---
title: "Ironwood Builders — Home Builders | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/ironwood-builders-pfvwus-pf~503570252
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~503570252.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Ironwood Builders"
category: ["Home Builders"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/08739926002ad421_4097-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "PO Box 1512, Forestville, California 95436, United States"
latitude: 38.4923
longitude: -122.9042
phone: "(707) 695-9002"
website: http://www.ironwood-builders.net
rating: 4.6
review_count: 5
best_of_houzz_awards: 1
followers: 427
last_updated: 2026-08-16
---

# Ironwood Builders

Original Houzz profile: [Ironwood Builders](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/ironwood-builders-pfvwus-pf~503570252)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Home Builders
- **Location:** Forestville, CA
- **Serves:** Santa Rosa, Healdsburg, Larkfield-Wikiup, Sebastopol, Guerneville, Forestville, Graton, Occidental, Fulton
- **Houzz rating:** 4.6 out of 5 (5 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2023), for Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Star Houzzer
- Houzz Influencer
- Recommended on Houzz
- 1,000 Ideabook Saves

Artisan contractors in Wine Country.  Custom carpentry from foundation to finish.  Fine woodworking and custom cabinetry.

### Services Provided

- New Home Construction
- Custom Homes
- Home Remodeling
- Home Additions
- Energy-Efficient Homes
- Green Building
- Garage Building
- House Framing
- Historic Building Conservation
- Drafting
- 3D plans in Sketchup

### Areas Served

- Santa Rosa
- Healdsburg
- Larkfield-Wikiup
- Sebastopol
- Guerneville
- Forestville
- Graton
- Occidental
- Fulton

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Ironwood Builders |
| Address | PO Box 1512, Forestville, California 95436, United States |
| Phone | (707) 695-9002 |
| Website | http://www.ironwood-builders.net |
| License Number | 812803 |
| Followers on Houzz | 427 |

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Ironwood Builders](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/ironwood-builders-pfvwus-pf~503570252)
- **Website:** http://www.ironwood-builders.net
- **Phone:** (707) 695-9002

## Credentials

- **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2023), for Service.

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 4.6 out of 5 — 5 reviews**

*Aspect averages:*
- Work Quality: 50.0
- Communication: 50.0
- Value: 50.0

### All 5 reviews

**★★★★★ — Alicia, Oct. 2022**

> David is very knowledgeable in wood and restoration, hands down one of the best in this country. I highly recommend Ironwood builders for any of your projects. AAA+

**★★★★ — kathleencurria, Sept. 2013**

> David was on time and totally up front an honest about my house. I felt he gave me good advice and, regardless that he needed the work it was the right thing for him to do.

**Comment from Ironwood Builders:**

> I hope a little back story makes this more informational.  I received a referral to Kathleen from my regular window and door supplier to install a good number of exterior doors.  When we started to discuss the project on site, it was evident that the real scope of the work was much larger.  Remodeling bathrooms and at least minimally upgrading an existing deck.  As we discussed the project, it came clear to me that Kathleen was fixing the house up for sale and hoped to make a good return on investment.  I had to advise against the large remodel she was planning, to walk away from the potential job, as the return on her investment would not compensate her for its cost...the math just didn't work.  She had enough money in her budgeted amount, I could have done the work (if I had been less than candid and been able to make the estimated costs meet expectations) but I decided, though it was not in my best interest, to recommend only cosmetic touch ups and clean up.  Walking away with a clear concience was more important for me than any money I might garner from the job.  Thanks Kathleen!

**★★★★★ — Morse and Cleaver Architects, Feb. 2013**

> I love working with David at Ironwood Builders. My Architectural firm Morse and Cleaver has worked with many contractors over our 30 years in business and David is one of the very best. There are so many decisions for the contractor to make and he makes them with a deep knowledge of building science and a lovely aesthetic eye, all the while keeping budget firmly in mind. He also has the organizational skills and gumption to make it all happen according to schedule. Besides that he is a font of information and great fun to talk with. I look forward to our next project together.

