Cricket Forge

Cricket Forge Expressive steel pieces, built to be used and remembered. 1987 → Francis Vega and Neal Carlton formed Vega Metals, Inc. in downtown Durham, NC.

The company was prolific, conceptualizing and producing thousands of site-specific architectural metalworks. They were featured in numerous trade publications and received seven international awards for metalwork.

1999 → The Vega team formed Cricket Forge to branch out creatively, and focused on a production line of handcrafted indoor and outdoor furnishings. Many of the products quickly became n

ationally recognized, and still are to this day. Lifelong friendships and collaborations were forged in the spirit of creativity and the appreciation of sharing art. Sadly, in 2013, Francis passed away to cancer. The company continued on, lovingly, via Neal Carlton, and Francis’ wife, Cindy.

2018 → The Cricket Forge torch was passed to employees Jonathan Paschall, Aaron Earley, and James Dudley. They continue the decades-long focus on craftsmanship, creativity, and community.

2019 → After nearly 30 years downtown, Cricket Forge moved to a newer and larger facility in Durham. In this space, the team has newfound room and inspiration to keep producing the pieces you love, while also designing new and exciting products.

09/04/2026

Only 3 days left of our ONLY sale of the year. Take 20% off through Labor Day. A rare chance to save on something made to last.

Consider this your reminder. 👀Our annual End of Summer Sale is underway, with 20% off through September 7. It only happe...
08/30/2026

Consider this your reminder. 👀

Our annual End of Summer Sale is underway, with 20% off through September 7. It only happens once a year. Consider this your reminder. 👀

Our annual End of Summer Sale is underway, with 20% off through September 7. It only happens once a year.

08/26/2026

In case you haven’t heard, we’re running our only sale of the year now through labor day. 20% off the entire site 👀

08/24/2026

Once a year, we make an exception.

Our End of Summer Sale starts now. Take 20% off everything through Labor Day, September 7.

If there’s a piece you’ve had your eye on, now’s the time.

08/21/2026

Set your alarm 👀

Africa to Carolina is North Carolina’s first public artwork commemorating the history of African disembarkation along th...
08/07/2026

Africa to Carolina is North Carolina’s first public artwork commemorating the history of African disembarkation along the state’s coast.

Installed at Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site in Winnabow, the work acknowledges one of the state’s most obscured histories while honoring the resilience, lives, and lasting legacy of those who were forcibly brought from Africa to North Carolina through the transatlantic slave trade. The project grew from years of research, community engagement, and descendant-informed collaboration.

It was an honor for Cricket Forge to help bring this important work into the landscape.

Created by artists Stephen Hayes and David Wilson, with bronze casting by Carolina Bronze, Cricket Forge provided the modeling, steel fabrication, and installation. The project was made possible through the support of the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in partnership with the North Carolina African American Heritage Commission and Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site.

Summer ‘26 ☀️👌
07/23/2026

Summer ‘26 ☀️👌

The Koi Collection captures the quiet power of the fish that inspired it—flowing, asymmetrical forms that bring movement...
07/17/2026

The Koi Collection captures the quiet power of the fish that inspired it—flowing, asymmetrical forms that bring movement, balance, and presence to the spaces they inhabit.

Whether as a sculptural bench, a handcrafted table, or wall hangings that seem to swim across a surface, each piece is shaped, welded, and finished by hand in Durham, North Carolina. Inspired by the koi’s symbolism of resilience, love, and peace, the collection is designed to become part of the places where people gather, pause, and return.

Made for those who swim against the current. 🌊

07/13/2026

A little glimpse behind the scenes.

Summer has kept the shop full, the welders busy, and the trucks loaded. We’re grateful for every order, every custom project, and everyone who chooses to bring Cricket Forge into their space.

07/01/2026

More than two decades ago, this table left our shop and found its place outdoors.

Since then, it has spent every season exactly where it was meant to be, exposed to sun, rain, snow, and everything in between.

Time has softened the surface slightly, but the steel remains protected and the structure unchanged. It’s a reminder that durability isn’t an afterthought here. It’s built into every piece from the start.

Address

2314 Operations Drive
Durham, NC
27705

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

(919) 680-3513

Website

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