About Ten Oaks

Ten Oaks Woodworks was founded by John Klinger, a second-generation carpenter with 15 years of experience in custom cabinetry, furniture, and fine finish carpentry.

Born and raised along the beaches of Clearwater, Florida, John’s passion for woodworking began with a simple project: restoring a discarded rocking chair in preparation for the arrival of his newborn daughter. What started as a personal project quickly became a pursuit of craftsmanship.

Working with reclaimed lumber and a handful of basic tools, John began building one-of-a-kind pieces and developing a deep appreciation for the character and beauty of natural wood. That passion grew into a relentless pursuit of knowledge—learning about different species, traditional joinery, fine tools, and the techniques that transform quality materials into lasting work.

His path eventually led him to a custom cabinet, furniture, and kitchen refinishing shop in historic Ybor City, where he worked alongside a master carpenter with more than 35 years of experience. Under his mentorship, John refined his skills, learned the value of precision and patience, and gained an appreciation for the details that distinguish exceptional craftsmanship. More importantly, he gained a lifelong friend and mentor whose influence continues to shape his work today.

In 2023, John brought his craft to East Tennessee, where he began specializing in custom finish carpentry for high-end mountain homes. Working on distinctive homes and challenging projects has continued to expand his knowledge while reinforcing the timeless techniques and attention to detail learned throughout his career.

At Ten Oaks Woodworks, craftsmanship is about more than building something beautiful. It is about understanding the material, respecting the process, and creating work that is made to be appreciated for generations.

Every project is approached with the same commitment to precision, thoughtful design, and exceptional workmanship—whether it is a custom piece of furniture, detailed cabinetry, or fine architectural woodwork.

Built with intention. Crafted to last.