My son outgrew his 60 sq ft room that he had occupied since toddlerhood. The room is challenging - strangely shaped, rife with beveled corners and angled walls. We were not even able to fit a twin size bed because there was not a 75" wall to go along. We had to do custom work as store-bought was not an option. We wanted something that utilized every inch of space, and something that accommodated our specific needs. Zen Spacemakers were great partners in listening to what we wanted, and coming up with solutions. For example, I didn't like the idea of a support post blocking the window, so Zen Spacemakers created an arched support system to allow a clear view out the window. I also didn't want my son to feel like he was stuck in a cave whilst hanging out under the loft. The solution was adding sheetrock and recessed lights underneath the loft, so the space felt/looked like a normal room. Zen Spacemakers has a high standard of quality and skilled workmanship. They were a good fit for us, because I am stickler for the details. If you are on a tight budget, Zen Spacemakers is probably not for you. We spent more than we planned, but the craftsmanship and quality are worth it. (Wood and materials are very expensive, and I'd rather pay a highly skilled carpenter than some minimum wage rando.) The end result was more amazing than we could have imagined. My son LOVES his loft and his cool, new room. The loft bed allowed us to create different zones in his little 60 sq ft room for sleeping, hanging out, entertainment, and studying. read more

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Sander and his team at Zen did a fabulous job making my vision a reality. I have a 14 and 11 year old and needed to create a room that would allow for them both to have their own space/privacy. We were able to take advantage of the high ceilings and create meaningful space below the beds for each of them to have a desk, storage area and dedicated personal space that was well lit. I really appreciate the thought and care that went into the design. Storage was created on each side with drawers and cubbies built into the steps, outlets (with usb c ports!) were added near each bed for easy charging and the steps came out extremely solid and easy for a child or adult to walk up and down. I also want to add that Sander really went the extra mile in the end to make sure everything was perfect. He was super receptive to constructive criticism on some minor issues and he ensured that the project was finished to completion within the time frame requested and within budget. It can be challenging to make a functional space for kids in city apartments, Zen made it look easy. Thank you! read more

Zen Space Makers - Carpenters Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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This firm taped a flier advertising their business to our building downtown. Worse, they used strapping tape to do it. Not only is this illegal, any contractor/designer knows you should use painters' tape. we now have to repaint the area where it was removed. If they use this little care to promote their business, imagine what they'll do when you're not watching in your home. 0/5. read more

