Blog, Jenn's Blog

Salvaged Wood Restaurant Design at Burning Barrel Brewing Placerville

Posted on by Jennifer Alger
Chinese redwood bar height solid wood table base - with various brews, spirits, cocktails and food plates on it.
03
Sep

Summary

We supplied salvaged redwood, walnut, and camphor wood to Burning Barrel Brewing & Spirits Placerville. See how wood craftsmanship shaped their warm, inviting space—and get inspired for your own restaurant or remodel project.

From Forest to Flavor: Our Wood at Burning Barrel Brewing & Spirits Placerville

This Labor Day weekend, I finally made the trip up to Burning Barrel Brewing & Spirits Placerville to see something I’ve been excited about since their doors opened earlier this year: a beautiful space brought to life with wood we supplied. Watching raw, locally salvaged wood become part of a hospitality space is always rewarding—but walking into Burning Barrel felt extra special.

Massive Chinese redwood bar-height table with metal stools and warm natural finish.
Chinese redwood bar-height table—textured, warm, and made for gathering.
Top view of the Chinese redwood table covered with plates, cocktails, and menus.
Food + wood: a table that anchors the dining experience.
Camphor 'cookie' epoxy table with dramatic grain and clear resin edge.
Camphor epoxy piece—swirling grain meets sleek resin.
Close-up of a sandwich dipping into sauce on the camphor epoxy tabletop.
Durable, food-friendly finishes that still showcase the grain.
Alexander’s spirits lineup on a redwood bar with rich figure.
Redwood bar—character, color, and a perfect stage for craft spirits.
Jennifer with a member of the team behind a polished redwood bar at Burning Barrel.
We supplied the wood; they brought the craftsmanship.

The Wood That Shapes the Space

Everywhere you look, the warmth of wood defines the atmosphere. We provided the locally salvaged wood—and their team turned it into standout features that make the space unforgettable:

  • A massive Chinese redwood bar-height table that’s a natural gathering point.
  • Redwood bars and window sills, rich with character and color.
  • Orchard-salvaged walnut crafted into four tables that anchor the dining experience.
  • A striking camphor epoxy piece, where swirling grain and resin artistry shine.

We supplied the wood. They provided the craftsmanship. Together, it’s a collaboration that transforms the entire vibe of the room.

Food, Drinks, and Atmosphere

Their menu is as memorable as the décor. The Korean crack wings are absolutely addictive, and the Porch Swing cocktail, made with Alexander’s own whiskey, is smooth perfection. I didn’t try it this time, but their handcrafted gin recently earned a silver medal—it’s firmly on my “next time” list.

Why Salvaged Wood Belongs in Restaurant Renovations

Burning Barrel shows exactly why wood should be part of every restaurant or tasting-room remodel. Wood isn’t just a material—it’s a mood-setter and a story:

  • Warmth & welcome — instantly makes guests feel comfortable.
  • Visual depth — natural grain adds richness no manufactured surface can replicate.
  • A story — every salvaged slab carries history, from orchard or neighborhood to the hands that gave it new life.

Design Ideas to Inspire Your Next Remodel

  • Live-edge centerpiece tables (like the redwood or walnut shown here) to anchor communal seating.
  • Redwood drink rails & window sills that frame light and views with natural warmth.
  • Camphor “cookie” tops with clear epoxy for dramatic grain and wipe-clean durability.
  • Back-bar shelving in walnut for a rich, timeless backdrop to spirits and glassware.
  • End-grain or mosaic cladding on bar fronts for tactile texture and noise-softening.
  • Book-matched panels for feature walls that double as art.
  • Outdoor tables in salvaged redwood finished with UV-stable oil for patio durability.

A Toast to Craftsmanship

Burning Barrel Brewing & Spirits isn’t just about what’s in the glass—it’s about the environment that surrounds you. With their creativity and craftsmanship paired with locally salvaged wood, they’ve built a space that feels warm, inviting, and uniquely theirs.

If you’re in Placerville, make the trip. Come for the wings, stay for the Porch Swing, and take a moment to appreciate the story told in every piece of wood.

Ready to Design with Salvaged Wood?

At Far West Forest Products, we help restaurants, tasting rooms, and homeowners bring authentic character into their spaces with locally salvaged and reclaimed wood.

Let’s talk wood → or email jennifer@farwestforest.com.

Jennifer Alger