The story goes that in the early years of our company, aka the 80’s, the old shop suffered a collapse and upon thinking to scrap the remains, it was suggested by a couple we were building for that we should re-use the timbers for their home. It was, as stories go, an ‘ah ha!’ moment. Always having enjoyed reclaimed wood, we now had a bigger purpose for bigger reclaimed timbers.
Since that 1980’s event, we have continued to make special projects from reclaimed timbers, including the roof system (above) our team crafted, joined, and raised just last week.
Reclaimed timbers bring additional texture, aesthetic, and a unique history to every project. This Summer we’ve had several weeks of reclaimed timbers in the shop, designated for a few raisings for residential projects. Remarkable and esteemed, we're giving them another moment in the spotlight:
New joinery and a few special details were added prior to pre-assembly of this split king post truss (see previous image of this truss being raised).
“Reclaimed wood is a top choice for timber frame projects as its history and character is unmatched – clients particularly enjoy the story of their frame,” explains Eric Fraser, Timber Frame Manager.
For over 30 years, we’ve been crafting frames with timbers salvaged from outdated agricultural and industrial buildings by our sister company, Pioneer Millworks. Point of the Bluff Vineyards event space (above) has a special re-reclaimed timber story using timbers that began life over 400 years ago.
Antique timbers can be difficult to source, like finding a gem in the rough, and challenging to work with due to existing mortise pockets, old artifacts like nails or bolts, and organic shape of the timbers. Perhaps because of this character they call to us to celebrate them and share their stories.
Signs of previous life add to the visual appeal bringing character not found in fresh sawn timbers. The hand-hewn surfaces of old agricultural timbers are often left intact and on occasion the original mortise and tenon joinery may be used again, but more often is removed. (We love these old hand carved pegs!)
Reclaimed timbers can be as challenging as they are extraordinary. Understanding reclaimed timber is part of our culture and history; our craftsmen know how to use each timber to the best of its potential. Maintaining the original patina, whether the smoother nature of industrial timbers, or the heavily textured hand-hewn surface of agricultural timbers, requires careful planning and handling.
Hand-hewn reclaimed timbers are worked by hand and pre-assembled in our shop before heading out to raising day. A bit of a special art, crafting with reclaimed timbers is a challenge our craftsmen (in particular Paul (above), Jake, Jason) are smitten with.
Reclaimed timbers are fit for many design styles, but today are commonly used to create a mixture of modern and rustic vibes.
An added benefit of reclaimed timbers is knowing their character. Any checking or twisting of the old timbers happened decades ago as they spent those years experiencing fluctuating temperatures and exposure to air and moisture changes while drying to a consistent, low moisture level. What you see with these timbers is what you can expect to hold true for decades.
Industrial as-found timbers with original surfaces joined artisan concrete, a timber pergola, and amazing views alongside a West Linn, OR home. Photo: Loren Nelson Photography.
Hewn timbers are highlighted against a light-colored backdrop in this 900 square foot cottage raised at a lake’s shore.
Residential homes aren’t the only projects that are using reclaimed timbers. Commercial clients are also telling a story through their structures by incorporating reclaimed wood. LNB (Lyons National Bank) branch in Canandaigua, NY features reclaimed Douglas fir salvaged from a manufacturing building in Albion, NY. In Portland, OR the MUJI store incorporated reclaimed timbers, including one of the last pieces of huge timbers Pioneer Millworks reclaimed from the Welland Canal.
This wine room was a new addition to an existing barn overlooking Keuka Lake in the Finger Lakes. The agricultural salvaged timbers came from barns in the Northeast and were oriented to expose and celebrate the original mortise pockets, peg holes, and hewn texture of the timbers.
Whether highlighting the past of an industrious workhorse or the hard labor of many hands, reclaimed timbers continue to captivate. Thanks to many of you out there who have helped us give this antique wood new life. If you’re interested in building with timbers, reclaimed or fresh sawn, we're here to help.
