How Alabama Sawyer Turns Birmingham’s Fallen Trees into Custom Furniture
Quick Summary
- Local Sourcing: Over 90% of our timber is salvaged within a 50-mile radius of Birmingham, AL.
- Reduce Waste: We divert municipal hazard and storm-damaged trees from landfills through local treecycling.
- Curing Time: Wood air-dries in a stack for at least 6 months before spending several weeks in a kiln.
- Lead Time: Custom builds typically take 6 to 12 weeks following drawing approval and deposit.
When a mature tree in Birmingham comes down due to storm damage, urban development, or natural decline, standard procedure usually means one thing: the landfill.
At Alabama Sawyer, we believe every tree tells a story that deserves a second chapter. Through our field-to-studio process, we salvage local urban hardwoods and craft them into heirloom dining tables, modern desks, and architectural accents right here in North Birmingham.
Here is a look behind the scenes at how we turn fallen timber into lasting design.
Step 1: Salvage & Sourcing
We don't fell trees ourselves. Instead, we partner with local tree care services, municipalities, and homeowners to rescue logs that would otherwise be discarded.
- The 50-Mile Radius: Over 90% of our timber comes from within 50 miles of our Birmingham studio.
- Tree Concierge Service: Through our Tree Concierge program, property owners can send their salvaged trees directly to us to be transformed into custom furniture for their own homes.
- Ideal Log Specs: For optimal furniture yield, we select trunk logs that are at least 20 inches in diameter at the base and 8 to 12 feet long.
Step 2: Precision Milling
Once a log arrives at our North Birmingham facility on Vanderbilt Road, our technicians evaluate the natural figure, burls, and grain patterns. We mill the wood into live-edge slabs and dimensional lumber designed to highlight the raw, organic character of Southeastern species like Red Oak, White Oak, Pecan, Walnut, and Hackberry.
Step 3: Natural Air-Drying in the "Boule"
Rushing the drying process ruins fine lumber. After milling, slabs are stacked back together in their original log sequence—a stack known in traditional forestry as a boule.
- Air-Drying Time: Slabs sit in our yard for at least 6 months.
- Moisture Evaporation: This slow, natural process allows roughly 70% of the water in the wood to evaporate without causing deep stress cracks or severe warping.
Step 4: Kiln Stabilization
Once air-dried, the lumber goes into our specialized drying kilns for several weeks.
Kiln drying accomplishes two crucial goals:
- It reduces interior moisture levels to standard indoor ambient humidity, preventing future warping or twisting.
- It uses heat to neutralize any ambient forest pests trapped inside the timber.
Step 5: Studio Fabrication
Once cured, the wood enters our main workshop. Our design team translates client specifications into 3D models and detailed shop drawings.
Upon client approval, our craftsmen hand-shape, join, and surface each piece using traditional woodworking techniques and low-VOC, non-toxic finishes that protect the wood while highlighting its natural grain.
Urban Wood vs. Commercial Lumber
| Feature | Alabama Sawyer Urban Wood | Standard Commercial Lumber |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Local Birmingham storm fallen & hazard trees | Commercial tree plantations |
| Sourcing Distance | Within 50 miles of Birmingham, AL | Regional / International shipping |
| Environmental Impact | Diverts waste from local municipal landfills | Forest harvest cycles |
| Visual Character | High variations, unique graining, burls, & history | Uniform, straight grain patterns |
How to Work With Us
Whether you are looking for an in-stock accessory or planning a custom project, working with Alabama Sawyer is simple:
- In-Stock Purchases: Select home accessories and quick-ship furniture ship within 1–5 business days.
- Custom Commissions: Submit your dimensions and design vision. Production lead times generally run 6 to 12 weeks following deposit and drawing approval.
- Tree Concierge: Have a tree coming down on your property? Contact us before removal to explore turning your log into custom lumber or furniture.
Ready to Bring Sustainable Design Home?
Explore our Furniture Collections or Contact Our Studio at 205-377-6729 to discuss your next custom build.