**★★★★ — level1234, Jan. 2013**

> Definitely 4 stars...nobody gets 5 stars........5 stars is against human nature, nobody is perfect.
> As a Structural Engineering consultant, working with 40-50 contractors a year for the last 20 years, places me in a unique position to rate builders.
> My experience with David Lawson has been positive. I would rank him in the top 5% of all the builders I have worked with.
> His building and plan reading skills, experience, sincerity, honesty, respect, and communication skills are top notch.
> I would refer David for any job involving any building system composed of any building materials.
> His skill, spirit, and demeanor makes the jobs of the building designers much easier. He is a pleasure to work with...........
>
> Mark Level
> Level Structural Engineering

**★★★★★ — Archie/Connie Kinney, Jan. 2013**

> We hired Ironwood Builders to take down the existing structure and build a new house.  This was about one and one half year project and it was completed in the time frame originally quoted.  They worked well with the architect as well as all the other subcontractors.  David and his crew provided experienced work with great attention to detail and quality.  They provided help with choices for materials, lights, stone and wood choices etc. all along the way .  They have a very good and discerning eye for beauty and quality with concern for budget as well.  They tried very hard to take our vision and  they did create a  very beautiful house.  David gave 100% to make this happen!  They continually gave us feedback with their ideas, suggestions etc.   For example, David went to the light store many times with me to help make lighting choices.  He picked some different tiles to help make the process less overwhelming.  He went to granite places with me .  Building a house can be overwhelming and they made the process easier by preparing us step by step as to what decisions were needed next.  We would hire them again!  Archie and Connie Kinney

## Selected projects

- [Asian influenced timber frame with Arts and Crafts elements](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/asian-influenced-timber-frame-with-arts-and-crafts-elements-pj-vj~132351)
  - Location: Glen Ellen, CA
  - Photos: 9
  - Description: An Asian influenced Arts and Crafts exterior with a contemporary lodge interior.
- [Healdsburg House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/healdsburg-house-pj-vj~320994)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 10
- [Vineyard view straw bale timber frame home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/vineyard-view-straw-bale-timber-frame-home-pj-vj~158864)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 4
- [Traditional kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/traditional-kitchen-pj-vj~158886)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 2
- [Hybrid timber framed Super Bungalow](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hybrid-timber-framed-super-bungalow-pj-vj~143966)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 3
- [The Studio](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-studio-pj-vj~291721)
  - Location: Fulton, CA
  - Photos: 15
  - Description: A ghostly slaughterhouse begins a new life
- [pool house/Japanese bath house](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pool-house-japanese-bath-house-pj-vj~158873)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 2
- [Traditonal home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/traditonal-home-pj-vj~158866)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 4
- [Cheng Kitchen in Wine country](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cheng-kitchen-in-wine-country-pj-vj~143955)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 4
- [Kilts for Kids](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kilts-for-kids-pj-vj~331428)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 3
- [fireplace remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fireplace-remodel-pj-vj~153573)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 2
- [Craftsman Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/craftsman-kitchen-pj-vj~143958)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 2
  - Description: A major remodel of a bungalow kitchen
- [Wine Cellar](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wine-cellar-pj-vj~143964)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 2

[See all 13 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/ironwood-builders-pfvwus-pf~503570252)

## Ideabooks

- [Californio Style](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/142015228/list/californio-style) — 68 ideas
- [Moore kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/141469198/list/moore-kitchen) — 5 ideas
- [sheridan](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/106254652/list/sheridan) — 29 ideas
- [Jack](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/73399817/list/jack) — 4 ideas
- [joe](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/73399987/list/joe) — 6 ideas
- [biz](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/73399891/list/biz) — 2 ideas
- [porch](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7313034/list/porch) — 4 ideas
- [contemporary farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/52350132/list/contemporary-farmhouse) — 12 ideas
- [colonial inglenook](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/6922610/list/colonial-inglenook) — 8 ideas
- [patio](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/6881151/list/patio) — 12 ideas

[See all 10 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/davidironwood)

## Community Q&A

**Q: Beautiful!  What flooring did you go with?  Do you know if it held up?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: This was 5 1/4” white oak in a “C” grade (pretty rough with some knots and other imperfections.  It was wiped with water to open the grain after sanding, stained white and finished with Bona waterborne satin.  We still do projects on the house seven years and two owners later.  The floor has held up very well.

