Today we’d like to introduce you to Devon Allen.
Devon, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
When I was a child in the 70’s living in Oklahoma, my Nana would get scrap lumber from yards that was giving it away and give it to us for something to do. I recall making a dog house, however, it turned out to be a bird house. That’s when I discovered that I liked working with my hands.
We moved to Texas and I lived and went to school in Irving. I worked jobs that included building fences, framing houses and working at a machine shop. My boss at the machine shop sent me to Northlake College for a course in blue print reading, which enabled me to be a lead carpenter in my future jobs.
As time went by I mainly framed houses for track home builders and then later moved to custom homes. For the custom home builders, I also did the interior and exterior cedar work.
In 2007, one of the custom home builders hired me to build him an arbor for his wisteria vines on front of his house and a large four arch pergola for the back of his house. It was then that I became an independent contractor, officially becoming Allen Rustic Wood Designs in 2011. My logo is that arbor.
I have also been hired commercially for a waterpark’s 7 locations building DJ booths, concession stands, BBQ areas, pool pump stations and bungalows just to name a few.
Today, my focus is building cedar patio covers and pergolas. However, I have been hired to build special projects that includes an outdoor shower, pool storage cabinet, a green house, rustic cedar outdoor furniture and custom outdoor cabinets.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being an independent contractor can at times be a struggle due to seasonal and economy. However, we can usually stay busy during winter months with our repeat customers and doing more carpentry type jobs such as attic access door installations.
Please tell us about Allen Rustic Wood Designs.
I specialize in rustic cedar wood projects. I am known for the quality of my craftsmanship and attention to detail. I’m most proud of I can create cedar structures that my customers love. I think what sets me apart from others is that I am a small company and am hands on and doing it right the first time.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Going to rodeos to watch my grandpa ride as a pick-up man.
Pricing:
- Patio Covers start at $25.00 per sq. foot
- Pergolas start at $18.00 per sq. foot
Contact Info:
- Website: www.allenrusticwooddesigns.com
- Phone: 214-662-8672
- Email: devon@allenrusticwooddesigns.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allenrusticwooddesigns/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AllenRusticWoodDesigns/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/AllenRusticWood
Decorative Arbor
Image Credit:
Allison Allen
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