About

The Maker

My name is Larry Baker, and I am the craftsman behind Four Woods. My journey into woodworking began as a personal hobby, driven by a passion for creating beautiful, functional objects from raw materials. I was introduced to Mahjong through my wife, and on a whim created a set of racks from an exotic wood (Zebrawood) for our own use. The response from friends and family was enthusiastic and positive, and I soon found myself making racks for others who wanted to enhance their Mahjong experience with a touch of handcrafted elegance. This evolved to selective participation in nearby tournaments with other Mahjong-centric vendors, where you can see and purchase my work in person. (At some point in the future this site will evolve to keep a schedule of my planned appearances at such events.)

The name "Four Woods" is a pun on the Mahjong "Four Winds," hence the logos incorporating the Chinese characters for North (北), East (东), West (西), and South (南). This reflects my focus on the game, and elevating the playing experience through quality craftsmanship.

There is a tangiable difference between the experience of the game when played with solid, elegant wood racks that provide a feeling of solidity, quality, and sophistication; they are truly an aesthetic and functional enhancement to the game, they are beautiful contributions to the social setting of a group gathered to play, and reflect the player's commitment to the game and to their fellow players. Each mahjong rack begins as raw hardwood and is transformed through careful attention to traditional woodworking techniques. I approach each piece with the same commitment to quality and craftsmanship, ensuring that every detail meets the standards I set for my own work.

My background in woodworking spans years of learning traditional joinery methods and understanding how different woods behave. This foundation allows me to select the right materials and techniques for each rack, creating pieces that are both functional and built to last.

Craft Philosophy

Quality woodworking doesn't need to be complicated. I focus on solid wood construction, proven joinery techniques, and hand-applied finishes that enhance the natural beauty of the wood grain. No veneers, no shortcuts, no unnecessary complexity.

Each rack is designed to serve its purpose well: to hold mahjong tiles securely while complementing the game experience. The wood is allowed to speak for itself, with minimal intervention beyond careful shaping and a natural oil finish.

I work primarily with walnut, cherry, and maple—woods chosen for their durability, workability, and distinctive character. Each species brings its own color, grain pattern, and aging characteristics to the finished piece.