WHERE WOOD MEETS STEEL:
A BEHIND-THE-SCENES LOOK AT HOW WE BRING TWO TRADES TOGETHER
When people step into our shop, they’re often surprised by what all we’ve got going on. We’re not just a wood shop. We’re not just welders. We do both. For us, mixing wood and steel isn’t just a trend we picked up along the way—it’s how we’ve always operated.
My dad started Mark’s Machine here in El Campo 45 years ago, so I’ve been around steel my whole life. Once we started Tin Roof, it only made sense to bring both trades together. Having welders and carpenters working side-by-side gives us way more control and flexibility over what we can build. That kind of setup doesn’t just help us, it helps our customers, too.
BUILDING CUSTOM MEANS SOLVING REAL PROBLEMS
Every custom project comes with its own set of challenges, but that’s also where the Tin Roof team really shines.
Take custom tables, for example. A lot of times, you’re dealing with slabs that have uneven edges or natural curves. That’s not something a pre-made base from the internet is going to handle. So we design and weld our own bases to fit each piece of wood. On many of our bigger builds, like conference tables, the slabs are so heavy we needed to add a steel subframe underneath. The metal framework also serves as a hidden channel for data cables, so everything looks clean but stayed functional for a working office space.
The spiral staircase at Champion Ranch showcases how the strength of steel and the warmth of wood can come together to create something truly extraordinary. In projects like the Champion Ranch staircase, Tin Roof designed and engineered the structure using robust 6” steel tubing to provide a rock-solid foundation. At their sawmill in Lane City, TX, Tin Roof crafted kiln-dried ½ round logs, precisely drilled to fit over the steel supports. After filling natural cracks with epoxy and finishing each piece to highlight the wood’s beauty, the steps were securely installed, resulting in a staircase that is as structurally sound as it is visually stunning.
Our staircases throw us curveballs too. On the Cook residence project, we were working with a three-story mono-beam design, which meant every detail had to line up floor to floor. The hickory treads were thick and beautiful, but heavy! Making sure they fit and flowed with the powder-coated metal railing took serious planning and precise execution.
Then there was the Theut residence project. That staircase had glass panes, custom maple treads, and integrated lighting. Any one of those elements on its own would’ve been a task, but bringing all three together and making it look effortless? That took some teamwork! From wiring for lights to getting the glass lined up just right, we had to make a lot of on-the-fly decisions during install.
That’s the thing about custom work, things change. Having our wood and steel crews working together means we can adapt as we go. No waiting around for another shop to show up. No reordering parts. We’re able to figure it out, right there on site.
POWDER COATING IN-HOUSE: WHY IT MATTERS
Bringing powder coating in-house was one of the best moves we’ve made. Not only does it speed up our process, but we can control the quality from start to finish. Powder coating gives our steel pieces a durable, long-lasting finish that holds up to wear and tear.
We can do everything from classic matte black to more eye-catching finishes. One of our go-tos lately has been an antique copper vein, it adds depth and warmth to a piece without feeling too bold. We've matched finishes to all kinds of design styles, from modern to rustic, depending on what the project calls for.
DETAILS THAT TELL A STORY
Some project builds are big and bold, while others are more subtle. We’ve added decorative steel strapping to floating shelves, built taxidermy boxes with metal corners, and used hammered clavos nails for a touch of texture on doors and cabinetry.
One of the coolest parts of what we do is helping people tell their story through the details. It could be a statement staircase in a new build or a steel-accented upgrade to an old family table. Either way, we treat every project like it matters, because to us— it does.
AT THE END OF THE DAY...
We’re not chasing trends here. We’re building things that are meant to last. That’s why combining wood and steel makes so much sense for us. It gives us the flexibility to meet any design challenge, and the strength to know it’ll hold up.
With everything being made right here in El Campo—from cutting slabs to welding frames to powder coating finishes, you always know who’s working on your project. And you can bet we’re doing it right!
If you’ve got a big vision — or even a small one that matters to you — we’d love to help bring it to life. Reach out to us at Tin Roof Kitchen & Home, and let’s make something truly unforgettable together.
WORK TOGETHER