Behind the Craft
The Story, the Values, and the Hands That Build Every Piece
Wertz’s Works of Wood isn’t just a name, it’s me, Steve Wertz. One craftsman, one story, and one carefully built project at a time. I build everything by hand in my Florida workshop, using materials that matter, like reclaimed wood, time-tested techniques, and a process grounded in trust and collaboration.
Whether you’re looking for custom cabinetry, a meaningful gift, or a furniture piece with soul, I’m here to make sure what you get feels right for your space, your style, and your story.
Where It All Began
From Small-Town Roots to a One-Man Woodshop in Florida
I didn’t just learn woodworking, I lived it. I was raised in the tiny town of Manns Choice, Pennsylvania, surrounded by hardworking hands and practical minds. My dad welded. My grandfather could fix anything. My uncle’s woodshop smelled like cedar and curiosity, and that’s where I first understood the quiet satisfaction of building something with purpose.
What started as a childhood fascination turned into a lifelong practice. In 2005, I brought my tools and values to New Port Richey, Florida, where I now run my one-man workshop. Today, every piece I make still starts with the same intention: to create something real, useful, and lasting—with reclaimed wood, honest craftsmanship, and a deep respect for the people it’s made for.
A lot of my favorite projects start with salvaged or overlooked materials.
One time, I took a pair of sidelights, those narrow vertical windows that flank a front door, and turned them into doors for a custom bar cabinet. I added interior lighting, built a lower wine rack from leftover cabinet materials, and used black keys from a 1906 upright piano as door pulls. Antique window latches finished it off.
Another time, I built a display case using upcycled leaded glass panels as doors. I love working with pieces that have a past, and turning them into something new, useful, and built to last.
Want to see more of my latest projects?
Built With Purpose
Rooted in Values, Committed to Sustainability
At Wertz’s Works of Wood, sustainability isn’t a trend; it’s just how I work. Reclaimed and responsibly sourced wood plays a central role in every project, not only for its character and strength but for the stories it carries.
I believe that craftsmanship should respect the materials it uses and the people it serves. That’s why every piece is built to last, never mass-produced, and always made with care. From small gifts to large built-ins, my work reflects timeless values: integrity, durability, and a deep appreciation for getting things right, without waste.
Why Me
One Craftsman, One Vision, One Piece at a Time
When you work with Wertz’s Works of Wood, you’re not ordering from a company, you’re collaborating with a craftsman. I don’t outsource. I don’t mass-produce. I listen, sketch, build, and finish every piece by hand in my Florida workshop, using materials I trust and techniques I’ve refined over decades.
It’s not just about making something beautiful. It’s about making something that fits your life, reflects your values, and stands the test of time. That’s what sets me apart, and that’s what makes the final piece matter.
One-on-one attention, start to finish
Custom designs, not cookie-cutter templates
Reclaimed wood with real stories behind it
Honest communication and realistic expectations
Let’s Talk
Your Vision, my Craftsmanship
You don’t need to have it all figured out. If you’re thinking about a custom piece, or just want to know what’s possible, I am always happy to talk it through.
