have real charm. He took great care to make sure at critical junctures to let us know of different choices and made good suggestions when we we were unsure. He is talented, hardworking, and has a reasonable fee. He is someone you can trust to do a great job,. **★★★★★ — Yoriko Kishimoto, March 2018** > Alex just finished a fantastic job for us - the most beautiful shed in Palo Alto! It is a great addition to our back garden. He is a true craftsman who loves to apply his creativity and experience to woodworking. He also listens carefully to what you want, presenting choices as the project proceeds. And as other reviewers have noted, he's fun to work with, very honest, and cleaned up well at completion. Highest recommendations. **★★★★★ — Glista Guilford, Jan. 2018** > I asked Alex to do a couple of jobs for me. He converted an unusable 1/2 bath into a wonderful closet. He was able to enlarge the room by taking part of another, too-large coat closet. Removal of toilet and sink, holes in the floor and walls, cracked lath and plaster - he handled it all. He installed sheetrock and shelving. An aged unpleasant bathroom is now a clean and useful closet with more storage than I imagined possible. Who knew a closet could be "fabulous"? > > The second job was to remove a builder grade mantel in my living room and create a streamlined one. I wanted a longer, more simple mantel to display 3 paintings. He did a wonderful job figuring out how to give me exactly what I requested. In the process he replaced ceiling and baseboard molding to match the rest of the room. He created a great 'niche' that will be tiled or marbled. Before and after pictures are attached. > > Alex' job with the mantel is finished, but I have a way to go. Right now it is just primed. I want to live with it for a while and will then paint it and apply either tile or marble to the niche....or... !? I could not be happier. > > Alex is fun to work with; he is quick and clean. He is trustworthy. He seems to really like a challenge and a chance to problem solve. Great sense of humor! I could not give him a stronger recommendation. **★★★★★ — K N, Sept. 2017** > I originally found Alex for an exterior trim job. My 60+ year old house had its share of problems; he took the rotted and mismatched exterior trim and made it work together again. He installed carriage doors for me and they hang/move like a dream! I'm also the proud owner of one of his “little houses”. Originally a darling playhouse, he altered it to be a beautiful shed for my garden. > Alex is not only a quality carpenter, he's a problem solver, conscientious about detail and making your project uniquely yours. There are no shortcuts with Alex; everything he builds is old world craftsmanship. I would not hesitate to hire him again or recommend him to anyone wanting a quality carpenter. **★★★★★ — Tricia Dolkas, Aug. 2017** > Alex repaired the tongue and groove porch of our historical Victorian. He did a great job. He was meticulous, reliable and proactive. I highly recommend Alex! **★★★★★ — Brady Barksdale, May 2017** > Alex helped us enlarge and reshape our outdoor deck and steps. The previous contractor who built it did not pay much attention to detail and after seeing Alex work on the deck he clearly had a vision on how to best increase the size of the deck and stairs to make it an elegant design that is also practical. I would recommend him and planning to use hi again for another project soon. ## Selected projects - [Best Treehouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/best-treehouse-pj-vj~6141584) - Location: Palo Alto, California - Photos: 22 - Description: Treehouse / Play structure Deck , cabin , slide , jungle bars. Playhouse , Imagination . - [The best Garden Studio in palo alto](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-best-garden-studio-in-palo-alto-pj-vj~553513) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 20 - Description: It's my first Garden studio. I loved it 'cos I was able to design it all. I will be doing more in the future and all a little bit or a lot different. - [Treehouse ideas](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/treehouse-ideas-pj-vj~2287050) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 3 - [Ipe Rail](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ipe-rail-pj-vj~1087592) - Location: Saratoga, CA - Photos: 14 - Description: Retaining wall before Ipe safety rail is installed - [Best sheds in Palo Alto...and beyond !](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/best-sheds-in-palo-alto-and-beyond-pj-vj~1736096) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 22 - Description: Storage shed with paneled doors angled to the roof slope - [Virginia's Apartment revitalized](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/virginia-s-apartment-revitalized-pj-vj~1736149) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 5 - [Treehouse/play structure](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/treehouse-play-structure-pj-vj~2587705) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - [Shirley's stairs](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/shirley-s-stairs-pj-vj~1818703) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 9 - [A Playhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-playhouse-pj-vj~2081042) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 21 - Description: I love making little houses for little people . - [Ipe Deck](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ipe-deck-pj-vj~2290058) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 8 - [Bobbie's house](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bobbie-s-house-pj-vj~294140) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 17 - [Table from a Bowling alley lane](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/table-from-a-bowling-alley-lane-pj-vj~1090072) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 3 - Description: 39 inches x 72 inches. Pine bowling alley slab with maple inlay, Steel banded edges with steel I beam legs. - [Arbor with tapered post & braces](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/arbor-with-tapered-post-and-braces-pj-vj~1736109) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 3 - [Loft space/ Den](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/loft-space-den-pj-vj~552841) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 6 - [Crooked