Priekulíškis carpenter appreciates the durability of furniture

“If you want durable, long-lasting furniture, take your time,” says Valius Petraitis, a carpenter living in Priekulė, who makes furniture for his customers from natural wood. He is attracted by the unique texture of wood, the delicate smell of wood, and the strength of the trees growing in our house. Valius does not hide that the production of handmade furniture is more time-consuming, so the order is made in about a couple of months, but the result often exceeds expectations. Handmade furniture is strong, durable, and most importantly, original.
Priekulė’s beauty captivated
Two years ago, after receiving the support of the Employment Service, Valius purchased professional wood cutting equipment and founded Baltų dirbtuvės UAB. Having gained a lot of experience in Great Britain with his family, he decided to stay in Lithuania, to realize himself here, in his native land. Large business projects, furniture production for hotels, banks are not new to the carpenter, but he also aims to produce according to individual orders for those who build their homes with love and care.
The family that returned from emigration to Lithuania searched for a long time for a suitable place for their home, but they were impressed by Priekulė, the Minijos river flowing very close to the house, the historical architecture of the Lithuanian land, newly reborn heritage objects. Right next to Valiaus’s house, which he himself builds with his own hands, is the Stragnai chapel – a mausoleum. 19th century at the end of the 20th century At the beginning, the chapel was built by Bronackis, who belonged to the Masonic lodge, in memory of his deceased wife. It is said that the remains of the wife were buried in the basement of the chapel – a mausoleum, and a small chapel was built on top for worship. This chapel is one of the Masonic legacy objects in Western Lithuania. The authentic culture of the old Lithuanians of the Priekulė region inspires the craftsman to be interested in Lithuanian traditions, ornamentation, and Lithuanian writings.
Composes old Lithuanian ornaments
According to the interviewee, handmade wooden furniture can be an excellent alternative to mass-produced products, after all, a solid, forest-scented handmade bed is much more durable, durable and original than the mass-produced cheap wooden panels, almost paper furniture, which are especially popular on the market today.
The value of the furniture made by the carpenter is emphasized by the individual design, high-quality materials, but most importantly, the craftsmanship. The furniture manufacturing equipment he purchased is not computerized, it only helps to accurately cut and prepare for production. “I draw all the furniture myself with a pencil, and I work with the dimensions I have in mind,” says the furniture maker from Prikul.
The carpentry profession requires creativity, technical skills, the ability to work with different materials and tools, and an understanding of furniture design and construction. Valius combines ancient elements, Lithuanian patterns, and authentic Baltic ornaments in his works.
There are no identical projects
“I go to the place myself, I measure it myself, I design it myself, I make it myself, and if necessary, I build it myself. I am not afraid to travel even greater distances, because today there are not many people who would like to order authentic, handmade furniture. Many want to get everything right here, on the spot, quickly, but will it be durable, high-quality and original?… The furniture I make last at least a decade,” says the carpenter about his work.
According to Valiaus, the furniture he produces is one-of-a-kind, there won’t be more of the same, similar ones anywhere, because the specialty of handmade is that there are no identical projects. The width and texture of the wood differ, which makes the furniture particularly beautiful and unique.
Valius could also restore antique furniture and create it from wood scraps, but low-quality wood can damage expensive machines, so he does not do it for customers yet. Saying goodbye, Valius wished everyone to learn to appreciate quality, real things, to look for diversity not only in mass production, but to create homes in such a way that they would be comfortable, would make you want to spend your free time here, and come back again and again. According to the master, the house and its interior should reveal the unique personality of the owner, smell of the forest, attract the eye with its functionality, strength, breathe luxury and decorativeness.

Dana LUKAUSKIENĖ
Personal archive photo.