Porch Light Woodworking

Porch Light Woodworking, founded in 1992 and based in West Des Moines, IA, is a locally owned custom woodworking shop serving residential and commercial clients. Owner Tim Kern, a graduate of the Kansas City Art Institute, designs and builds projects from concept to completion, applying knowledge of wood species, joinery, and finishes. Services include fireplace surrounds, built-in home offices, entertainment centers, cabinetry, bars, custom furniture, remodeling, basement finishing, and finish carpentry.

The shop fabricates new pieces, replicates existing items, and creates work to match or complement furniture already in place. Clients often provide magazine clippings, online images, or sketches as starting points, and Porch Light Woodworking develops detailed designs to meet the space, style, and functional requirements. Projects range from small items such as jewelry boxes to comprehensive interior build-outs and custom home elements. The business focuses on proportion, fit, and durable construction aligned with each project’s specifications.