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.

Devlin Bed

Recently, we had the opportunity to design and build a queen sized bed with a natural-edge Cherry headboard, reclaimed Pine posts and stretchers, and Aluminum accents. The wood for the posts came from two massive 10" square Heart Pine beams that were each nearly 8 feet long.

These two beams rested inconspicuously in one corner of the shop, awaiting a new life. The stunning grain was revealed when we began milling them, beautifully complimented the richly figured Cherry slab headboard. All four were mounted on the lathe and hand-turned. Each features Aluminum discs on the floor and between the Pine and the Cherry finials on top.

Instead of wooden bow-ties, the headboard is prevented from splitting further by four Aluminum straps.

Finished with a hand-rubbed Urethane and Linseed oil mix, then put together with bolts (for easy disassembly) the bed frame looks spectacular.

Recycled Houses: Dan Phillips and Phoenix Commotion

There's a great slide show and article about Dan Phillips and his recycled construction business over at the New York Times. His products may not be everyone's cup of tea, but the folky craftiness of his work is intriguing.

Reclaiming History One Piece at a Time

I built this bookcase completely from reclaimed wood. The body and shelves of the cabinet are broad leaf pine that came from floor joists. The redwood panels came out of the old Schmidt's brewery where they were use as treads for catwalks. Notice the center backboards, they were book matched to show off the holes that were drilled to run the electric wires throughout the house.

Why use reclaimed wood?

• We only have so much new wood available-the more it's used the less there is


• You're rescuing wood otherwise destined for the landfill


• Reclaimed wood is old growth wood with tight grain and beautiful color


• It can be book matched for really interesting grain effect


• It has blemishes, yes, but that adds to the sense of history (which we too often forget)

When I use new hardwoods, it's always FSC certified. Check out the Adam Rung Woodworks web site for more reclaimed pieces among many others.