Made True: Duncwoods
- MT Trim Co
- Aug 28
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 25
What started as a DM connecting over floating shelves has turned into a camaraderie of sawdust.
Meet Christopher Duncan. By day, he works for a global medical supply corporation. But once the workday is done, he heads into his Southern California home’s two-car garage, which he has completely transformed into a woodworking shop.
What started in 2019, with a single gifted circular saw and a YouTube tutorial, has grown into Duncwoods, a part-time business and online teaching platform. Though he still considers himself a hobbyist, it’s safe to say woodworking is more than a side hustle for Duncan — it's a passion that has reshaped his life and home.
No Tools, No Problem
Christopher’s woodworking journey began in the most relatable way: trying to save money. When his wife suggested hiring someone to build a brick planter box for their home, Christopher decided to give it a go himself — even though he had zero experience and didn’t own a single tool.
His plan: to build it out of wood to help with the budget.
“I told my co-worker what I planned to do, and he gifted me a corded circular saw,” Christopher recalls. “Like any other man who is on a budget and wants to do something for their wife, I watched a few YouTube videos. Then I watched a few more. I built the planter box and BOY was I proud.”
Continuing Education
That initial build hooked Christopher. He quickly offered to build more for his wife, and one project led to another — each teaching him something along the way. From a headboard to “very ugly” nightstands (his words, not ours), he found himself sharing his process online. After all, he had learned so much from watching YouTube videos that he wanted to give back. People resonated with his willingness to show not just the wins but the learning curve, and before long, they wanted to buy his creations. Every build funded a new tool, fueling his growth.
But the real breakthrough for his social media growth came from sharing how he builds his floating shelves. Christopher uses the same process we do — the miter-fold method. He taught it to his followers, and his accounts kept growing!
What is the miter fold method? A miter cut allows two pieces of wood to come together, creating a seamless 90-degree angle. The best way to describe the design is that it looks like the wood grains wrap around all sides of the shelf, with no rough or raw edges. Some execute this process using tape along the seams, then folding the pieces together; some do not. There are multiple ways to build things! In the end, the fold comes from the joints coming together, not how it’s built.
His passion for learning and teaching others is what continued to grow his online presence. Through Duncwoods, he is officially a part-time content creator, teaching others how to build things for their own home.
Ensuring Quality
Ask Christopher what’s made him better, and he’ll tell you: his wife. Smart man. The Mrs. Bosses of the world have to keep everyone in line!
You know how people say that you are your own worst critic? Well, Christopher says, “My wife is my biggest critic.” In the beginning, getting feedback from her was hard, but when he reflects on her intent, he’s appreciative. “Her honest voice in my head has been my standard for every build.”
That tough love has carried into his approach with clients, where quality and precision come first.
Learning Through Challenge
Every builder has a project that humbles them. For Duncan, it was an entertainment wall in 2023. The build went smoothly until crown molding came into play. Having never coped crown molding before, the simple wrap-around-the-top look wasn’t as easy as it appeared. Keeping his client and quality in mind, he eventually hired someone to help.
It’s setbacks like these that only push Duncan forward. “You can plan A-Z before doing a full built-in, but you will have minor or even major changes on site that may occur, and it is okay. It is part of the job, and the way you solve it makes you that much better of a carpenter. We are like magicians."
It’s this perspective—that carpenters are part problem-solver, part magician—that keeps him motivated. Every project “requires you to think on your feet and be creative, all while trying to be as effective and efficient as possible. It is a mental challenge!”
And, now that he’s gained experience, he’s ready to attempt crown molding again!
Knowledge Sharing
Every craftsperson has something that sets them apart from their peers. For some, it’s their method of building or a niche they’ve found. But when we asked Duncan what sets him apart as a carpenter, his answer stood out.
“I am not a gatekeeper. If I learned how to do something, I am going to share what I learned so it helps others. I am not someone who is going to say that I was self-taught. NO. I learned by watching others do it, trying it myself, failing, winning and bringing my touch into it. If someone wants to use me to bring their vision to life, I take pride in helping that person achieve it through my hands! If that person wants to join me in building so that they one day learn how to do it, I will do it in a heartbeat.”
If you haven’t followed Duncwoods online, here’s your sign. He genuinely cares about the learning process, his followers and the entire woodworking community.
“I am also very appreciative of the feedback I get online. Not just the feedback about how my project looks, but how it inspired someone to do it themselves. That is the most rewarding part of sharing what I do online. Providing value! Also, the carpentry/woodworking community is the best! Everyone is always so willing to provide help or share tips!”
The Tools That Shaped Him
Beyond the gifted circular saw and supportive wife, Christopher shared who and what else have shaped his craft.
Jesus: That’s right, he’s also a carpenter! But more importantly, he’s Christopher’s ultimate role model.
Makita 40v Cordless Track Saw: Duncan loves its mobility and accuracy.
Apple iPad: Perfect for on-site design and quoting.
Makita Miter Saw: The Duncwoods shop has a miter-saw station, and it’s been efficient for repeatable cuts!
Odie's Oil: There’s just something about the reveal of walnut after some oil that gives Christopher goosebumps.
Peterman Lumber: “They are amazing people and an honest business. Their warehouse is like a Toys 'R' Us store for woodworkers.”
SawStop Table Saw: A dream table saw! Not only does it give Christopher a piece of mind when it comes to his safety, but he will now feel comfortable teaching his son on this equipment in the future. (Rumor has it you just might see Duncwoods and MT Trim Co featured in some SawStop content.)
As Duncwoods continues to grow, Christopher has clear goals: to have one custom build a month and continue to empower more people to try woodworking themselves.
Beyond floating shelves, he truly has enjoyed learning the ins and outs of cabinet making. He wants to continue his growth in this area. He also dreams of one day redoing his home office—floor to ceiling—and filming the process so others can learn alongside him. We can’t wait to see that!
At The End of The Day
For Christopher, woodworking is more than a side business. It’s a way to unwind, connect with his faith and express his creativity. “Corporate money is great,” he reflects, “but working with your hands and mind combined is that much more satisfying.”
Faith and family will always remain central to his story. Duncwoods is built on passion, persistence and a belief that carpentry is for everyone willing to try. Through Duncwoods, he continues to share knowledge, inspire others and remind us that even in imperfection, something beautiful can always be Made True.
Stay connected to Duncwoods!
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