**Q: 3 panel sliding patio door** *(in Design Dilemma)*

Do these typically come with screens behind them? i cant leave open doors with all the bugs we live by

A: Screens are typically an upcharge to window or sliding door base costs.

**Q: How to replicate Victorian tile patterns?** *(in Design Dilemma)*

I need to put tile on the porch of my tiny Victorian which is undergoing a massive renovation. I'd love to do something very classic on the porch, which is not very large, something with hex tiles bordered by 1x1 tiles in a traditional pattern. I've seen photos of these and I love them and I think it's the right choice. But I'm not sure how to go about getting it done. My contractor has a tile guy but he's probably never done this before and I'm not sure who to purchase the tile from. I'm not eager to order it from London as I live in California. Any advice?

A: My advice?  Visit your local tile center for ideas and supply.  We've done many "rug" tile setting jobs.  One of the most memorable was a basket weave of Crema Marfil 1X2 rectangles with a Nero Marquina dot.  12X12 Nero Marquina was ripped to 6X12 and used as border and base.  There are many versions of Mission tiles in California that trace their design history to the Moslem invasion of Spain.  The geometric layout is similar to your British Victorian tile.  All those imperialists.  Brits in the Middle East and Moslems I n Spain.  Alhambra is a Spanish word?  I don't think so.

**Q: Bathroom remodel** *(in Design Dilemma)*

What color granite goes best with cranberry wall paint?

A: Depends on where and what you are doing.  In a kitchen, anything white.  In a powder room?  I'd go for black.  Visit a local stone yard with your color swatch and decide for yourself!

**Q: White paint conundrum** *(in Design Dilemma)*

So my very "cool-toned white cabinets" are arriving tomorrow. The ceiling has already been painted DE's "Cool December" and boy, does it look white! It's not so white where I couldn't live with it but white enough where I do not want the trim and wainscot in the room as bright. So I am considering BM decorator's white or white dove for the trim now. That would mean three shades of white would be going on. I would have done white dove trim to go with the BM Gray Owl in the rest of the room, but decorator's white looks more like the ceiling and it would be fine with me if it that is an acceptable wainscot color. What to do? Repaint the ceiling to match trim? Is it okay if we leave it alone? Which trim color would you pick? Thanks for the input!

A: For many years we have seen "white on white" decor.  Mixing and matching whites really depends on the other colors in the room.

**Q: Sliding Door (Barn Door type) that does not use Ceiling Hinges** *(in Design Dilemma)*

I have a doorway that we are wanting to put a sliding glass door to let the light through into a dark hallway when closed in the basement (which has extremely low ceilings - roughly 6'2" in this hallway).  I could use a regular door but it would have to open into a really small room and I would prefer not to use up the inside wall space to rest a door against.  The problem is the ceiling height is abysmal at only having roughly 1" above the rough opening.  As such, ceiling mounted hardware, or even wall mounted that runs along the top of the door frame, will not work.  Does anyone know of hinges that can run along the side wall - kind of like a kitchen drawer that extends across the door way and then retracts inside itself as the door opens? Or another suggestion for hardware?  Yes I can just have no door - but then if the small room becomes full of junk ... well we could not shut or slide a door to hide it :)

A: Hafele makes a recessed sliding door track.  It is mounted up in the drywall and the door attaches to rollers in the track.  A solid core door can be cut down to the proper height.

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-16.*