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Hi, I'm Matt Matteo

Owner of UPStaged SRQ | Custom Event Furniture & Staging| Sarasota & SW Florida

At UP Staged, our mission is to craft high-quality, handmade wood furniture that seamlessly blends beauty, functionality, and sustainability. We honor the timeless traditions of woodworking, transforming premium hardwood timber into heirloom pieces that celebrate the natural individuality and beauty of the wood.

With meticulous attention to detail and a passion for design, every piece we create tells a story, enhances your living space, and is built to stand the test of time. Our commitment to exceptional quality and personalized service ensures that each piece is as unique and meaningful as the home

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How It All It Started

Everything starts with an idea and sketches. Sketches get modeled into 3d renderings, often taking hours if not days.

These renderings allow me to dial in precise dimension to get a better perspective of scale and proportion. Every stroke of the pencil or click on the mouse pulls me deeper into a trace, my mind so absorbed in project I am building I can see it coming together. Every cut of the saw, every piece of joinery plays on repeat in my mind hundreds of times before I touch a single piece of wood. All other outside concerns fade away and I can see myself making this new thing. By the time I come out of this dreamlike state I have the proof that I have the skills to make something new.

Occasionally scaled models are needed for the extra reassurance before the build begins.

From here I head to the lumber yard to pick the individual rough cut boards. These get reduced to approximate size and milled to thickness with flat surfaces and square edges.

Flat surfaces and square edges allow for accurate measuring and assembling. Next its time to build and off course choosing the finish is the last step. This can make or break any project.

Now I use my story to craft unique pieces that upstage your event and help create unforgettable memories

Woodworking in a Blue-Collar Home:

Where Function Meets Grit

In a blue-collar house, woodworking isn’t a hobby—it’s a necessity. It’s not about trends or luxury; it’s about building something that lasts because you need it to. The workshop is far from glamorous: a dimly lit basement, a battered workbench, and a mismatched set of rusty tools passed down through generations. The air carries the mix of laundry detergent, dryer sheets, and the faint tang of spilled heating oil. It’s raw, unpolished, and entirely real.

Here, mistakes aren’t failures—they’re lessons, each misstep a hands-on education in resilience and ingenuity. Every cut, every splinter, every uneven edge is a mark of determination, a step toward crafting something sturdy and functional. When you finally step back to admire your creation—a table that holds steady, a chair that doesn’t wobble—you’re looking at more than furniture. You’re looking at survival, self-reliance, and proof that necessity truly is the mother of invention.

Kind Words From Our clients

At UPSTAGED, we take pride in creating unforgettable experiences for our clients, and their words mean everything to us. From custom-designed event furniture to thoughtfully curated staging, our work has left a lasting impression on countless special occasions. Whether it’s a wedding, corporate event, or private celebration, our clients consistently praise the creativity, craftsmanship, and personal touch we bring to every project. Don’t just take our word for it—read our testimonials and see how UP Staged has helped elevate events with timeless pieces and impeccable design.

I would highly recommend Upstaged to create any custom sign, furniture, or staging for your event! Matt designed and created a dream photo wall for my wedding in just two weeks! I couldn’t believe the end product!! Throughout the design process, Matt listened to every idea I had and gave amazing tips and ideas of his own. He and his wife, Jenn (an amazing wedding planner I might add), made the perfect team when bringing my idea to life!! She chose the colors to match other design pieces I already had made and it was spot on! We also got staging for our band through Upstaged. It was absolutely beautiful and elevated the entire wedding! Thank you so much Matt and Upstaged for helping make our wedding the most special day ever!!

Matt at Upstaged helped take my wedding day to the next level! We rented a stage for our dj and it truly elevated our dance floor experience!! We also rented bars with a custom vinyl duogram displaying our last name and it made our wedding feel personalized and had my mother-in-law in happy tears because of how beautiful they were!! I highly recommend using Upstaged for your next event!!

- Cassandra

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upstaged Gallery

Step into our gallery to explore the artistry and craftsmanship behind UP Staged. From custom furniture designs to creative event staging, every piece tells a story of thoughtful design and unforgettable moments. Browse through our past projects to find inspiration and see how we bring visions to life with style, creativity, and attention to detail. Whether it’s a wedding, corporate event, or private celebration, our gallery showcases the timeless pieces that make each event extraordinary