Thinking outside the box: Brownsville carpenter creates wide range of products

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — One material can create a multitude of products.

Local businessman, Rene Lopez, owner of Rough Edge Woodworking, first started his business in 2016, when he began to explore what he could create with just one material — wood.

Lopez told ValleyCentral, he was inspired to create products, such as the "meat boxes," after seeing them across various social platforms.

"I saw [the charcuterie boards and meat boxes] on Facebook, I thought to myself I can do that," he said. "I love to create and build stuff, so one day I said let me buy the materials and put it together."

He added that his love for barbecuing not only inspired him to create the product but also made it his own.

"I love to barbecue and usually we use either just a plastic tupperware bowl or ice chest to put the cooked meat in, so one day I was at a restaurant and saw the buffet tables out there, I created my plan," Lopez mentioned. "I said, how about I can [put the serving trays], wrap it in wood, and then just insulate the inside a bit."

Lopez has a background and knowledge in construction and woodwork, which helps him understand how to build his items.

"One main skill that has helped me is having knowledge of construction and understanding how things are built," he added. "When creating these items, knowing how your angles and measurements go, helps your product not be bigger on one side or be lopsided."

His knowledge expands to construction and the type of material he uses. Lopez explained that he uses cedar wood for his products because it is durable, lasts longer, and is lighter to carry around.

Lopez's business is popular for his "meat boxes," which are wooden boxes with metal serving trays that keep carne asada warm just in time for the summer season.

He added that his most popular seasons is during Father's Day, summer and football season. During this time, it is known for families to get together to enjoy the summer breeze and cook up a parrillada.

Not only does Lopez create "meat boxes" but also personalized charcuterie boards, bird feeders, shelves, outdoor bar tables, patio furniture, noodle boards, serving trays and many more.

All of these items are handcrafted and hand drawn with a technique called Burn etching.

Burn etching, also known as pyrography, is a technique that is used to create art or designs by burning into a surface, such as wood, with a heated tool.

Lopez added that one of his favorite products that he has created was a hand painted, custom-made wooden flag for a veteran.

The wooden flag was painted Texas and American, and it included the veterans' designations and medals that he received while serving.

Lopez added that even though he has not been able to attend local pop-up shops to promote his business, he is grateful for the customers and orders he has received.

Those interested in contacting Lopez can visit his Facebook page Rough Edge Woodworking to submit their order.