Overall Sander and his team are decent woodworking professionals but there is a massive gap between having a workshop and knowing how to create beautiful custom built furniture.  I engaged Sander to create 3 custom built bookshelves and throughout our interaction Sander was very responsive. His responsiveness was one of the reasons why I chose to go with him, despite feeling like his initial price, $17k was high. I told him that I had yet to vet that $17k price and I would like for him to give me a fair price for the job ahead and he said he'd reduce to $14k if I increased my up front payment from $7k to $9k. I agreed. So far so good, right? I had negotiated a lower price, most of his Yelp reviews were positive, I was getting excited about getting a beautiful custom built bookshelf. I was a bit surprised he was willing to lower the price by $3k so easily but as everything else was going well, I ignored that small nagging feeling that something was amiss. On the day of delivery Sander took a picture (two attached here, one a zoomed in version of the other) to show me that they were loading up the bookshelves. This was the first time I started to worry. The pictures show the lack of overall craftsmanship and finish that I would expect when paying nearly $5k per bookshelf. The pictures show 5 immediate flaws: 1. The is inconsistent staining near the area where the screws are used to attach the shelving 2. There is exposed wood that has zero staining near the top of the bookshelf 3. The walnut trim has visible edges where one piece is next to the other 4. The stain looks hastily done across the entire piece, likely one or two coats  5. There are none of the finer details you might expect from high end custom furniture, beveling of the wood, etc If these pictures had been taken a few days or a week before delivery, I would have thought little of it as I would have assumed this was a step in process and he would be doing the finishing touches over the next week. That wasn't the case. These pictures were taken as his team was completely done and loading up the bookshelves onto the truck. I mentioned the one issue that was the most obvious, #2 above, and Sander mentioned that his team could take care of that on the way to me. I was shocked as this meant that the level of stain and finish would be way less than I had expected, as his team would continue to do finishing touches on a truck to deliver the items. Still, I held up hope that this one side was an exception. When his team showed up to carry the bookshelves inside I realized that the one side I saw in the picture wasn't an exception, it was the general rule across most sides of the bookshelves. The sides that he assumed were not going to be easily seen were not finished to the same level as the sides that would be seen. The backs of the bookshelves were not even remotely presentable. The staining on the inside most visible part looked very hastily done and had missing areas. The list goes on but overall, as I mentioned in the beginning, there was a massive gap between a beautiful piece of furniture that you'd expect to keep in your house for 10+ years and carry with you as you move from home to home, and the product that Sander delivered. I took lots of pictures of the finished product and shared those images with my friends who put me in touch with other furniture builders. Those furniture builders then informed me that I had been drastically overcharged for what I received. They said that the work looked very rushed and not finished. I mentioned this to Sander and he started to get very upset and made exaggerated comments and lies. At one point he said that the visual rendering he had made for me was worth $5k alone. I happen to work in an industry where I work with designers who know how to make renderings and there is no way the renderings that were created cost $500, and definitely no where near the $5k number quoted by Sander. He also mentioned that he could bring his team back to help fix some of these issues but even if some of the stained areas could be fixed, the overall lack of craftsmanship would remain and I didn't have a lot of faith that any significant improvements would be made. I am upset that the finished product is no where near the level of finish and detail that I had hoped. I believe that I ended up paying way too much money for what was delivered. In the end I got a functional decently made bookshelf. I did not receive a well built high end piece of furniture that I plan on keeping in my life for 10+ years. read more

Zen Space Makers - Carpenters Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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If possible -10 Stars ! The whole loft creation process by Sander & Team definitely left a super positive energetic Zen footprint in our apartment, right from the first Zoom meet-and -greet. And incomparable fun! The loft Sander designed and built is a work of art. Truly! And with much heart; the wood trim are unique and exceptional found samples from the NYC area. We love this. There's no other loft like this in the Universe. (!!!) The few socially-distanced visitors we've had to visit are ALL impressed. What's not to love? !! The Loft has made our small space into a Home. The otherwise inane process of going to bed/getting up is now, every night and day - anew, if not transformative. Even as renters, this is an investment that we are absolutely positively super satisfied about. Our 1-bedroom became a 2 bedroom. EVERY home in NYC can benefit on all levels (physical, logistical, even metaphysical), from a Zen Loft (especially if there's another lockdown). We Heart Zen Building Co. !! You guys are all Stars. read more

Am ongoingly thrilled with Sander Hicks, CEO of Zenspacemakers Sander and Zen Space Makers came out to Clifton, NJ, to customized the design, deliver and install a new office for me - new cabinets, drawers and desk. Everything had this interesting gray matte finish. The whole team was a bunch of positive people. They are onto something. These are authentic people of integrity. To add, every few weeks I get a text from sander himself checking on how Im doing , family is doing and how the cabinet is working for me. read more

I had to search high and low to find a place to post my interaction this morning with this company. Whoever texted me from 929 285 8602 was unbelievably rude. He texted me, I simply emailed an inquiry for a quote, and the rate was out of our budget. This company made me feel like I was a terrible person, told me my rate was insulting and rightful? Wow! I was simply unaware, calm down! Ive been comparing to loft prices online starting at 400 and up so our decided budget was 800. This jerk came our of nowhere w the sarcastic "we have to eat" lmao are you serious? Professional? No wonder the only reviews you have are conveniently on your website where you can post or even forge them. I had to search high and low to find this space on yelp because you are not under zen beds and your loftnyc website. Especially in a pandemic? Have some humanity learn how to treat people and be kind. read more