stairs](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/crooked-stairs-pj-vj~2032025) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 17 - Description: I had to replair the stairs but wanted to keep it’s crooked character . I replaced the stringers and moved them over to avoid the tree . Replaced the treads . Raised the safety rail in an imaginative way . I even extended the botom right post . I bet you can’t see the joint ? The stairs are part of a beautifuly crooked house . - [Gates](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/gates-pj-vj~1736116) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 8 - [Wine cabinet](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wine-cabinet-pj-vj~1736143) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 2 - [cabinets to stairs](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cabinets-to-stairs-pj-vj~2060589) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 6 - [Church pews restored](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/church-pews-restored-pj-vj~2217826) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 6 - [1850 Yorkshire dresser Copy](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/1850-yorkshire-dresser-copy-pj-vj~269740) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 8 - Description: I copied the piece from a Photo in a book . The original was built in 1850 and I loved the design. Made in pine with a light stain. The plaster portrait is Michael at 9 years . [See all 62 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/alexander-f-marshall-pfvwus-pf~2013709487) ## Ideabooks - [alex30's ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/18004764/list/alex30-s-ideas) — 27 ideas - [Sheds](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/149971415/list/sheds) — 6 ideas - [Entry](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/138110117/list/entry) — 7 ideas - [Details](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/147170353/list/details) — 2 ideas - [Ipe Rail](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/127411696/list/ipe-rail) — 1 idea - [studio](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/48951350/list/studio) — 8 ideas [See all 6 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/alex30) ## Community Q&A **Q: The front of my house is really boring. Please help!** *(in Design Dilemma)* Hey everyone! So I am starting the process of planning some exterior work on my house. I'm going to be painting the house white with black and yellow accents. I have already replaced all of the old windows, and am looking at doors now. The front of the house is a bit "flat" for my liking. Anyone have any ideas how to make it a bit more dynamic? The interior of the house is very much Scandinavian/contemporary, and would like to reflect a more modern style on the outside. Nothing is off limits at this point. Landscaping will change dramatically, but right now I am focusing on something structural to make it a bit more interesting. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Here is the house: Here is my inspiration for the exterior color scheme and look. A: A porch roof over your door with two posts. The roof could be flat or pitched. A simple overhang with braces could work too. This provides projection. The pics aren't suggestions for you, just an example of projection, making flat pop out. **Q: Please help!** *(in Design Dilemma)* My carpenter just finished installing a "ship lap" wall in my new house. Unfortunately he did not space the boards and it it just basically looks like a wood wall A: Shiplap ( v rustic ) often comes with shamfer on one side forming a v when the boards are put together ( like the door in your pic ) . Often the backside is squared giving a look like your wall when boards are put together. I like both ways . It's important to view the design before application . I used the V side for the ceiling in this pic and the square side vertical for the wall. Alex. **Q: Ugly backyard gate needs your help** *(in Design Dilemma)* Our small gate into the backyard currently is very dated and wobbly. Even though we have to keep it the same size (just under 6' wide), because it's the only opening between the house and garage for the backyard, I'm hoping to make it more clean and modern. Our new dog loves to look out the gate down the driveway, so totally boarded up might not be ideal. I'd love to hear your ideas on how we can update this ugly gate! I'm totally open to unique ideas and styles to make it stand out. I've attached some photos for reference. Thanks in advance! **Q: Great Wall great room HELP!!** *(in Design Dilemma)* Help me design this wall. 75" tv is wall mounted...mirrored piece under tv is just temporary. walls: SW Agreeable Gray floors: daltile saddlebrook wood tile in farmhouse A: I'm a carpenter , so I think like one. That's why I would build bookshelves all the way to the ceiling , about 16 ft and 9 ft wide. It would look very dramatic if designed well. OR ... 10ft - 12 ft high with a place for the tv. It would be three sections wide. Alex, Palo Alto **Q: Exterior Improvements** *(in Design Dilemma)* Hi Guys, I am trying to improve the look of the exterior without having to change any sidings. I was planning to enlarge the window from 60"x30" to 60"x48" in a black industrial style frame. And replace the garage doors. Well, the rest you can see in the concept picture. What do you think? Any alternatives that might look good here? Thanks! A: I had this problem with a project. It was too flat and needed some projection, color. I added four elements - Trellis to garage doors, sloping trellis to windows, sculpted eve beams and painted window trim and eve beams. I think similar details would work for you . I wanted to add a shelf under the windows too. Virginia decided not. I like Virginias existing garage doors . I would have painted them though. They have vertical strips which makes them different. I like different. Alex , PALO ALTO CA **Q: Very dark kitchen.** *(in Design Dilemma)* We would like to replace our backsplash with a lighter colour and style. Any and all solutions welcome! The cupboards and granite and flooring have to stay. Secondly, do we take the backsplash to the ceiling? A: Install a Skylight if you can. A skylight should be architectural as well as functional in letting light in. I always enlarge the ceiling opening at least twice the size of the skylight. Alex Palo Alto --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-04.*