Each species of wood is different and requires a sensitive and thoughtful woodworker to learn how to master its unique personality.  Juniper is no exception.  Its properties are different from fir, cedar, oak, etc., and if one approaches it like one would approach those species, and expects the same results, disappointment will follow.

Instead, it pays to learn the subtle differences and how to work with them to achieve perfect results.  Our friends at Neil Kelly Cabinets have worked with juniper for many years and have learned how to master it and take full advantage of its unique traits.  They work with it, not against it, and the success of their efforts is clear, as shown by this exceptionally beautiful dining table.

This table for twelve is made from solid juniper and shows how beautiful this species is when expressed as fine furniture.  This heirloom-quality piece was built with formaldehyde-free adhesives and was finished with Neil Kelly's Nutmeg stain to accentuate the color and grain pattern.  The true proof of the craftsman's love for juniper: Some of the knots on the top of the table were added and enhanced.


 

Live edge slabs showcase wood's organic, unpredictable beauty by leaving one side of the piece in its natural state. 

This style is perfect for incorporating an element of surprise to an otherwise predictable surface, adding specialness or a touch of whimsy to benches, countertops, bars, and tables. 

Live edge applications can be achieved using numerous species of trees.  The bark can be left on or sanded off, depending on the degree of authenticity desired. 

Sustainable Northwest Wood stocks live edge slabs including:

• Big Leaf Maple, sourced from the Willamette Valley
• Walnut, urban and backyard salvage from the Willamette Valley
• Juniper, sourced from grassland restoration projects in Eastern Oregon
• Campground Blue Pine, beetle-kill trees salvaged from public parks and campgrounds
• Zena Doug Fir, harvested from an oak grove restoration project in Rickreall

Give us a call or stop by to see current inventory!

Looking for inspiration?  This blog post offers great ideas for incorporating live edge wood into kitchen countertops ranging from super-sleek to very rustic.  This post on Apartment Therapy shares beautiful photos of live edge slabs used for dining tables.

Here are a few photos of our live edge slabs used in recent projects. From top left :
Live Edge Big Leaf Maple by Windfall Lumber
Live Edge Big Leaf Maple by Hammer & Hand
Live Edge Juniper bench with bark
Live Edge Campground Blue Pine by FP Design

 

Garden enthusiasts everywhere sooth their wintertime blues by poring over the pages of next year's seed catalogues, dreaming of what to put where and the beautiful blooms and bounty that their gardens will produce once warm weather returns.

As you contemplate the shape that your garden will take in the coming year, don't forget to consider the materials that hold it all together!  Juniper is an ideal replacement for the pressure-treated lumber that is often used to build raised garden beds, arbors, fences, and other backyard essentials.  Juniper lasts longer outside that pressure-treated fir, plus it is chemical-free, so you won't be introducing questionable substances into your soil. 

And, of course, your purchase of juniper supports family-run mills in Eastern Oregon and a constructive use for this intrusive species.

Sustainable Northwest Wood keeps juniper 6" x 6" and 2" x 6" landscaping timbers in stock and can quickly and efficiently help you source other dimensions, too.  Be sure to view the juniper photos in our Gallery and visit our Juniper page for more information about this durable, beautiful, and sustainable wood!