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I would like revise my original review. As some others have said here I found Sander to be extremely pushy, condescending, and unprofessional. The craftsmanship that was promised was definitely not delivered. He left unfinished any part of the project that he felt would not be seen including the back side of my bookcase/stairs that can now not be moved because he glued it to the floor of my rented studio. Initially when I agreed to have the loft built he demanded half the money upfront within 24 hours of our meeting then did not delivery the product for over 6 weeks. However, did not send me build pictures until two days before. He never sent me a rendering, and in fact took the measurements of my mattress incorrectly and now it feels like I am sleeping in a coffin in my loft. He had also originally included the uninstall as part of the $3850 cost and is now trying to charge me $1250. No thanks. This has all been a terrible experience, do you're self a favor and do not work with Sander unless you are a very experienced carpenter who can spot his inconsistencies and tendency to take advantage of folks. And in that case if you are a carpenter you're better off building it yourself instead of dealing with Sander. read more

Zen Space Makers was amazing to work with. Sander helped me by fixing my sink and installing a new faucet. He considered my daily needs carefully to advise which faucet to choose. I have children and it would have been difficult for them to regulate the hot and cold water. Installation took no time, even though he had to go back for some extra pieces. Sander even organized the bottom of my sink! I can not recommend Zen Space Makers enough! Truly flawless and pleasant/professional staff! Thank you!!! read more

Zen Space Makers - Carpenters Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Sander and his company are amazing. My wife and I had been contemplating a complicated loft bed installation job for years and had a hard time finding a contractor that could help us realize our vision. We met with Sander and he was one part innovative designer, 1 part project manager, and 1 part builder. He brainstormed with us, was responsive to our needs, and worked with us to create the coolest 6 foot high loft bed situation that we and our kids love. He and his team were courteous, timely, and very clean. Sander also worked with us when we asked for minor changes mid stream and we really appreciated his flexibility. We highly recommend Sander and his team for your next project. read more

Zen Space Makers - 2 loft beds and built in bookcase. - Carpenters Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Zen Space Makers EXCELLENT craftsmanship. I've been wanting a loft for years, & then I found Zen Space Makers online. I now have additional space for my vanity, loveseat sofa & chair. Increasing my Sq Footage of my bedroom - making it larger & very cool looking. When I met with Sander in person for him to access my space-I gave him my wish list-including the ability to walk under the loft (I'm 5'6"), simple stair ladder, cool railing, 4 columns. I didn't need a computerized image - Sander drew up my new loft space on paper with all of the exact measurements. Gave a down payment for the goods-got a contract of the agreement & felt comfortable about Sander and his professionalism, care for detail, and just straight up honest & experienced. During the time of waiting for the work progress photo's to be sent via text and email. I thought of ideas, had questions, needed to know the height for my new queen size mattress so I didn't get one that was too high or too slim. Then on another text - I thought of hooks that I'll need - for my new lights that I got to string up with my chimes and other items. Kept the communication up - Sander listened to all my requests and needs. Started getting the pictures of his work and then I made a 2nd progress payment. Final payment was given during the day of install. I can't be happier. LOVE my new space. Sander and his team are great!!!! Al & Clairmont very nice folks and hard workers that take alot of attention to every little detail. Adam's on line response very helpful too. Really easy to work with and projects are a 2 way street - I expressed my vision and with Sander's experience he delivered. Very happy with my Zen Space and wish I had done this upgrade much sooner. THANK YOU Sander & the ZSM Team. Jamie from Jersey read more

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This was the first time we ever had custom, built in furniture made. It's pretty amazing that we now have a beautiful final product that came from our original design. Sander has a good imagination and skill set to brings that to life! If we were going to do this again, I think we would work harder at making sure all the details were nailed down at the beginning and throughout. We had a few misunderstandings that resulted in going over budget and taking longer than expected. But Sander has pride in his work and even happily sent someone out to fix a few things weeks after completion. Many thanks to Sander and his team! read more

