Brand new this week: Walnut butcher block made from locally salvaged hardwood.  These slabs feature exceptionally rich color, interesting grain patterns, and decades of performance!

Our in-stock slabs are just $50 per square foot.

Slabs are available in 6' and 8' lengths. They are sized to fit standard kitchen cabinetry: 26 1/2" deep and 1 1/2" thick.

This butcher block is made with FDA-approved adhesives that contain no added urea formaldehyde.  Slabs are unfinished and are designed to be cut and installed on-site following a one-week period of acclimation.

We recommend a food-safe natural oil, such as linseed. Walnut oil is also a good--and quite apt--choice!

Also talk to us about custom sizes and patterns for your unique projects!   

When builder James Arnold was discussing ideas for a custom home in Southwest Portland, he was overjoyed by his client's excitement to go for the Living Building Challenge.

The Challenge is a strict rating system that leaps far beyond LEED in its requirements for non-toxic, locally sourced materials for every component of the building. One of the standards for the Challenge is that all of the wood in the space must be either reclaimed or FSC certified, and it must all be sourced from within 200 miles of the job site.

James and his crew at JRA Green Building Construction knew all he had to do to meet this standard was reach out to Sustainable Northwest Wood and we could outfit the house with all the local, FSC wood he'd need.

And we did! From the framing lumber and plywood to the hardwood flooring and cabinetry, every piece of wood in this house was sourced from our network of small mills and meets the stringent criteria of the Living Building Challenge.
 
For the interior finishes, the builder and homeowner chose FSC Big Leaf Maple, which we custom-milled into flooring, trim, and architectural panels for the cabinetry and interior doors. We especially love the show-stopping floating staircase, custom crafted from maple (see photos below).
 
The home also features FSC Western Red Cedar decking and siding, which add a natural touch to its clean, modern lines.

The home was designed by Michelle Jeresek at Departure Design. In addition to its beautiful lines and functional space, it is net zero water and energy: It generates all of its own electricity through its solar panels and passive solar design, and all of its water through an advanced rainwater harvesting system.

Each day we have an opportunity to reshape the economy through the purchases we make. By choosing products made from local materials, we are rebuilding our local economy, investing in our neighbors, and creating the economic growth that will keep our communities strong in the coming decades.

The Portland area has a number of artisans who are making beautiful, functional gifts out of locally harvested, sustainably sourced wood.  Giving these products supports the people who made them, of course, but it also helps keep small mills in rural communities running. This makes a win/win/win situation!

Here are some ideas to get you started:

•  iPad stands by Block & Son
•  Oregon hardwood ornaments and cutting boards by L&T
•  Ornaments and accessories from The Joinery

Here are a few artisanal makers that support sustainable forestry by using local wood in their displays and retail spaces:

•  Long-lasting, all-natural lip balm by Portland Bee Balm
•  Wine from Burnt Bridge Cellars
•  Jewelry by Betsy and Iya
•  Furniture from EcoPDX

Photos at right: Portland Bee Balm's beautiful handmade display cases, made of local, sustainably harvested wood, can be found at retailers throughout Portland; The Joinery's artisanal ornaments.