Elevating Your Space with Timeless Reclaimed Wood

Ohio Valley Reclaimed Wood is a journey that began long before the company was founded — it started on my family farm in Ohio. Growing up, I spent countless hours in the old 1860 barn that had been standing long before I was born. The hand-hewn beams that supported the barn always fascinated me. I would wonder how those beams were made and what kind of work it took to recover the massive first-growth trees that were used to create them. My curiosity led me to research the process, and I was amazed to learn about the techniques our pioneers used to craft such durable beams, some of which had stood the test of time for over a century.

In my twenties, I purchased and remodeled the old farmhouse where I was raised. The undercarriage of the house was weak, and I decided to restore it using beams from the very barn I had spent so much time in. Reclaiming that wood from the barn gave me a deeper connection to the past, and I realized that this wood wasn’t just old lumber — it was part of the history of our community.

Over the next 20 years, I dedicated myself to restoring old structures across Ohio. I spent much of the 1970s and 80s helping farmers repair foundations, roofs, and structural beams. The joy and pride I felt in preserving these buildings — keeping these historical landmarks alive — still brings me a deep sense of fulfillment every time I drive past them today.

By the 1990s, however, the old timber-frame barns had become impractical for modern farming operations. It was often cheaper for farmers to build new structures than to repair these aging barns. That’s when I had a life-changing realization: I wanted to preserve these incredible pieces of history, not just the buildings, but the very wood that had withstood the test of time. I decided to step away from traditional farm repairs and focus on something new — and Ohio Valley Reclaimed Wood was born.

Our focus has always been on salvaging and preserving the high-quality hand-hewn beams and reclaimed wood that were once part of those historic barns. We don’t just recover wood; we reclaim its history. Each piece we work with tells a story, and we are committed to providing custom-milled beams and specialty products that fit the needs of architects, builders, and homeowners who value history and craftsmanship.

At Ohio Valley Reclaimed Wood, we aren’t trying to be the largest reclaimed wood company — we are a small, dedicated team with a singular goal: to deliver the highest quality reclaimed wood with pride. Our work isn’t about mass production; it’s about quality, craftsmanship, and the pride that comes with knowing each piece we provide is made with care.

When you choose to work with us, you're not just getting a product — you're getting a piece of history that will bring elegance and natural beauty to your project, one that can be handed down for generations. I look forward to working with you, and I’m personally committed to ensuring you receive the best quality wood for your project.

– Gary Smith, Founder