Zen Space Makers - Extra long twin over a queen with built in bookshelves! - Carpenters Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Sander and the team did a great job creating a custom made loft for my son's bedroom. He took my vision and make it a reality, and now they have a whole new space that truly transformed it all. Look, if you want to get off the floor and up in the air, call Zen! They will make it happen! VERY PLEASED AND WORTH THE MONEY! (And I am self-professed cheapskate.) read more

Buyer Beware. Sander came to evaluate my very unique space and promised the world. The design process was the antithesis of the collaboration I had hoped for. The promised rendering came in out of scale, blocking electrical lines and windows, putting doors in structurally impossible places and rendering the space inaccessible. The prices are well above market and the product design he sent me was so underpar, inaccurate, and not at all the design we had discussed that I could not possibly trust him to build in my space. I had to cancel it and forfeit my deposit. I wrote a professional email withdrawing from the project and was responded to with personal insults, attacks on me as a client, profanity and a full out childish temper tantrum of lies and threats. Buyer Beware! read more

January 2019: Owner claims he's improved communications yet I keep getting DMs here from frustrated clients. He has also repeatedly tried to get me to take down my review. January 2017: Amending to note that our case (#4365-2015-CMPL) was finally resolved through the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA). We settled for about 75% of what he owed us so we could be done with this after 1.5 years and not need to meet in court. If you have issues with this or any contractor, I highly recommend the DCA's free service. Original review: Working with Zen Carpentry (ZC - also operating as Loft Beds NYC (loftbedsnyc.com)) was nightmarish. It's blasphemy that they dare include the word "zen" in their name. In January 2015, we contracted ZC to do add some components to our apt - loft installation, sealing off an area with a wall, some furniture. Thanks to the carpenters (3 of the 4 carpenters that worked on our project have since quit) the work we ended up with looks fine, albeit with a number of issues related to functionality, but it was agonizing getting there because of the owner, Sander. The project remained incomplete despite running a month past the hard deadline. We've had to go as far as filing a complaint with the Department of Consumer Affairs (case # is 4365-2015-CMPL) to resolve outstanding financial issues with him and to make them aware of how one of their licensees is running their business. Owner of the operation was enthusiastic until a week after he got the first check - and he demands 65% up front. After that, he revealed himself to be consummately unprofessional by being unbelievably disorganized, unprepared, inconsiderate, condescending, disrespectful, and insulting to boot. This is when he was even present to manage the job at all, as he would vanish for extended periods of time with no explanation. I ended up project managing everything and sourcing a few materials myself. Due to a clear lack of money management, we also had to advance extra money for materials even after we'd paid more than 80% of the contract or so by the mid-point of the project, which was supposed to have concluded by the end of February, but by mid-March was not yet completed, despite our absolute deadline of my due date (I was pregnant). Highlights: - Scheduling: - I had to hound the owner to find out what days they'd be working on our site and when they were not. - Although our project was over the deadline date by 4 weeks and we had a hard deadline, a few times he pulled his men off of our incomplete job (in the middle of a work day that I'd intentionally worked from home) for another "emergency" job elsewhere. - Funding strategy: - He lowballed the initial estimate and then said many basic details constituted a change order (meaning an additional charge). Although his own agreement says all change orders must be presented to the client in print and then agreed on before execution, in practice he did the work and then demanded a check by the next day. - After demanding an exorbitant amount for one particular change order (without presenting us with it beforehand), we asked him for an itemization, which revealed unjustifiably excessive charges, which we had to aggressively argue down. - Sourcing: we wanted to use wall panels that the owner said he couldn't find. I found a local supplier within 2 phone calls and 20 min. But then the ordering, etc. became time consuming - for this and other materials. And these hours that the contractor should have spent sourcing certainly weren't being deducted from our bill. - Safety: We are in a small NYC apartment with a toddler, but our place was used to store dangerous tools that were no longer necessary for our project for weeks. We had to repeatedly insist that the tools be removed. On several occasions, either the owner or his employees came by to our place to pick up tools for other projects with very little to no notice. One of those occasions was a weekend. Then when employees actually needed certain tools, there were several times they did not have them, which amounted to wasted time. - Customer relations: When we expressed frustration about these and other issues in an effort to reason with him, the owner insulted us, consistently threatened legal action despite a complete lack of grounds, and to pull his men from the job. He only backed down after I called the Department of Consumer Affairs to arm myself with information. (If you ever have issues with a contractor - call them!) While biting off more than you can chew could be an excuse for some managerial incompetence, it doesn't justify an unethical fundraising strategy, condescension, insults, and all the other issues I mention here. Though I'd recommend a few former ZC carpenters, I cannot recommend Zen Carpentry under any circumstance. read more

