Built on Craftsmanship Since 1986
For more than four decades, Wayne’s Custom Woodcraft has been helping homeowners throughout Windsor Essex transform their homes through custom kitchens, bathrooms, and renovations.
What began as a small woodworking business founded by Wayne Dupuis in 1986 has grown into an award-winning renovation company recognized for its craftsmanship, experience, and commitment to quality.
Over the years, the company has expanded its team, facilities, and capabilities while remaining focused on delivering exceptional results for homeowners throughout the region.
The story of Wayne’s Custom Woodcraft is one of hard work, determination, continuous growth, and a passion for creating spaces that homeowners can enjoy for years to come.
The History of Wayne’s Custom Woodcraft
1986
The Sacrifice
It started with a dream and 200 horsepower. Wayne sold his cherished Mustang to buy an F150 pickup and a small trailer with a custom-built top and canopy.
Every delivery proved the leap from car guy to craftsman was real.
“That old green pickup, I sold the Mustang to buy it. That’s how I started.”
– Wayne
1987-1990
Workshop Foundations
Rented two-thirds of 54 Talbot St. in Essex, Ontario. Hand-framed cabinets in a corner shop soon claimed the full garage space. The first sign rose across from Town Hall, planting the name Wayne’s Custom Woodcraft firmly in the community.
“Very first sign: Wayne’s Custom Woodcraft. Started with two-thirds of that building.”
– Wayne
1991
Ownership Leap
After four years of growth, Wayne bought the property outright, adding his first cube van. With his father’s steady encouragement there, he pivoted to frameless kitchens and CNC production, turning the front house into an office/showroom space.
“After four years, I purchased the entire property, shifted to modern manufacturing.”
– Wayne
1992
Milestones
The decade also carried the milestones of personal life alongside business growth. Wayne married Helen in 1992.
That same era brought new identity, new signage, and a clearer sense that Wayne’s Custom Woodcraft was becoming more than a small shop… It was the start of a legacy.
“Everything was starting to come together”
– Wayne
1994-1995
Street Presence
Renovated the old Pepsi warehouse for Essex Appliance, cutting a glass storefront and securing a window display deal for his cabinets. His craftsmanship now faced Main Street traffic directly, putting the work in front of more eyes than ever before.
1996
Showroom Horizon
Acquired the next-door Book Nook at 56 Talbot plus Custom Picture Framing, creating a vast showroom in front and assembly space in back. The edge bander automated edges while carts rolled parts between spaces, proving simplicity was ready to scale up.
“Bought the building next door, front half showroom, back half assembly. Manufactured from day one.”
– Wayne
1986-1996
At 21, Wayne sold his Mustang for a table saw, tools, and an F-150 truck to launch Wayne’s Custom Woodcraft, hiring his first employee after two months of custom cabinets. His design savvy and vision made it an award-winning leader. Four years in, he bought the rental property for a full workshop with three staff and a cube van, then expanded next door into a larger kitchen manufacturing facility.
1997-1998
Groundbreaking Gamble
Wayne sold Talbot sites for Manning Road land, foundation pours began, unearthing raw ambition for a 13,000 sq ft future.
“The beginning of a new foundation.”
– Wayne
1999
Professional Dawn
Red oak walls, custom desks, and classic murals by Martin G. Lacasse welcomed deals while TKD Holding shielded assets and uniforms debuted on shop crews, marking professional ascension.
“WCW and TKD, growth was moving fast.”
– Wayne
2000
Grand Opening
Mayor Pat Hayes signed the guestbook first, Father Janson blessed the beams, Mom Helen welcomed guests with warmth and hospitality, fostering community ties. The Home Builders Association awarded “Most Outstanding Sales Office” to the new showroom.
“Father Janson blessed the building.”
– Wayne
2000
Team & Expansion
Finishers and installers were proudly working, as carts shuttled parts efficiently and CNC equipment fully migrated, transforming raw space into a professional operation.
