Urban Hardwoods Brings Nature Indoors, One Tree at a Time
Many designers and their products are inspired by nature, but what about those who incorporate real natural materials into their work? At Urban Hardwoods in the northwest neighborhoods of Seattle, Washington, hazardous and unhealthy trees are given new life in the form of handcrafted dining tables, desks, benches and more. The most unique thing about this smaller yet growing furniture company is that the salvaging, milling, drying, design and fabrication is all done one tree, one log and one table at a time.
The idea of the Urban Hardwoods originated from seeing logs floating down the river and wanting to repurpose the unwanted wood instead. By making connections with local tree services in the surrounding Seattle area, Urban Hardwoods salvages otherwise wasted trees and gives them a second life as high quality, one-of-a-kind pieces.
After being harvested, the wood from each tree dries for around two years in a warehouse before the company molds it into something new.
Most of Urban Hardwood’s woodworkers have a background in art and design and each has perfected their own way of celebrating a tree’s best features, such as the shape of its living edge, a funky knot or the grain pattern. Like cracking open a geode, each tree holds a surprise inside that is simply waiting to reveal itself from underneath its rough exterior. See how the company that gives nature a new home breaks down below.
Hardwood Breakdown
Just like each tree and piece of furniture it forms into has a unique story to tell, so do the craftsmen behind them. Learn more about Urban Hardwoods and general manager Bryan Reed in our Maker Monday series.
About the Author
Adrian Schley
Associate Editor
Adrian Schley was an Associate Editor for i+s, where she covered the commercial interior design industry since 2018. Her work can also be found in BUILDINGS and Meetings Today.