Full disclosure: I was told by Sander at ZSM revision of my initial (prematurely glowing) review to reflect current opinions of work, outcome, or customer service, would be defamatory and criminal. He threatened legal action and accused me of anxiety problems (implicated as the source of distress, rather than dissatisfaction with the project) - which is discriminatory and very out of line. Reading other negative reviews, I'm not surprised. For the record, I've no intention of being defamatory. Honest negative reviews aren't criminal; they're honest. It's irresponsible to not share so others avoid similar situations. Things started ok. Sander responded the day I contacted, insistent on coming immediately, citing a previously booked, more expensive job, and the need to rush mine. This aggression became uncomfortable, however, continuing upon meeting when he suggested a bookcase too. I asked to consider, but was told a deposit for both was necessary immediately, together, or the job would be canceled. I, like most, am struggling from the pandemic, but, needing to make a small apt work, and under pressure of losing the slot, I agreed. Not being Sander's largest paying gig affected things - the discounted payment plan we agreed upon wasn't something he allowed me to forget. He aggressively pushed his own design elements; I had to push back to have a voice, frequently made to feel my questions/concerns were silly. During this, my grandfather died, and my mind was elsewhere, planning a trip home. I neglected to get everything in writing - no formal contract and no satisfaction guarantee - big mistake, big regrets. It objectively falls on me not being meticulous, but I shouldn't have had to be so. The discount, which I initially thought was from understanding/generosity, now seems something held over my head + an excuse to do substandard work and take advantage of someone in a vulnerable situation. On installation, platform measurements were off, causing a hole in a corner. It was plugged with a chunk of wood (unmatched color/thickness), ineffectively hand-sanded down by Sander's son (15-yr-old apprentice - I later learned it was his first day). Around 1PM they were near finished - I noticed a seam on the fascia. It was within the quoted workday time (10AM-5PM), but my request for correction got an annoyed response: it'd be fixed if/when I hired them again. I'd given the final deposit, so could do nothing. Post lunch, his son and another crew member did return to fix it, with Sander blaming initial refusal on hunger-induced grumpiness, then pressuring me to an uncomfortable level to write a review while they were there - verbally and in texts. I wrote that evening - but still prematurely: I found unsanded areas of the loft, and the ladder was propped up with splintered shims. Sander returned next day to fix these, but again made excuses. He then stained the sanded area with an unmatched color (looks awful, unstained bits still visible). Though he didn't bill me for corrections, it was implied I should be grateful he'd returned at all. Cut to: Discovering 9.5" books wouldn't fit the bookcase (we'd agreed on a tad over 9.5" but didn't have it in writing, so I'm SOL - I emailed on this, hoping for at least an acknowledgement - no response), sleepless nights (from lack of airflow/stuffy heat even a blasting AC/additional fans won't help, amplified noise upstairs, and tight space), finding further uneven staining, rough planing, multiple spots on both bookcase and loft with visible glue/seams, ladder steps already rocking, side table more hassle than function, placement/size of the ladder not allowing effective use of space beneath, repeated banging of my head on ceiling above or bed-frame below. I emailed these problems + more, now proposing possibilities of a discounted buyback or finding another buyer. Sander responded he'd done everything correctly, wasn't responsible, most people were thrilled, I was making excuses, I should be "intelligent" enough to "make it work," and the only solution was an $800 payment for them to uninstall/reclaim materials. On mentioning revising my original review to accurately reflect my experience, I was then threatened and accused as stated above. Emails stopped soon after I pointed out his condescending and dangerously discriminatory comments and a solution wasn't found. Ultimately, I don't advise working with ZSM. In my experience, Sander was unprofessional, discriminatory, condescending, unwilling to own mistakes, and aggressive. Had I taken a night to think and lost the slot for this project, I'd have been better off. I felt demeaned and pressured throughout, am incredibly disappointed with the results, and sick over the money I spent, discount or no. The bookcase I'll make work until I sell for better. The bed I'll unfortunately be putting up for sale immediately, putting on the curb if no one is able to purchase it within the week, and sleeping on the floor until it's gone. read more

