The Bathtub Saga: An NK Woodworking Adventure in Seattle
Well, pull up a chair, my friend. I got a story for you, and it goes back to the day I embarked on my personal quest to find the perfect bathtub from NK Woodworking in Seattle. You’re gonna love this, especially if you’ve ever gotten excited about a project that turned out to be a bit… well, trickier than you anticipated.
It all started on a rainy Saturday, and let me tell you, that Seattle drizzle is something else. You could practically smell the cedar from my workshop, but really it’s just that earthy wet wood smell that kind of gets into your lungs—you know what I mean? Anyway, my old tub had finally given up the ghost. Leaks here, mold there; it was practically a swimming pool in my bathroom by the time I got serious about it.
After hours of scrolling and wrestling with the idea of what kind of tub I wanted, I landed on NK Woodworking. Seems like everyone I know who’s into woodworking has heard of them. Their bathtubs are handcrafted and gorgeous, made from all kinds of sweet woods. I mean, just imagine staring at a tub made of aromatic cedar after a long day. It takes “relaxation” to a whole new level.
Now, I had my mind set on one of their beautiful models, but then reality hit—oh boy, did it hit. The price tag was enough to make me think twice. I mean, I knew I was gonna pay for quality, but seeing that number slapped up there made me gulp my coffee a bit harder. I almost gave up and decided to patch up the old tub instead. But where’s the fun in that?
Getting to Know My Wood
So I decided to take the plunge (pun intended) while keeping my budget in mind. I figured if I wanted a quality bathtub that could actually last and look good, I’d have to put a little elbow grease into it. My dad always told me, “If you’re gonna spend money, spend it on quality.” So, I grabbed my measuring tape, a cup of fresh-brewed coffee I’d just steeped, and hit the local lumber yard to check out some wood options.
Walking through those aisles was like being a kid in a candy store. Cedar, teak, mahogany – I could practically hear the wood whispering sweet nothings to me. I settled on some beautiful red oak because its grain looked like it was painted by nature itself. Plus, it’s tough but still flexible enough to work with, you know? I felt a twinge of excitement about what I was embarking on.
Flash forward a couple of weeks of sawing, sanding, and sealing—let me tell you, I ordered every tool I could find, from my trusty circular saw to a new sander that practically vibrated my hardhat off. The smell of sawdust mixed with fresh coffee was my soundtrack while I crafted this beauty piece-by-piece.
The Tub That Almost Wasn’t
As things progressed, I found myself running into a lot of hiccups. At one point, I almost gave up when I realized the dimensions I had measured were all wrong. I had visualized this grand walk-in tub that’d have the most romantic evening soaks, only to realize I’d crafted something that resembled a kiddie pool. I could hear my wife laughing in the background, and I had to chuckle, too, despite the frustration.
But you ever have one of those moments where something clicks? Well, flip on the lights, because I finally got it. I had this insight: instead of chucking what I had and starting over, why not tweak it? I decided to adjust the design to make it work with the space we had, combining functionality and charm. It turned into a tub that was ‘us’—quirky, a tad rustic, but oh-so-lovely.
After what felt like a lifetime, I finally got the thing finished. Standing there, arms crossed, covered in sawdust and a few battle scars, I finally felt a rush of pride when I saw the completed bathtub. I even laughed when I gave it a little test splash to see if it held water—I had voiced a silent prayer that it wouldn’t burst like some cheap inflatable thing.
A Lesson in Patience and Craft
After all was said and done, I’ll tell you, my heart sank a bit when I saw what I had actually created. I felt a swell of love not just for the craftsmanship but for the process—the late nights, the stained fingers, and the creative mess. Our first family night soaking in that tub, candles lit, and bubbles everywhere—it was worth it. And the peace in that moment was priceless, far beyond the dollar signs that initially felt so daunting.
So if you’re out there thinking about diving into a project like this that seems a bit out of reach, I say just jump in. Sure, you might make some mistakes, and it might turn out differently than you imagined. But that’s the beauty of it, isn’t it? Each twist, each turn teaches you something—a lesson, a little slice of joy, or a whole new skill set you didn’t think you had.
Trust me when I say this: If you’ve got a vision and a little bit of grit, go for it. I wish someone had told me that earlier in the process. Embrace the messiness of it all, and before you know it, you’ll end up with something truly special. Cheers to that!
