About Us
Tree Reclamation
At Forest Trail Products we are dedicated to reclaiming trees from our farm to give them a second life in your home. Our lumber has been reclaimed from trees that have experienced storm damage, been cut and discarded from utilities right-of-way clearing, have begun to deteriorate, or must be removed from farm field edges to prevent crop damage. This allows us to source our lumber in a way that is 100% sustainable.
Sawmill
Forrest Trail Products are made entirely in-house. Once our lumber has been sustainably sourced from our farm, it is transported to our sawmill – the first step in the process of breathing new life into our reclaimed lumber.
Air Drying Yard
After our sawmill has cut the lumber into boards, they are immediately placed onto a flat surface before they begin to dry. To prevent warping, cupping and twisting, the wet boards are stacked onto elevated gravel beds, with the ends of each board coated with wax to prevent cracking. These stacks are then wrapped in burlap to prevent direct sunlight from drying them out too quickly, and then covered with sheets of tin to keep out the rain. Weights are placed on top of the boards to press them down and keep them from bowing. Here, the boards will rest from months to years, until the internal moisture content reaches a level that is suitable for the solar kiln.
Solar Kiln
Our kiln is powered entirely by the sun. It utilizes clear glass on the top and insulated walls, while photo voltaic cells are used to power air circulation fans. Adjustable vents are then used to control the amount of air exchange. During the day, temperatures can reach upwards of 160 degrees, while at night the temperatures can fall into the 40’s. This slow cycling allows the moisture in the wood to escape at a gentle pace which prevents internal checking, and more uniform drying, ensuring the quality and durability of all Forrest Trail Products.
Lumber Storage
After the lumber in the kiln reaches a moisture content that is suitable for indoor use, it is moved into storage. The storage area was previously a “milking parlor” during the time period when the farm was primarily used for dairy cattle. The steel gates and milking equipment were removed, and lumber storage bins were installed. Here the wood will rest and acclimate to an indoor environment.
Fabrication Shop
Our shop is the final stop on our product’s journey to new life. Our shop’s design mirrors our company’s philosophy of sustainability and reclamation: The walls, work benches, tables, and shelves are all made with boards that have been reclaimed from our farm. Here, metal and wood fabrication tools of all shapes and sizes are brought together under a single roof to transform what was once discarded timber into beautiful items that are now ready to bring the breath of the forest to your home.