Rothrock Wood Project Transforms Local Trees Into Art

This story originally appeared in The Centre County Gazette.

What once shaded sidewalks and backyards in State College is now finding new life in homes and hotels as handcrafted pieces of art.

The Rothrock Wood Project, founded by Scott Hildebrand in 2018 with business partner Todd Cousins coming on in 2022, is now breathing new life into trees that would otherwise be lost. Rothrock Wood Project began with the idea of using downed timber from Rothrock State Forest and a vision: to turn nature’s discarded remnants into furniture with soul.

“It really started with making charcuterie boards during COVID,” Hildebrand said.

Rothrock Wood Project turned into a full-scale operation crafting custom tables, benches, epoxy river pieces and artistic slabs for clients ranging from universities and boutique hotels to homeowners who want something deeply meaningful and lasting.

Their latest chapter centers on State College Borough’s urban trees, many of which had to be removed due to disease, rot or storm damage. Rather than let the trees be chipped into mulch or sold as firewood, Rothrock saw an opportunity to do something special: offer residents a way to own a permanent piece of their hometown.

“The borough was pleasantly receptive to our discussions a year ago about this idea,” Cousins said. “We’ve creatively provided an alternative use for these trees, and it gives the public access to materials.”

The result? One-of-a-kind furniture made from local trees, each bearing laser-etched GPS coordinates where the tree once stood.

“At this stage, they can even come out and pick the actual slab used,” said Cousins.

While the project is rooted in sustainability, it’s also driven by the love of community with a desire to preserve a piece of State College history and to transform loss into legacy

The process is labor-intensive and deeply hands-on. After a tree is removed, Rothrock mills it into rough slabs and sends it through a drying process that can take up to a year and a half.

“From the point of those trees being cut this winter until someone could make furniture from it, you’re looking at a year, year and a half at least,” Cousins explained.

Once dried, the wood is ready to be shaped — often with its knots, cracks and quirks embraced. River tables, crafted using epoxy in vibrant colors and flowing patterns, are a customer favorite. Each design is unique with no two pieces being the same.

“We take nature’s imperfections and make them beautiful,” Hildebrand said . “A lot of times the most difficult things to deal with, and your scrappiest piece of wood, end up being your prettiest.”

Rothrock also plans to offer pre-orders for those interested in borough-specific pieces.

“We’re talking about ways that people can pre-order,” Hildebrand said. “We want to give people an opportunity to buy slabs and make things themselves.”