Colorado Made Furniture | Reclaimed Black Walnut
“Are you interested in a load of black walnut from my uncle’s property?” That’s how the inquiry came through the website. As a custom builder specializing in high-end solid hardwood furniture my ears perked up faster than my dog chasing rabbits in the yard.
A long-time resident of our community had recently passed away, at aged 90, and his nephew was trying to deal with the several thousand board feet of rough sawn black walnut the uncle had acquired 40-50 years previously. While he had planned to use the lumber during his retirement years, health issues unfortunately prevented much of that from happening. A mutual acquaintance had connected us, and for that I’m grateful.
A Gift of Timber | Hand Crafted Furniture, Boulder, CO
Here in Colorado we have very few natural hardwood trees. So the top quality lumber we use for fine furniture is typically imported from other parts of the country. This haul of walnut was milled from a farm not far from us, and resided in our community for decades after milling.
It’s not entirely clear to me yet how the timber will perform. Perhaps it’s too dry and brittle after camping for so many years. But more than likely it’s still holding on to the magic. After giving the rough sawn wood a pressure wash bath to get the decades of grime off the surface we were able to see that the colors and grain patterns popped with character. And that’s before milling down further, which always enhances the appearances. So I think we’re in for a treat.
Bespoke Furniture | Sustainable Hardwoods
The chance to build an heirloom piece of furniture from local timber that has an interesting back story is a gift. Turning this very rough (and dirty) material into beautiful, unique art will only add to the character. It certainly adds to the fun of building. To think that the timber has been living just a few miles from my home somehow gives it more life. It adds to the meaning of Colorado Made Furniture, truly completing the life cycle. It’s hard to explain. As the kids would say, IYKYK.
We often talk about how custom furniture is an experience. How creating a piece that fits your lifestyle and your exact wishes is not for everyone, But for those that are willing to invest it creates lasting joy and value.