Sander Hicks and his crew at Zen Space Makers, Inc. were able to come in quickly and take charge as sub contractors/framing carpenter crew, for a critical roof framing job at our site in Flushing, Queens. They were on-time every morning, able to handle complex mitre cuts, and an evolving, semi-complex design of gables, eaves, hips, valleys and ridge-lines. They executed on all pitched roof framing, ceiling, and sheathing. Their price was fair and we were super happy with the work. They were responsive to changes and had good attitude. Thanks to them, our project got back on track, and we able to finish on time. read more

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Zen Space Makers helped to design and install a loft bed for me in record time! Sander came to my apartment himself to see and measure the space (I have a living room with unusual dimensions) and came up with a sketch on the spot! He was back with his team within a couple days for installation and it was completed all in one afternoon while I was at work. These guys are pros and the experience was completely hassle free. The end result is a beautiful one-of-a-kind loft and something I'm proud to show in my apartment! I would recommend these guys to anyone!!! read more

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Loved my loft bed, the Zen Team is excellent!! Zander even stay late to complete the task !!!! Thank you Zen Space I will see you guys again !!! read more

Within an hour of our request, Sander and team responded with a dynamite handyman. Ari arrived on time, ready to troubleshoot the nine projects that we've been procrastinating about for over a year. He was ingenious in solving each challenge. He was curious, careful, generous, thorough, and joyful. We are so grateful to the team at Zen Space Makers and Ari's skill and kindness. read more

Zen Carpentry built a beautiful loft in our apartment two years ago. It was built with beauty and perfection! Experienced carpenters have commented on the immaculate construction. It has held up exceptionally well. The guys worked very hard for us completing on time for me while my husband was away, and their dedication to the job left me feeling at ease - particularly in an area I don't know a huge amount about! All the guys working, including the owner, were genuinely lovely people who I enjoyed getting to know during the process of the building. There was one or two communication issues, but generally the entire process was a breeze. We have recently moved to Brooklyn - and had to say goodbye to our beautiful loft! I would recommend Zen Carpentry to anyone looking for unique carpentry of timeless quality. read more

Zen Space Makers - Carpenters Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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I had a great experience working with this team. Sander was super responsive and set up our work schedule based on our flexibility. Was always available to talk. The crew did an excellent job, were clean and overall very friendly. I'm more then happy to refer them to anyone I know with confidence. I'm thrilled with our new junior bedroom/ office space! read more

Zen Space Makers - Junior bedroom - Carpenters Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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These guys were fantastic. They built and installed an incredible loft for my son's room that lasted through high school. When we eventually moved, they came and took the loft down and repaired the walls in the apartment. They are professional, prepared, prompt and clean. I would highly recommend them. read more

