In the rugged landscape of West Texas, where mesquite trees stand as stubborn sentinels against the sweeping winds, we had the opportunity to take on a very creative project. Amid the arid beauty of open range lands with views that stretch as far as the imagination, a luxury home underwent a transformation—one with reclaimed mesquite at its heart. This isn’t just any remodel; it’s a story of craftsmanship, creativity and the kind of determination that’s as Texan as they come.

Our clients knew they wanted mesquite floors to be the centerpiece of their home. But they didn’t want just any mesquite—they wanted something with character, something that would tell a story. Craftsman Hardwood Flooring is all about the craftsman difference. With unique floors such as reclaimed mesquite that is longer, wider and richer in history than any ordinary wood. This wasn’t just a floor; it was the foundation of a home’s soul.

Tackling the Curveball: The Stair Nosing Challenge

First up was the curved stair nosing, a feature that would make or break the design. With reclaimed mesquite, there’s no room for error. We couldn’t just order more if something went wrong. So, we got creative. We built a plywood template, cut the curve into the planks, and dadoed out a notch to attach a strip, forming the face of the nosing. We finished it with a mesquite veneer on the bottom profile and rounded edges that softened the profile just enough. The result? A stairway that wasn’t just functional but a stunning focal point.

Lighting the Path: In-Floor Illumination

Next was the in-floor lighting. Sounds simple, right? Not quite. The electrical boxes were out of place, so we had to cut into the concrete, adjust the spacing, and work closely with the electricians. The real challenge was getting the fixtures to fit perfectly—secure yet removable. It was a precision job, but like any good challenge, we nailed it.

Adding Character: Hand-Hewn Textures

Mesquite is known for its density and smooth finish, but this project called for something different—character. We hand-beveled each plank, wire brushed it aggressively and brought out the wood’s natural beauty. The grain came alive, showing off the antique charm that only reclaimed wood can offer. To top it all off, we minimized mesquite’s red undertones with a double bleaching technique and a blend of natural and ebony stains, achieving the perfect balance.

A Team Effort

This project was a true collaboration. Architect, builder, designer, homeowner, and our team all worked together to bring this vision to life. Charlotte Mendez, our designer, has an eye for style and kept communication flowing. Ian Macias, Josh Luna, and AJ Pryor handled installation with meticulous care, while Kenneth Collins and Paul Woods perfected the hand beveling and finishing. Owner-operator Matt Garcia took on the custom curved nosings and lighting with the grit and ingenuity you’d expect from a true Texan craftsman.

The Final Result

In the end, we didn’t just install a floor—we laid the foundation for a home’s legacy. Every plank of that mesquite tells a story, from its roots in old-growth trees to its new life in a home that celebrates the spirit of the Texas landscape. At Craftsman Hardwood Flooring, we’re not just laying floors; we’re crafting the heart of a home. And in Texas, there’s nothing more important than that. Learn more about custom wood floor projects at sanangelocraftsman.com.