Something about the smell of sawdust makes me think of countless hours in the garage with my Dad working on whatever DIY project my Mom had asked him to do. As a kid, when I wasn’t building things out of Legos, or in the garage with my Dad, I was outdoors. An avid hunter, my father taught me to appreciate nature and I ultimately decided to pursue a career in the environmental field after college. Sustainability is more than just a buzzword for me. It’s a way of living and something I incorporate into my work.

My woodworking hobby developed largely out of necessity. Quality furniture was not in my budget as a recent college graduate, so I decided, “Why not build some things myself?” My first real attempt at a functional piece of furniture was not simple. Go big or go home right? I had no counter space in my attic studio loft apartment in Pittsburgh, PA, so I decided to build a kitchen island. My Dad had stored some old rough sawn cherry lumber in their garage (that was my great grandfather’s) for roughly 30 years when I asked if I could use it for this project. The legs were also comprised of the original front porch posts on my childhood home that were also salvaged when the porch was redone. I made a butcher block top as a working surface. To this day, it is my most valued piece of furniture and something I use every day in my kitchen.

After that project, I dabbled in repurposing pallets into furniture for a while, building shelves, side and coffee tables, signs, and chests to furnish my first home. As my taste began to grow more sophisticated, I worked to refine my craft. Once my home was fully furnished, I began making things for friends and family. In February 2021, McKee’s Custom Creations was established to share my creative eye and craftsmanship with others.

My appreciation for natural beauty and the environment inspires much of my work. I especially love working on “live edge” projects and working with unique pieces of wood that shed insight into the life of the tree. I pay care when sourcing lumber to purchase quality, affordable, wood that is harvested both locally and sustainably. I would love to work with you to bring your vision to life!

-Patrick McKee, Owner

McKee’s Custom Creations