What is Trashwood Revival?
This monster yard maple was saved from the landfill and is on it’s way to becoming beautiful heirlooms
Our Roots
I guess it kinda started with a big maple that I didn’t even know was one. For me it was just “the tree by the old barn”. From a lumber perspective, it was worthless. Between the large hollow and the near guarantee of hitting metal, there is little to be made from a dimensional lumber perspective - not that I knew anything about that at the time. It was simply one of the first things I saw when making the turn that brought my home into view.
Not long after I left home, the barn was removed and the tree damaged. That is when I realized something - I liked that tree and was upset that it was gone. The view just wasn’t the same. That tree was a memory and deserved more than the cut, split, stack, burn treatment.
I say “kinda started” because it was still many years before I started a business. Fast forward to 2023 - I may have been (relatively) “winning” on the outside but I was struggling on the inside. My family and career were (and still are) great, but I was struggling to reconcile how I was going to raise a son in a world so different than what I experienced. At the same time, I was speaking to my parents several times a week and their points of subject were near equally split between health / aging and the never ending farm work. I needed something different that included a way to help.
Trashwood Revival LLC emerged from these conversations within my family about finding innovative ways to breathe new life into our family farm. The idea of salvaging timber that was deemed "trash" and transforming it into something valuable resonated deeply with me. Seeing majestic trees, once part of my childhood landscape, reduced to firewood or left to decay fueled my determination to make a change. Witnessing countless artists transforming "trash" wood into unique and beautiful pieces solidified my resolve. Thus, Trashwood Revival was born—a tribute to giving these trees a second chance.
Conventional thinking is that worthless or “trash” trees should be cut into firewood or pushed over the hill, discarded. However, there is huge opportunity to uncover beautifully unique material and maintain carbon containment. This is the value of Urban or Non-Forest timber operations are about taking trees that need to be taken due to development, safety, or infestation. It’s a niche in lumber milling that most dimensional operators avoid.
The first slab I cut was off of a dead limb from that old barn maple and today it is the sign we bring along for all of our milling ops.
I knew it wouldn’t be as easy as it sounded and I would need to learn a lot to do this well. I started woodworking to force myself to learn and also explore ways to apply this concept to other woodworking applications such as furniture restoration, lumber recycling, and the countless ways to utilizing scraps.
This article isn't just about explaining the Trashwood Revival; it's about igniting a passion for what we do – as a business, a family, and a movement. We believe success in one area fuels the others, and we're inviting you to be part of that energy.
The Movement
We didn't start this movement; we're just big fans. We're here to give it a new name, shine a spotlight on it, and get people involved. The Trashwood Revival is all about using wood that others might see as junk – reclaimed, recycled, or unconventional cuts and types – and transforming it into something incredible. It's about giving wood a second life and keeping it out of burn piles. Our business showcases what's possible and celebrates the people who are making it happen. We're here to inspire you to join the revolution!
Benefits
Less waste in landfills
Lower carbon emissions / Increased carbon retention
Every piece is unique
Material is less commercial and LOCAL - Supporting small businesses!
You can do it anywhere
Great for beginners
The Business
Trashwood Revival LLC is a small, family-owned business specializing in reclaimed and salvaged lumber – mainly live edge slabs and cookies from fallen or problem trees in our area. We also partner with artists to showcase their work and grow the Trashwood Revival movement. Visit our Shop to see our current available lumber inventory
The Individual
Trashwood Revival is also the signature we use in our personal woodworking. We love to experiment with different materials and techniques, showing how everyday opportunities can lead to extraordinary creations. Our mission is to learn new skills, make beautiful things, and spark creativity in others.
Much of our work is customer commissioned, but we do create and market our experimental products when time permits - Check out our Shop for current projects available for sale. If you’ve got something else in mind, I hope you’ll reach out through a connection form or through social media so we can start the design process.
Join the Revival!
Trashwood Revival is more than just a business or a hobby; it's a movement to reduce waste, unleash creativity, and breathe new life into forgotten wood. Whether you're a customer, an artist, or simply someone who cares, we invite you to be part of the Trashwood Revival!
How can you support?
Spread the word! Likes, Follows, Shares, and other interactions help us and small businesses like ours get our names out there. Further, your support really does mean a lot! If you see us or another business doing great things with #trashwood - show them some love!
Consider Trash wood in your next project! Whether you work with us or with a similar operator, we hope you will consider specifying or targeting non-forest, reclaimed, or recycled in your next project - You’ll get a unique piece and a story
Remember Urban / Non-Forest Timbering when you need to drop a tree! Know someone removing a big old tree? there plenty of companies starting in this area - consider reaching out to them (or us if you are in the area!) and save that tree from the landfill.
If you would like to support this mission, we’d love to connect! Fill out a connection form on our Home or About page and let’s get to work bringing your idea to life!
#StayTrashy
T. Jordan Berry
President / Lead Artist
Trashwood Revival LLC
