Meet the Maker

Owner, Alex DiIonno

Hi, I’m Alex DiIonno, founder of Roots Furniture Studio.

Roots was established as a reflection of something deeper than furniture—it represents origin, legacy, and a commitment to craftsmanship that endures. Formerly known as Alex’s Wood Works, the studio was redefined in March 2025 after more than a decade of dedicated practice, with a renewed focus on creating pieces of lasting significance.

My path into woodworking began with my grandfather Ralph Lombardi, a master carpenter whose work embodied patience, discipline, and pride. His influence shaped not only my skillset, but my philosophy: that true craftsmanship is measured not by speed, but by intention, and that the objects we live with should be made to outlast us.

At Roots Furniture Studio, each piece is built using time-honored woodworking methods—techniques that have remained largely unchanged for generations because they work. There are no shortcuts in this process. Every decision, from joinery to finish, is made with longevity, integrity, and refinement in mind.

Working from my shop in rural Green Township, New Jersey, I operate as a single craftsman studio, allowing for a level of control and attention that is increasingly rare. I collaborate directly with each client, designing and building custom furniture that is both deeply personal and architecturally grounded within the space it inhabits.

Materials are sourced with the same level of care. I work primarily with premium hardwoods from New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, selecting each board for its character, grain, and natural presence. No two pieces are alike, nor should they be.

The result is furniture that exists beyond function—pieces that anchor a room, carry weight, and quietly tell a story over time. This is work rooted in tradition, built with purpose, and intended to be lived with for generations.

 

Some of Grandpa Ralph's pieces