In our line of home renovation and furniture building we’re often asked why we reclaim and use old growth wood for our jobs.

What defines old growth lumber? Why is it special?

Answering these vital questions forces us to get back to the basics of what we do at Heritage Beam and Board.

First, lets talk about what old growth means.

Simply put, old growth is wood that came from old forests. These virgin forests sustained trees that matured naturally, over hundreds of years, competing for space and light. This competition results in a slower growth rate, creating very tightly packed tree rings, which is fantastic for building. Before the Industrial Revolution, there were thousands of acres of virgin timberland in this country. During the time, vast virgin forests were felled for timber that was used for railroads, shipbuilding, energy, construction, and farming, so only a few natural forests remain. We salvage the wood of the old natural forests from warehouses, schools, barns, factories, and homes unable to be restored.

So why does Heritage Beam and Board use old growth materials?

STRENGTH AND DURABILITY

When tree rings are dense, the wood itself is stronger. Stronger wood means it can bear more weight than newer lumber, and it's also more rot resistant. That's why these old structures have lasted so long. They're made from beams that can support heavier loads for longer spans, resisting natural elements, and even when past their original use, they can be salvaged and used for years to come.

"Looking at the growth rings in our material is like taking a step back in time.
We wonder what was happening when this tree was growing and better yet,
what will this wood be used for next?" 

— Emily Krauklis, Owner             

BEAUTY

Covered in character, this well-seasoned wood with a working history is used today to give a design style incomparable to new lumber. With beautifully aged patina weathered by the sun, wind, rain, and snow, salvaged old growth stock is unable to be replicated. Each beam is fundamentally beautiful and inherently durable, often repurposed in different structures because this kind of strength and character should never go to waste. In original barns and buildings dating as far back as the mid-1800’s (when local mills established themselves in the middle of natural hardwood forests), these veteran beams were integral building elements.  Because they've aged organically and artlessly, each beam and board has an attitude and we didn't have to bully them to get that result.

HISTORY

We have old growth wood from historic general stores, gangster hideaways, community-raised dairy barns, significant urban factories, and so much more. Salvaged from structures unable to be saved, the strength and beauty of these storied materials can be used to continue their journey, passing on pieces of America’s history to future generations.

"Our favorite stuff is the old stuff.  Nothing makes a piece more special
than tight grain old growth wood with a story."
— Seth Hanson, Owner

But old growth is a limited resource, which is why it's so valuable. Heritage is committed to salvaging and and re-using this natural resource because of its  inherent value and history. These relatively rare historic antique materials can and should be re-purposed for another generation of use (and then another, and another).

We are committed to using old growth wood at Heritage Beam and Board for furniture, fixtures,
and installations because we are committed to continuing the story of these historic materials.

See what we can do with old growth by viewing our capabilities.