Sander and his team did a fantastic job on our loft project. It seemed like there's no limit to what they can build. They customized a curvy table around the lofted area as well as a beautiful staircase with lots of storage . We had many unsettled ideas before the initial meeting but talking to Sander, he quickly examined which idea is possible, and suits best for our space overall. The installation took about 2 working days combined (4 afternoons) and on the day of installation, I realized the height of the table was much taller than what I imagined and asked for - this could had been an additional half day of work super inconvenient delay but because they are a group of skilled carpenters, they found an ingenious solution which keeps the beautiful design while lowering the height. They were so pleasant and accommodating. I learned that it's super important to keep track of the measurements when communicating the details. The initial agreement (including the cost) was the final, and we now have a beautiful living space. Super smooth and simple flow! read more

Zen Space Makers - Carpenters Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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I had a great experience with Sanders. He came for an in person consultation to do some Cabinet remodeling. On the day of his job he came with his son to help with the woodwork, took them the afternoon. They did exactly what they said they would do and would use them again for future projects. read more

AMAZING. Moved into a smaller space and decided to go with a loft bed. Zen space makers worked with all of our modifications and offered more custom designs. Great friendly service, Sander is the man! Great working with them and would recommend them to anyone!! Thanks!!! read more

I hired Sander to install a pull-up bar in my apartment. He was highly responsive on Yelp and by text, and we were able to schedule the job promptly. He completed the work in a few hours for the agreed price. He had to take a couple trips to the hardware store to complete the project but he was patient and determined to finish the same day. He was friendly and pleasant to work with and I was comfortable with him in the apartment. read more

Got a custom loft done for my apartment and I was very happy with the process. Sander came to the place and really go creative and took to heart the idea that I needed to maximize as much space for storage/furniture as possible and he did just that. We did run into the issue of the loft being built a little too high and close to the ceiling but Sander then came over and lowered the loft in a couple hours and I've been really happy with the results! My room has now been the "cool thing" my roommate and I show people when the visit the apartment for the firs time. read more

Amazing design and artistry! I would recommend to anyone looking for a zen feel just like the name states. My friend for a meditation alter built which was so unique and inspiring! Sander is a great guy to work with as well! read more

STAY AWAY!!!! Zen Space Makers isn't a real company, it's just this super creepy guy named Sander Hicks. I dealt with him over a year ago and to be honest I was afraid to post a review because he knew where I lived but now that I've moved I decided to share my story. I hired him to make some custom cabinetry. I got a weird vibe off him the second that he walked into my apartment, but he has this thing where he won't come to your place until you agree to hire him and he sounded nice on the phone so when he arrived I felt pressured to move forward. He's a big guy and I'm small, so he towered over me and when I said I wanted to think things over he got super beligerent so I said okay. Huge mistake. His work was really, really bad -- I'm talking nails sticking out in places and the finish was terrible. Plus even though he said that he was using this amazing wood, it turned out to be super cheap. As soon as he was done, he demanded payment. I knew the job was shitty but I literally felt in danger and I didn't know what he'd do if I refused to pay him, so I just paid him to leave. I'm still embarrassed and wish I hadn't. Anyway, he's an awful person and a crappy craftsman, so run away while you still can. And Sander, if you're reading this -- GO TO HELL!!! read more

ZEN Carpentry just built and installed a set of loft bed stairs to replace a precarious near-vertical ladder. Very happy with the result and whole processes. After the initial call where details of what I was looking for where taken, Sander visited, and we discussed further. Sander is full of great ideas, and suggestions. The quote was very reasonable, certainly compared to others. Also had some work in the kitchen, installation of some cupboard doors. Great to work with, highly recommended. read more

Zen Space Makers - Carpenters Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

We had this great loft custom fit by Sander for our five year old's new room that wasn't quite wide enough for a single bed. He used reclaimed wood to create this little original gem that gives our daughter's tiny NYC bedroom extra living space . She loves it and hangs out both up in the loft and down below. He put most of it together in his workshop, and then came and installed it in about a half of a day. It's strong enough to hold her and an adult and feels totally stable when we are up in it together reading stories. The ladder is angled enough that she is safe going up and down it when she wakes up in the middle of the night. It was a great investment ! read more

