TURNING LOGS INTO A LEGACY:
THE STORY OF PRATKA LODGE
Hey, Kurt here from Tin Roof Kitchen & Home! Today, I want to share with you one of the projects closest to my heart—the creation of the Pratka Lodge, a retreat built by family, for family—and for the hunters at Triple P Ranch, who join our family along the way.
It all started back in 2008 when my dad, Mark, decided to build a small cabin on our family’s river property. I joined him in the project, and what began as a humble weekend retreat has since grown into the impressive Pratka Lodge. Today, the lodge serves not only as my parents' home but also as the hub for their hunting operation, Triple P Game Ranch. Let me walk you through how this dream came to life, piece by piece
A FAMILY DREAM
What started as a simple weekend getaway for the family has grown into something much bigger. When Mark bought that sawmill back in 2008, the plan was to build a cozy little cabin. Little did we know that it would expand into the stunning lodge it is today. In 2020, my parents, Mark and Kay, moved to the ranch full-time, and it became more than just a home — it became a welcoming space for guests of their hunting ranch, Triple P Game Ranch.
FROM SAWDUST TO SPLENDOR
What sets Pratka Lodge apart is that it’s a home literally built from the ground up by us. Every single piece of wood in the lodge was milled right there on the ranch—everything from the studs in the walls to the floors, ceilings, cabinetry, and even the beds. If we could craft it, we did. Here are some of the pieces that stand out the most:
THE PECAN STAIRCASE:
This heavy timber pecan staircase was actually built in Mark’s garage before we had our Tin Roof woodshop set up. Here’s the kicker—there’s not a single nail in it! Every spindle and flight was carefully milled and glued together. And get this—while sawing the timber, we found bullets lodged deep inside the wood, adding an extra layer of history to this already unique staircase.
THE DINING ROOM TABLE:
The 17-foot dining room table is a centerpiece of the lodge. It’s massive, with root bases that ground the table in nature. It’s also special because it inspired an even larger 33-foot table we built for Champion Ranch later on.
CUSTOM PULL-OUT CABINETS:
My mom’s all-time favorite feature in the kitchen has to be the custom pull-out cabinets. These sleek little additions, tucked between the built-in wall pantry cabinets, are perfect for spices, oils, or really anything you can fit. No more rummaging around—everything’s easy to spot and grab, making cooking a whole lot smoother. It’s the small things that really make a big difference!
THE EPOXY RIVER TABLE:
The epoxy river table is another showstopper. With its rustic charm and bold design, the natural wood slab is split by a flowing epoxy “river” down the center. It’s a rugged, one-of-a-kind piece that brings character and warmth to the kitchen.
THE DETAILS THAT MAKE IT PERSONAL
Beyond the craftsmanship, there are a few unique details that give Pratka Lodge its character:
BULLET-RIDDLED PECAN STAIRCASE:
The staircase isn’t just beautiful; it’s a piece of history. As we milled the wood, we found bullets embedded in the pecan—reminders of the tree’s long life before it became part of the lodge.
LOG DOOR FRAMES:
Many of the lodge’s doorways are framed by entire logs, creating a rustic aesthetic that ties the building back to its natural roots.
SUITE SHOWCASE:
Each suite in the lodge is named after a species of wood used in the room—Hackberry, Sycamore, Oak, Cottonwood. Each room tells its own story through the materials we selected and crafted.
20-FOOT LOG PROJECTOR SCREEN:
In the living room, we mounted a 20-foot log to house a projector screen. It’s the perfect blend of rustic and modern, tying together the old-world charm of the lodge with today’s modern conveniences.
THE SALOON:
One of the most fun projects we’ve worked on at the ranch is the saloon. It started as an addition to a treehouse that was built when I was a kid. Over time, that treehouse evolved into a saloon made mostly from scrap wood, including hackberry. Today, it’s a full-on entertainment space complete with a stage, restrooms, and more. The treehouse is still there, and it can sleep 4-5 guests!
A LEGACY BUILT FROM HARD WORK AND HEART
Building the Pratka Lodge with my father, Mark, has been one of the most fulfilling projects of my life. It’s not just a house—it’s a symbol of our family’s love, hard work, and dedication, and it continues to grow with every memory we create there. Looking back on the journey, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of pride. This lodge is more than just walls and wood; it’s filled with laughter, shared stories, and the efforts of a father and son who turned a dream into reality. Thanks for following along with this story—there’s plenty more to come from the Tin Roof family, so stay tuned. After all, anything’s possible when you dream big.
BUILDING LEGACIES, ONE PIECE OF WOOD AT A TIME
At Tin Roof Kitchen & Home, we don’t just build furniture—we build legacies. The Pratka Lodge is a symbol of what can happen when you combine passion, hard work, and family. Whether you’re looking for a custom piece or want to build something from scratch, we’re here to make your vision come to life.
INTERESTED IN STARTING A PROJECT? LET’S CHAT! FROM CUSTOM TABLES TO FULL-SCALE LODGES, WE’VE GOT THE EXPERIENCE AND PASSION TO BRING YOUR IDEAS TO LIFE.
If you seek a RESIDENTIAL RENOVATION that encompasses uniqueness and elegance, reach out to Tin Roof Kitchen & Home and embark on a journey to create one-of-a-kind treasures that make your house a HOME.