Traditions in Wood
We build what heirs yearn to receive: sacred, storied wood furnishings for hearth, altar, and throne — handmade with reverence for the past and purpose for the future.
Mission
Restore beauty to Christendom
Ross McKnight
founder, craftsman
Native of Covington, Louisiana, owner of Backwater Foie Gras, father of 7, and proud husband, Ross McKnight leads De Nux Artisans in its restorative cultural endeavors.
In an age where beauty has been stripped from our churches, homes, and everyday environs — from the altar, the throne, and the hearth — and replaced by concrete monoliths, mass-produced furniture, and a soulless materialism in design, something vital has been lost: our story, our culture, and the dignity of everyday life.
At De Nux Artisans, we know that sacred spaces deserve dedicated and earnest craftsmanship. Led by principal designer and woodworker, Ross McKnight, we draw from the Gothic and Romanesque traditions that blossomed at the height of Christendom to restore beauty, history, and meaning to your sanctuary, home, or chapel.
Ready to begin your design journey? Let’s build tradition: Send us an email.
Custom Services
Handcrafted and heirloom worthy
-
From large churches to private chapels, we work with you to create a sacred piece that fits the scale, style, and needs of your sanctuary.
-
Whether it be small pews, priest seating, or a personal chair, let us craft customized seating that is austere and conducive to prayer.
-
From intricate hand-carved altar rail gates to small, personal prie dieus for the home, we build pieces that are well-crafted and enduring.
-
Whether it's an ambo, crucifix, processional canopy poles, hand-carved seals, or confessionals, we'll work with you on a design worthy of your sanctuary.
-
In need of custom shelving, cabinetry, tables, or anything else not listed here? Contact us to start a conversation!
Recent Works
-
![A wooden altar with a gold tabernacle at the center, surrounded by seven candlesticks with candles, a crucifix above, set against a blue wall with golden stars.]()
Romanesque High Altar, St. Anne Catholic Church, Richmond Hill, GA
-
![Interior of a church altar with a white altar table, floral arrangement, and ornate gold candlesticks and cross on the altar behind, with stairs on each side and a railings.]()
Freestanding Altar, St. Eloi Catholic Church, Houma, LA
-
![A large wooden chair with a tall, decorative backrest featuring a cross and arch-shaped designs. The chair has armrests and a cushioned seat with a gray fabric cover. It is placed against a wall in a room with hardwood flooring.]()
Medieval Highback Chair, Private Chapel, GA
-
![Close-up of a wooden headboard with a decorative carved pattern and a small shelf holding books.]()
Handcarved Marian Kneeler, Private Chapel, LA
-
![A small wooden prayer kneeler with a backrest, placed on a decorative rug in a room with religious artwork and a fireplace mantel.]()
Jerusalem Cross Pew & Kneeler Set, Private Chapel, GA
-
![A wooden shelf unit with curved wood accents and a cushioned bench in front of it, placed against a white-paneled wall. A framed painting with a gold ornate frame hangs above the shelf.]()
30" Prie Dieu
-
![A religious mosaic of the Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus, with angels around and a gold background, displayed above a white marble fireplace and a golden framed plaque, in a chapel or church setting.]()
Monstrance Pedestal, Our Lady of the Lake Adoration Chapel, Mandeville, LA
-
![Interior of a church altar with wooden carvings, flowers, candlesticks, and a cross at the center. There are also American flags and a yellow flag on either side of the altar. The altar is decorated with a lace cloth, and there is a Bible resting on a stand. The front of the altar has a wooden panel with the inscription: "The place where the Lord is holy ground," and a biblical quote from Exodus 3:5, "You are standing on holy ground." The background features ornate architectural details and arched niches.]()
Handcarved Altar Rail Gate, Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, New Orleans, LA
