Urban Lumber: Sustainable, Local, and Unique
One of the most common questions we are asked is “Where do you get your wood?” The short answer is urban lumber.
What Is Urban Lumber?
Urban lumber refers to wood sourced from trees that have been removed from cities and suburban areas due to storms, disease, construction, or natural aging. Unlike commercial logging, which involves cutting down forests, urban lumber reclaims trees that would otherwise be discarded. This process reduces waste and transforms these trees into valuable hardwood and softwood materials for various applications, from furniture to home décor (eg epoxy charcuterie boards).
Why Do We Choose Urban Lumber?
There are a number of reasons we choose to use urban lumber where possible:
Sustainability – Urban lumber reduces waste by reclaiming trees that would otherwise be chipped, burned, or sent to landfills. This helps lower the carbon footprint associated with traditional logging and transportation.
Local Sourcing – Since urban trees are harvested within cities and towns, urban lumber supports local economies and reduces the environmental impact of long-distance shipping.
Unique Character – Every piece of urban lumber has a story. Whether it comes from a gnarly mesquite or a storm-damaged olive tree, the wood carries distinct grain patterns and characteristics not commonly found in mass-produced timber.
Cost-Effective & Ethical – Repurposing local trees is often more affordable than importing exotic hardwoods, and it ensures that resources are used responsibly.
Where Do You Find Urban Lumber?
We source our urban lumber from a variety of places in Arizona - mostly in the Phoenix area.
Local Sawmills & Woodworkers – There are many small sawmills in the Phoenix area that specialize in processing urban trees into usable lumber. Many are small businesses, others are individuals milling lumber in their backyard.
Tree Removal Companies – We have a couple of tree service businesses that will let us know if they are cutting down a tree we interested in. If we can take it, this saves them money because of not having to take it to the landfill, etc.
Reclaimed Wood Suppliers – Many lumber yards now carry urban wood alongside traditional reclaimed materials.
Online Marketplaces – Websites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Offerup often list urban lumber sources.
Being Observant – At times we have noticed that a tree has come down or is diseased or damaged and needs to come down. We contact the owner and see if we can make a deal.
Urban Lumber: A Smart Choice For Our Charcuterie Boards
Must of the unique character in our epoxy charcuterie boards is due to the fact that we look of urban lumber with a lot of character. By choosing urban wood, are are supporting environmental conservation, reducing waste, and investing in high-quality, one-of-a-kind materials.