Where does our wood come from?

I was recently asked where I find the reclaimed woods that we utilize. The answer is everywhere.In the blighted neighborhoods of Philly, it is estimated that there are 40,000 vacant properties. So, 100-150 year old homes are constantly being demolished. There are literally mountains of wood being sent to landfills everyday.

Philadelphia was built with Long Leaf Pine. Vast forests of this species grew in the eastern U.S. from Virginia to Florida. The trees were harvested for use in industry and to build our cities. Now, this wonderful, undervalued resource is here for to us to save. If we didn't live in the city, we wouldn't have access to it.

Old growth pine is much denser and visually appealing than new pine. It has a very distinct grain and deep, rich colors. Reclaiming it reveals all the character that would otherwise be lost.

Unfortunately, Adam Rung Woodworks can only divert a small amount out of the waste stream. What we do save will be around for few hundred more years.

Where others see trash, we see beautiful wood. We are trash pickers and dumpster divers, but above all, we are makers.