My name is Andrew Peterson, the proud owner of Quality Woodworks. Originally from Pickering, Ontario, I now reside in the northern part of Oshawa, Ontario. Amidst the hustle of building my business and the rhythm of daily life, my days are a blend of socializing with friends, catching a live show, fitness and creative pursuits like playing guitar and ice hockey. My greatest joy, though, is simply spending time with my pup, Harley. Carpentry has long been my calling, offering not just a profession, but a pathway to fulfillment. The challenges presented in transforming raw materials into enduring works of beauty give me a sense of satisfaction unlike any other.
I worked at Union Station in Toronto before COVID hit, but I encountered numerous issues with one company and eventually parted ways with them. After taking some time off, I realized the job offers I was receiving didn’t align with my needs. That’s when I decided to start my own company, focusing on building exterior structures like decks, fences, gates and privacy screens. Despite not having a truck initially, I relied on my motivation, tools, knowledge and experience to kick-start the business. It was challenging at first, but with the support of friends I completed some projects to build a portfolio. Since then, I’ve never looked back.
Growing up in a family deeply rooted in carpentry, I naturally gravitated towards woodworking, even pursuing formal education in the field. During my teenage years, I had the opportunity to work for Paul Lafrance, now a HGTV personality known for shows like Decked Out and Deck Wars. Witnessing his innovative designs for outdoor living spaces sparked my imagination and broadened my perspective on the possibilities within the industry. I gained a lot of valuable experience over the years. However, upon establishing my own business, I noticed a significant underappreciation of fences and gates.
While homeowners mainly invest in upgrading their properties with patios, decks and landscaping, fencing has often remained neglected despite its vital role in providing the privacy and security needed to create a safe environment for families. Recognizing this gap, I saw an opportunity to elevate this aspect of outdoor designs within the fence and gate industry by offering high-quality, visually appealing builds at an accessible price point.
My main goal is to create enduring, high-quality products that prioritize customer satisfaction without straining budgets. I approach each project with the care and attention I would give my own property. My motivation stems from a genuine desire to assist others, rather than monetary gain or recognition. In a time where financial exploitation is common, I aim to build trust and foster lasting relationships with my clients.
The material I use for builds is primarily pressure-treated lumber, owing to its affordability and low maintenance requirements. However, the quality of such material has declined in recent years even while prices have risen, which poses some challenges for businesses and their customers. I continually brainstorm solutions to address these issues, implementing additional building techniques and utilizing Simpson Strong-Tie® fasteners and connectors to mitigate common problems. While I have experience with cedar and composite materials, their high cost deters many clients. Nonetheless, I aim to popularize these alternatives in my area to offer better options for customers.
In particular, Simpson Strong-Tie’s Outdoor Accents® hardware and fasteners have strength, durability and ease of use, coupled with distinctive aesthetics — major draws for me. Additionally, the availability of black products, which seamlessly blend with most gate hardware, perfectly complements my project planning. The combination of structural integrity and visual appeal is really hard to beat. And all at a fair price point. I’ve had no negative experiences or feedback with the hardware in any of my projects. The feedback has consistently been positive, and my clients have been thrilled with the final outcomes.
My meticulous nature ensures that I approach each project with the utmost care and attention to detail, treating it as if it were for my own permanent living space. Cutting corners on quality simply isn’t an option; I strive for perfection in every aspect of my work. This dedication stems from my upbringing, as my father, a skilled carpenter, instilled in me the value of precision and professional craftsmanship. When clients entrust me with projects on their properties, I honor that trust by approaching the task with the respect, integrity and appreciation it deserves. For me, woodwork is all about ensuring the client’s satisfaction every step of the way.
