Wood is a fundamental material that has played a vital role in shaping the world around us. The question often arises, “Where does all your wood come from?” At Brazilian Wood Depot, we take pride in answering this question and revealing the fascinating origins of our wood supply.
In a time when European settlers first set foot on North American soil, the landscape was vastly different from what we see today. The entire continent was adorned with original growth trees, reminiscent of the majestic redwood forests in Northern California. It is said that a squirrel could have traversed from northeastern Maine to Texas by leaping from one tree to another without ever touching the ground. These colossal trees dominated the land. However, during the 18th and 19th centuries, a significant portion of these original growth trees was felled for their valuable timber.
Notably, many of these logs found their way to Europe and various corners of the world. Yet, a substantial portion remained right here in the United States, serving as the backbone for the construction of an array of structures. From the tobacco barns and horse farms to the bustling automobile factories, towering skyscrapers, and robust bridges, American hardwood and softwood timbers played an integral role in shaping the nation’s infrastructure.
Fast forward to today, where centuries and decades have passed, and many of these historic structures are on the brink of deterioration due to rot, rain, and insect damage. In the not-so-distant past, these dilapidated structures were often consigned to flames or landfills. However, a significant change has occurred in recent times. It’s now commonplace for us to receive calls from individuals and organizations seeking to preserve the antique wood.
We collaborate with barn crews and various sources from different states, each bringing us reclaimed wood from these historical sites. This old wood is then transformed into an array of new products, ranging from exquisite flooring to wallboard paneling, and elegant floating shelves, among others.
Take, for instance, these 70-year-old boards, hailing from an antique structure in Lexington, KY. Originally, these sturdy Douglas fir planks were used for flooring in a tobacco warehouse constructed during World War II. Today, we are repurposing this antique Douglas fir into brand-new solid flooring, designed to stand the test of time and last for generations to come.
With hundreds of thousands of board feet of the same material in our inventory, we ensure that whether you have a residential or commercial project, you can rely on us to provide the same high-quality flooring crafted from this historical wood, repeatedly.
This particular flooring is available in three different cuts, all sourced from the same 70-year-old boards:
- Vertical Grain
- Clear Vertical Grain
- Original Patina
When you choose Tallest Tree reclaimed wood products from Brazilian Wood Depot, you not only receive top-notch quality and craftsmanship but also acquire a piece of history, each carrying a unique story waiting to be told.
