Wood Stories
Every piece of reclaimed wood has a past — a tree that once shaded a yard, a beam that held up a dance studio, a log brought down by a storm. These are more than scraps; they’re fragments of history waiting to be given new life.
This section gathers those stories. Each wood has its own journey, from where it was found to how it came into my shop, and why it matters to me. I invite you to explore and discover the character, history, and beauty behind the materials that shape Salt Shaker Woodworks.
The gallery below shows the woods I’ve collected — each photo opens its story.
Beetle-streaked maple from Mr. Allen’s collection — rescued before it was lost.
Exotic cocobolo from Mr. Allen’s collection — kept from ruin and carried forward.
American elm from Mr. Allen’s collection — saved from destruction and given new life.
Ash from Mr. Allen’s collection — preserved instead of being thrown away.
Cherry from Mr. Allen’s collection — spared from the burn pile and reborn.
Strong native pecan from Mr. Allen’s collection — protected from waste and transformed.
Purpleheart from Mr. Allen’s collection — saved before it could be destroyed.
Reclaimed Ipe from Mike Applegate — dense, enduring, and nearly indestructible.
Fence-Board Cedar — reclaimed from torn-down fences, saved from the dump, and given new life.
Spalted pecan from Mr. Allen’s collection — rescued and given a second life.
Yellowheart from Mr. Allen’s collection — salvaged and brought back to purpose.
Yew salvaged from Bismark Street — limited supply, now carrying its story forward.
Flame Maple from Justin Hammerson — rare shimmering figure.
Zebrawood from Mr. Allen’s collection — salvaged and brought back to purpose.
Century-old longleaf pine shiplap from a Texas remodel — reclaimed and restored.
Mesquite from Mr. Dreyer’s Texas pasture — strong, beautiful, and full of story.
Olive wood from my neighbor Mr. Grant’s tree — lost to a freeze, now given new life.
Rare pecky cypress pulled from the Guadalupe River — dramatic, reclaimed, and full of character.
500-year-old longleaf pine reclaimed— historic and irreplaceable.
American beech — saved from the chipper, now given new life.
Mesquite from Medina County — rescued from the burn pile, with history hidden inside.
White oak reclaimed from the historic New Braunfels ISD building — Texas history preserved.
Olive Street pecan — rescued curbside in Seguin before the city chipper got it.
Red oak from Pecan Hall at Northwest Vista College — saved from the dumpster and given new life.
Bloodwood from Alan Schreiber — vivid red, reclaimed and renewed.
Black walnut saved through partnership with Mr. Robles — rescued from waste, given new life.
Bodark reclaimed through Alan Schreiber — strong, bright, and lasting.
Reclaimed organ maple, honoring mentor Alan Schreiber.
Maple from Seguin ISD gym flooring — reclaimed wood with a story of community.
Oak reclaimed from Seguin ISD gym flooring — durable, timeless, and full of history.
White oak from Stockdale — saved from the burn pile, now lasting in the shop.
West African Mansonia — purchased for benches, now part of my shop’s inventory.
Accent hardwoods used for contrast and detail.