Our story

Welcome to Black Hills Burl and Beam—where South Dakota’s rugged landscapes meet timeless craftsmanship.

I’m Nathan Rasch, the hands (and heart) behind every piece that leaves this shop. Based in Rapid City, SD, I draw deep inspiration from the Black Hills region: the ancient pines, the rolling prairies, and the raw, untamed beauty that defines this part of the world. That same wild character lives in the materials I work with—exceptional wood slabs bursting with personality, unique figuring, natural voids, live edges, and one-of-a-kind features that no machine or blueprint could ever replicate.

Every project starts with the wood itself.

These slabs—whether dramatic burls with swirling, chaotic grain that hold decades or even centuries of growth, spalted maple revealing intricate patterns from natural decay, walnut crotch cuts exploding with figure, or other richly patterned woods—each tell their own story before I even begin. The mesmerizing grain, natural inclusions, and untamed edges carry soul and history right into the finished piece.

I specialize in custom furniture and functional art that celebrates those stories:

• Live-edge dining tables and desks

• Epoxy river tables highlighting dramatic figuring, voids, and natural character

• Coffee tables and console pieces

• Shelving, benches, and statement headboards

• One-of-a-kind accent pieces blending modern lines with rustic warmth

Nothing here is mass-produced. I hand-select each slab and species of wood, mill them in-shop, and build every piece to order—collaborating closely with you to capture your vision (or solve your space’s needs) in something truly enduring and personal.

My goal is simple: create heirloom-quality woodworking that looks as good in 50 years as it does the day it arrives, while honoring the natural beauty and history locked inside every board.

Whether you’re furnishing a modern cabin in the Hills, outfitting a downtown loft, or just want a table that sparks conversation every time someone walks in, I’d love to build something meaningful with you.

Thanks for stopping by. Let’s make something extraordinary.

— Nathan Rasch

Black Hills Burl and Beam
Rapid City, South Dakota