2002
U.S. Horizon
The Michigan Design Center showroom opened to tap U.S. markets while the script logo evolved, pushing Wayne’s Custom Woodcraft beyond local boundaries.
1997-2006
Growth meant leaving Essex behind
Selling Talbot properties to build a 13,000 sq ft powerhouse on Manning Road. From dirt in ’98 to red oak entrances and uniformed staff, the new facility merged showroom, offices, and CNC shop under TKD Holding (daughters Tianna, Kylene, Danieka).
2006
Building a Legacy
Teaching the next generation. My legacy was in its infancy, but it was steadily growing.
“Do good work, deliver on your promise, and the next job follows.”
– Wayne
2006
Specialist Pivot
Wayne’s seat on the Home Builders Association board expanded opportunities, launching the “Kitchen Specialists” slogan on black chrome cards and various collateral. The sleek new branding made the pivot feel confident and modern, like the company had finally found its true voice.
2006
London & Branded Details
The Fanshawe Road showroom in London expanded reach while hinge covers turned hardware into branded signatures, etching the company name visibly in every kitchen built. It was a bold one-two punch: new territory tested the name’s power, and tiny details proved unwavering confidence in the work.
“I’m standing by my work so much that I put my name on what I created.”
– Wayne
2006
First in Canada
Wayne’s shop transformed after the Atlanta kitchen show, where a top-tier automated nesting machine proved ideal for small modern operations. Buying Canada’s first positioned them as a premier manufacturing leader.
“First in Canada… that machine changed everything.”
– Wayne
2006-2013
4x Award Winner
Wayne’s Custom Woodcraft won “Most Outstanding Kitchen” awards from WEHBA four times. The consistent recognition cemented their reputation as Windsor-Essex’s top kitchen manufacturer.
“These awards weren’t just wins, they confirmed our pivot to kitchen specialists was right.”
– Wayne
2007
Drive Feature & CKCA Board
The Drive magazine feature brought Wayne’s story beyond the shop walls, while his service on the exclusive Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association (CKCA) board—limited to kitchen manufacturers—gave him invaluable insights from visiting production facilities across Canada.
“The CKCA board opened doors to kitchens big and small across Canada.”
– Wayne
2010-2015
Home Gallery Ecosystem
The Home Gallery sought to bring related businesses together in one shared space, turning the building into an open home show. A place where ideas could live side by side, and where each company could benefit from the others.
“I introduced and brought other companies in the same building with me.”
– Wayne
2006-2015
Innovation meant reinventing presentation with cutting-edge design.
Using sharper identity, the London showroom, branded hinge covers, the 24/7 Home Gallery ecosystem, and Canada’s first CNC nesting machine, Wayne turned craft into a modern powerhouse. Drive magazine features, multiple awards, and cleaner digital branding proved themselves across Canada.
2016
Home Gallery Evolution
The Home Gallery evolved successfully, solidifying the perfect trio of Scott’s Fireplace, Wayne’s Custom Woodcraft, and California Closets as others expanded into dedicated spaces. This strengthened the Gallery’s focus, keeping the strongest partners united under one roof.
“The Home Gallery’s evolution made the perfect trio—stronger together.”
– Wayne
2016-2020
Danieka Joins
Danieka graduated from Wayne State University with an interior design degree (magna cum laude) and joined the family business, adding a fresh creative perspective to the kitchens and projects. Her arrival marked the real handoff to the next generation.
2020
The Dupuis Sisters: Family Legacy
Tianna (structural engineer), Kylene (intern architect), and Danieka (cabinetry designer at Wayne’s) turned childhood play into careers in construction/design, collaborating on full-home projects with P.Eng. licences, master’s degrees, and magna cum laude honours.
“When we played with dolls using painter’s tape for house layouts, it foreshadowed our careers.”
2024
Elevate2 Builders
Elevate² Builders launched as a construction company with a long-time friend, Paul St. Pierre from Landscape Effects, focusing on home builds and large renovations in Essex County. Wayne bought out his partner within a year and kept the name that started with their two-person dream.
