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OLD-GROWTH RECLAIMED WOOD TABLES

The wood used to build HD Threshing Floor Furniture comes from 150+ year old barns found throughout South-western Ontario. Throughout the surfaces of the material can be seen original distressing created by early pioneers – from the making of the barn to daily operation.

When Canada was formally settled [pre-Confederation – 1920s], the first thing pioneers had to do is build a barn for their animals and crops. This is why almost all the wood found in these old barns comes from the original trees that would have been growing.

In a natural forest setting, trees tend to grow tall rather than wide. This is due to competition for sunlight. The higher the tree went, the more sunlight it can get for growth. Current day forests are planted with the initial intention of eventual harvesting; therefore the trees are space far apart for ample sunlight. Since the tree will grow a lot faster, the growth rings will be further apart. Consequently the grain is much tighter in original forest wood. Larger sizes are available, as well, due to the fact that the trees were able to grow for almost unlimited periods of time. The trees that were cut down for the barns would have already been several hundred years old.

Once the barns were built, the wood would have been exposed for decades. With exposure, over time wood naturally darkens. This colouration is called patina. On some boards, the patina will go all the way through; and on others about ¼”; depending on the level of exposure the wood received in the barn.

All these elements contribute to the final look of HD tables. We never stain [as there is enough darkness to start with and this can be controlled by the degree of sanding performed], and never plain the tops [only sanding – this way as much of the original distressing is maintained as possible].

Each board is unique and has its own story to tell.