Zen Space Makers - Carpenters Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

My experience with Sander and the Zen Space Makers team was smooth, efficient, delivered on time, handled positively, and fun. I had the team custom build a loft bed in Feb 2019 in my apartment, and it continues to wow me and my guests. I asked for a custom desk, bookcase for the support on one end of the bed, cheaper wood on the body to help cut costs, and a "floating" appearance to prevent too much floor space being taken up. And they delivered and more. We scheduled an initial install date, which I had to change. Sander and the team easily accommodated. They arrived on time and installed in less than 5 hours. I started sleeping in the bed that night. Sander is quirky and keeps it real. There are no pretensions with him, which to some may come off as aggressive or unprofessional. He is neither. He had a good sense of humor and I genuinely enjoyed working with him and to this day deeply appreciate the work he did for me. read more

Zen Space Makers - Custom loft bed by Zen Space Makers - Carpenters Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Sander Hicks is the outward face of Zen Carpentry, (sometimes known as "LoftbedsNYC"), and that's no accident. He's more charming than perhaps any other carpenter in the history of the world, except for maybe Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Not to be outdone, Sander Hicks of Queens has a far more dazzling smile than JC could ever have hoped for! Importantly, Sander is clearly competent, experienced, and good at suggesting twists on your project that you may not have ever considered. However, its Sander's charm and his character that are everything. What makes this a truly extraordinary firm to work with and what will do more to satisfy you about the work done than anything else is the vibe you'll feel from the moment Sander arrives in his Scooby-Doo inspired work van until the day he's done. The "zen" spirit is very much real. Ironically, Zen Carpentry is unlikely to agree to do any future jobs for us. This is due to a misunderstanding very early on that I take the blame for and for which I hold no grudge whatsoever. In fact, I just as enthusiastically endorse this exceptional firm and the remarkable young man at the helm: Sander Hicks. read more

The team from Zen Carpentry just finished installing a beautiful piece of custom cabinetry in my small Manhattan apartment. If you are looking for custom carpentry from a reliable source at a fair price, I would highly recommend Sander and Zen Carpentry. After being given the runaround from other carpenters for over 6 months trying to get this piece built, Zen Carpentry was such a pleasure to work with. They responded to my request for a quote promptly, followed up with a site visit and more detailed quote, then built and installed the piece - all within two weeks! Sander even emailed pictures from the shop to show how things were progressing. My one piece of advice is to be incredibly specific about what you want in writing when ordering a custom piece of furniture. There were a few details that were not done exactly as I would have liked - but that is my fault, not the carpenters! read more

crappy and overpriced. don't hire sander for any big jobs. small jobs less than $100 probably fine. save yourself the trouble and either get a real carpenter or just head to ikea. read more

Sander and the team made an amazing piece of bespoke furniture. We had a 30 min design session, shared some pictures and he built in wood and fabric what we envisaged together. Along the way he provided great recommendations for enhancements, based on his extensive experience, that made the piece better than what I originally envisioned. He and his staff were professional and efficient and while the delivery is always challenging in an old New York building, his team was creative and overcame the challenge. I highly recommend his services for someone looking for bespoke furniture in the area. Pictures to come. read more

Sander and his team were fantastic- super professional and nice! I'm really happy with the "one of a kind" loft bed that they build for my teenage daughter (and so is she!) I highly recommend them! The entire process was smooth and easy, and the quality of their work stands out! read more

Disorganized, dishonest, and unreliable. Sub-par workmanship, uses threats and misinformation, unwilling to accept responsibility.

Love the loft bed Sander made for our son! He was very quick to respond and come over to take a look at the space. The quality he provided was very good and it was a pleasure to work with him. He turned a VERY tiny bedroom into an incredible amount of livable space for him in an NYC apartment. I recommend him highly. He has lots of ideas and is able to implement them in a timely fashion. You wont be disappointed! read more