“Two friends started it, but family elevated it to the next level.”
– Wayne
2024
Florida Expansion
Elevate Custom Kitchens opened in Fort Myers, Florida, bringing Wayne’s kitchen expertise to a luxury market with renovations that echo the original company’s style. It runs parallel to Wayne’s Custom Woodcraft, handling geographic reach without changing the core focus on quality kitchens.
“Started a company in Florida called Elevate Custom Kitchens.”
– Wayne
2016-2024
Creativity meant redefining brand architecture on a global scale
Wayne streamlined the Home Gallery ecosystem. Welcomed Danieka’s interior design expertise as a second-generation spark. We fearlessly launched Elevate² Builders and Elevate Custom Kitchens, reinventing construction and luxury Florida kitchens.
How It Started
In 1986, Wayne Dupuis, owner and president, founded the company that would become Wayne’s Custom Woodcraft.
Only 22 years old at the time and with little to lose, Wayne sold his pride and joy, a 25th Anniversary Mustang, and invested in a new table saw, hand tools, and a used F150 pickup truck. What started as a leap of faith quickly became the foundation of a growing business built on hard work, craftsmanship, and determination.
After just two successful months in business, Wayne hired his first employee to assist with building and delivering custom cabinetry.
Building Something That Lasts
Wayne’s proficiency in design, product development, and evolving technology, combined with a progressive vision for the future, helped establish the company as an industry leader.
Four years after opening, Wayne purchased the property the company had been renting and transformed it into a complete workshop. As demand continued to grow, so did the business. Additional employees were added, equipment was upgraded, and operations expanded to meet the needs of a growing client base.
Wayne later acquired the neighbouring property, combining the two buildings into a larger manufacturing facility. Continued growth eventually led to the purchase of the Manning Road property in 1999 and the construction of a modern 13,000-square-foot CNC manufacturing facility, where Wayne’s Custom Woodcraft continues to operate today.
Throughout every stage of growth, the company’s commitment to quality craftsmanship, personalized service, and attention to detail has remained unchanged.
The Next Generation of Design
As the company continued to evolve, so did the opportunity to bring a new generation into the business.
Wayne’s daughter, Danieka, has become an anchor in the business, bringing creativity, innovative design solutions, and a fresh perspective to the next generation of Wayne’s Custom Woodcraft.
A graduate of Wayne State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Major in Interior Design, Danieka graduated Magna Cum Laude and plays an important role in helping homeowners navigate design decisions, explore new possibilities, and create spaces that reflect their vision and lifestyle.
Community Connection
Wayne’s Custom Woodcraft is proud to be part of the Windsor-Essex County community and believes in giving back to the region that has supported the company for more than 40 years.
The company regularly supports local teams, organizations, and charitable initiatives, including sponsorships for Paddle for the Cure and local hockey programs.
In addition to participating in numerous fundraising events throughout the year, Wayne’s Custom Woodcraft proudly donated a custom kitchen to support the Build for MRI campaign administered by the Windsor & Essex County Cancer Centre Foundation.
Accreditations
Wayne’s Custom Woodcraft is a proud member of the WEHBA (Windsor Essex Home Builders’ Association).
Award-Winning Design & Craftsmanship
Over the years, Wayne’s Custom Woodcraft has earned recognition for excellence in kitchen design, craftsmanship, and renovation.
The company has received the Most Outstanding Kitchen renovation award from the local Home Builders’ Association in 2001, 2004, 2006, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2018, 2019, 2023, 2024, and 2025.
These awards reflect the company’s ongoing commitment to quality craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and exceptional results for homeowners throughout Windsor-Essex County.
Looking Forward
While much has changed since 1986, the goal remains the same: creating exceptional spaces that homeowners can enjoy for years to come.
Wayne’s Custom Woodcraft looks forward to continuing that tradition for future generations of homeowners throughout the Windsor-Essex area.