Cape Fear River Wood: Innovative Recycling
By Kristen Nieto
Published Fall 2008

In  the nineteenth-century, sawmills lined the Cape Fear River, and fresh-cut logs were floated down the river to be milled. Not just any logs, these were logs from long-leaf pines, cut from virgin forests that had grown into some of the largest and strongest trees in the country. These logs were perfect for building sturdy homes, boats and wagons. But not all the logs made it to the sawmills. Some sank into the water and underneath the mud, making them impossible to reach. Thousand of pounds of timber and hours of labor went to waste. Until now.

Thanks to modern technology and ingenuity, sunken logs can be re surfaced and restored to their former glory. But not just anyone can do this. Since January Cape Fear River Wood held exclusive permits to reclaim logs from the Cape Fear River. They then transform logs that otherwise would be lying dormant under water into custom building, renovating and decorative products.

The river water protects the pines from the rotting effects of air, so they’re still as strong and beautiful as they were more than 100 years ago. Cape Fear River Wood specifically cuts out the middle of the pine logs, the heart pine.”

Heart pine not only is the strongest part of the tree, but also the most attractive, containing 6 to 30 growth rings per inch. The old pines took 200 years to grow, while modern pines are grown faster and in larger quantities. By comparison, modern pines only have two or three growth rings per inch, and the wood is not nearly as tough.

Cape Fear River Wood’s products don’t just come from the river. They also rescue wood from old barns, mills and other historic buildings facing demolition. Not only is the wood a good quality, but customers can have a real piece of history in their new or newly renovated home. The reclaiming company also rescues trees that have been cut down in order to clear a lot. Normally, such trees would be used for wood chips, but Cape Fear River Wood turns them into new building materials.

Recycling wood is Cape Fear River Wood’s specialty, but their customers don’t sacrifice quality. All of the reclaiming company’s lumber is guaranteed top of the line, even amongst modern standards. The wood they sell mostly comes from the center of the trees, but no part of the tree goes unwanted; the outer layers are either made into furniture pieces or used as mulch.

As one would imagine, these business practices are great for the environment.

“We thought the timing was perfect for an economically friendly business,” says Sales and Accounting Representative Sarah Olson.

Recycling trees that were chopped down years ago, or that are going to be chopped down anyway, saves the environment from losing any more forests. Also by clearing logs out of the river, new habitats can be made for small fish and other water creatures. Cape Fear River Wood doesn’t laminate any of their products, so patrons get pure lumber, free from any chemicals.

Because of its contribution to the environment and its originality, Cape Fear River Wood has gotten some very positive feedback from customers. “It’s something different than standard lumber and other reclaiming companies,” says Proprietor Jesse Jarrell.

The pine, cypress and other wood variations are perfect for floors, furniture and cabinets. The Cape Fear River Wood website also recommends their chevron pieces for mantles. Chevron pieces are pines that were once used for draining sap; the markings give the wood unique character, perfect for having on display.

Cape Fear River Wood prides itself on fulfilling custom orders; anything that fits the lifestyle and tastes of their patrons. “We are excited to be in the Wilmington area,” says Olson. “We look forward to meeting the challenge of addressing people’s individual needs.” Indeed, customers can expect to have an old look with new wood.

For more information on Cape Fear River Wood, their methods and their products, call their main office at (910) 371-0388 or visit their website at www.capefearriverwood.com .