Type
Commercial
Location
Highland Park, CA
Year
2024
Area
3,800 sq ft
Materials
5,100 board feet of reclaimed mixed softwoods and hardwoods
Timeline
16 weeks
Budget Range
$200,000 - $250,000
Wood Species Used
- Reclaimed Heart Pine (bar top & tables)
- Salvaged Timber Trusses (ceiling feature)
- Reclaimed Redwood (wainscoting)
- Reclaimed Oak (flooring)
Finishes Applied
- Bar-top epoxy over natural wood on bar
- Clear satin on trusses
- Semi-transparent stain on redwood wainscoting
- Commercial polyurethane on flooring
Project Story
A neighborhood craft brewery in Highland Park approached us to create a taproom that felt like an extension of their brewing philosophy: small-batch, handcrafted, and rooted in the community. They wanted nothing that looked mass-produced or corporate.
The showpiece of the taproom is a 30-foot reclaimed heart pine bar that wraps along one wall and turns a corner into a service area. The bar top is 2.5 inches thick, made from wide heart pine planks sourced from a cotton warehouse demolition in the San Joaquin Valley. The deep amber color and dramatic grain of the heart pine create a surface that draws people in.
Above the taproom, salvaged timber trusses span the full width of the space. These trusses were recovered from a dismantled agricultural building in Riverside County and required careful disassembly, transport, and reassembly. They create a dramatic cathedral-like ceiling that makes the relatively modest space feel grand.
Reclaimed redwood wainscoting lines the lower 4 feet of all walls throughout the taproom and brewery tour area. The redwood provides a warm, rich backdrop and practical protection for the walls in a high-traffic beverage environment. The semi-transparent stain enhances the natural red tones.
The floor is reclaimed white oak — a dense, durable hardwood ideal for commercial environments where spills are inevitable. We finished the oak with a commercial-grade polyurethane that provides excellent moisture resistance while maintaining a warm, natural appearance.
All tables in the taproom are custom-fabricated from reclaimed heart pine, matching the bar top. Each table features steel industrial pipe legs that complement the rustic wood surfaces. We made 12 four-top tables and 4 communal tables from the same pine lot to ensure consistent color and character.
The brewery has become one of the most popular taprooms in Highland Park, with customers frequently commenting on the warmth and authenticity of the space. The owners credit the reclaimed wood environment with encouraging longer visits and repeat business.
Before & After
BBefore
The space was a former auto repair shop with bare concrete floors, corrugated metal walls, and an open steel beam ceiling. It was entirely utilitarian with no architectural character. Grease stains, oil drains, and vehicle lift mounts had to be removed and remediated before build-out could begin.
AAfter
The transformed taproom features a stunning 30-foot heart pine bar, dramatic salvaged timber ceiling trusses, warm redwood wainscoting throughout, and durable reclaimed oak flooring. The space has an inviting, handcrafted quality that perfectly reflects the brewery's artisanal brand. Reclaimed wood touches extend to the taproom tables, restroom vanities, and even the flight boards used to serve tasting sets.
Material Specifications
Bar Top
Reclaimed heart pine, 2.5" thick wide planks, edge-joined, 30' total length with corner turn. Bar-top epoxy over natural wood finish.
Ceiling Trusses
Salvaged timber trusses, Douglas fir, approximately 100 years old from Riverside County agricultural building. Clear satin finish.
Wainscoting
Reclaimed redwood, 1x6" boards, 4' height throughout taproom and tour area, approximately 380 linear feet. Semi-transparent stain.
Flooring
Reclaimed white oak, 3/4" x 3.25" planks from factory floor demolition. Commercial polyurethane, 4 coats.
Tables
Reclaimed heart pine, 1.5" thick tops on steel pipe legs. 12 four-tops (30"x30") and 4 communal (36"x96"). Matching bar top finish.
Project Timeline
Design & Sourcing
3 weeksCollaborated with the brewery's architect on material palette. Sourced heart pine from San Joaquin Valley, timber trusses from Riverside County, and oak flooring from local factory demolition.
Truss Disassembly & Transport
2 weeksCarefully disassembled three timber trusses from the agricultural building. Each truss was numbered and documented for accurate reassembly. Transported to our facility for cleaning.
Material Processing
3 weeksMilled heart pine for bar and tables. Prepared redwood wainscoting. Processed oak flooring. Pre-finished all materials where possible.
On-Site Installation Phase 1
4 weeksInstalled oak flooring, redwood wainscoting, and erected timber trusses with crane assistance.
On-Site Installation Phase 2
4 weeksFabricated and installed 30-foot bar. Built and placed all tables. Applied bar-top epoxy finish (requires 72-hour cure). Final details and touch-ups.
Challenges & Solutions
Challenge
The timber trusses were designed for their original building's dimensions and did not perfectly fit the new space, which was 4 feet narrower.
Solution
We carefully shortened each truss by modifying the bottom chord connections. A structural engineer reviewed the modifications to ensure the trusses maintained their triangulated integrity, even though they serve a purely decorative function in the taproom.
Challenge
The bar top required a finish durable enough to withstand constant moisture, spills, glass impacts, and heavy cleaning — conditions that would destroy most natural wood finishes.
Solution
We applied a two-part bar-top epoxy system over the natural heart pine. The epoxy creates a crystal-clear, glass-hard surface that is waterproof, heat-resistant, and easily cleaned. It also beautifully magnifies the grain and color of the heart pine beneath.
Challenge
The brewery's fermentation and cooling systems generate significant humidity, which can cause wood to swell, cup, or warp.
Solution
We acclimated all wood materials in the space for two weeks before installation, allowing the wood to reach equilibrium with the brewery's humidity levels. We also used floating installation methods for the flooring to allow seasonal movement.
“We brew beer the old-fashioned way — small batches, quality ingredients, no shortcuts. We needed our taproom to communicate that same philosophy before anyone takes a single sip. The reclaimed wood does that. People walk in and immediately understand what we are about.”
Tom & Diana L.
Brewery Owners