WORKSHOP TO SHOWROOM:
DETAILS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
Every piece of furniture has a story—some start as salvaged logs with a past, others as wood scraps that catch our eye and beg for a second life. At Tin Roof Kitchen and Home, we don’t just build furniture; we create one-of-a-kind pieces filled with history, heart, and plenty of character.
It all begins at our sawmill at Pratka Ranch in Lane City, Texas, where we work with locally sourced wood—much of it salvaged from trees that would have otherwise been discarded or burned. Rather than letting good wood go to waste, we see the potential in every log, every slab, every twisted root. Some of the best pieces we’ve ever made started as something that looked like a lost cause. But with a little time, craftsmanship, and creativity, those cast-aside pieces transform into heirloom-quality furniture—ready to be part of someone’s home for generations to come.
Once finished, the furniture makes its way to our showroom in El Campo, where it’s ready to find its forever home. I may be a bit biased, but there’s something special about seeing our furniture in person, running your hands over the grain, and experiencing firsthand the uniqueness of a piece that no one else in the world has.
Let’s take you behind the scenes and show you a few standout details that make our furniture truly one-of-a-kind.
THE OAK ROOT COFFEE TABLE: A STORY SET IN STONE
Some of our favorite designs happen by chance—like the Oak Root Coffee Table. This one started with an oak tree in Brady, Texas, whose roots naturally encapsulated rocks over time. When we got our hands on it, we knew it was something special.
Most folks might’ve seen a tangled mess of roots and rock, but we saw a foundation for something incredible. Instead of cutting away what made it unique, we preserved its natural shape, letting the roots and embedded stones become part of the design. The finished piece features a glass oval top, making sure every detail—every curve, every trapped stone—stays on full display.
It’s the kind of table that gets people talking, the kind you gather around for years to come.
SMALL DETAILS, BIG IMPACT
Some things we do in the workshop aren’t exactly necessary—but they sure make a difference. It’s the little details, the ones most people might not even notice at first, that take a piece from nice to unforgettable.
BOWTIE INLAYS:
These aren’t just for looks. They reinforce cracks, add a signature handcrafted touch, and give each piece a little extra character. We could just fill the cracks and move on, but where’s the fun in that?
CREATIVE EPOXY WORK:
Sometimes, a crack in a slab isn’t a flaw—it’s an opportunity! Instead of hiding it, we highlight it, filling voids with crushed turquoise, metallic pigments, small stones or even bullet casings! Every choice is about bringing out the wood’s natural beauty, not covering it up.
TRADITIONAL JOINERY:
Depending on the piece, we might use traditional mortise and tenon joinery or other time-honored techniques to make sure it’s rock solid. Every project is different, but one thing stays the same—if we’re building it, it’s built to last.
These extra touches might take more time, but they’re what make each piece stand out.
MAKING NEW WOOD LOOK OLD: THE ART OF AGING
Sometimes, a piece needs a little history—without waiting decades for it to develop naturally. We’ve perfected a few techniques to bring out the kind of weathered character that makes furniture feel like it has a story to tell.
SANDBLASTING:
Sandblasting is a surface preparation technique that uses high-pressure air to blast abrasive material at a surface. We use it rough up the wood to give it a weathered look by bringing out the grain, creating peaks and valleys, pockets and other details achieved by this method.
CUSTOM PATINA TREATMENTS:
One of our favorite methods involves soaking steel wool in vinegar to create a rich, aged patina. We once had a customer who wanted a variety of old wood tones, so we adjusted the soak times batch by batch until we got the perfect mix. The final product? A beautifully aged finish that looked like it had been passed down for generations.
MORE THAN JUST FURNITURE:
IT’S CRAFTSMANSHIP WITH A STORY
At Tin Roof, we believe furniture isn’t just something you use—it’s something you connect with. Whether it’s a salvaged log getting a second life, a handcrafted detail that makes all the difference, or a creative design choice that brings out the beauty in imperfections, every piece has a story to tell!
So, next time you swing by our showroom in El Campo, take a closer look. The character in each grain, curve, and finish isn’t just design—it’s the result of real passion, craftsmanship, and a lot of respect for the materials we use.
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