Rooted in Tradition: The Timeless Beauty of Appalachian Hardwood

A Landscape Shaped by Time

Did you know the Appalachian Mountains are the oldest in North America?  Today, their highest peak is Mt. Mitchell in North Carolina, which reaches a modest 6,684 feet. Millions of years ago, however, this ancient range was as tall as the Himalayas. Through the ages, erosion and other natural forces smoothed its rocky slopes into gentler hills. This process created rich soils and the perfect climate for growing the world's finest hardwood trees.

From our home in Middlefield, Ohio, situated in the rolling plains of the Appalachian Plateau, we have direct access to all the beautiful hardwoods these forests offer. This allows us to craft unique hardwood products to make your dream design a reality.

Why Appalachian Hardwood Stands Apart

What makes Appalachian hardwood so special? Trees from the Appalachian region carry the distinctive signatures of the environment where they were grown and the traditions of the people who steward this precious natural resource. 

These mountains provide ideal growing conditions for 158 tree species, making the Appalachian-Blue Ridge forests the most diverse in North America. Blessed with a mild climate, fertile soil, and good rain, trees in these forests grow slowly and evenly. For you, this means countertops and chopping blocks with breathtaking grain patterns made from lumber that is very hard and structurally stable – key characteristics for a product designed for beauty and durability.

Wood Ingrained with Meaning

Whether you are looking for a butcher block countertop that stands up to the demands of a professional kitchen, or a remarkable heirloom that will serve your family across generations, Appalachian hardwood is the perfect place to start. We offer the widest selection of sustainably harvested and responsibly managed hardwood varieties available for your new butcher block project.

Oak

The largest and most important group of Appalachian hardwoods, evokes strength, endurance and wisdom.

Maple

Prized for its clean modern look as well as the unique patterns found in distinctive varieties.

Walnut

Rich in color and grain variation, walnut is associated with intelligence, abundance and elegance.

Hickory

Known for its remarkable strength, hickory is native to American forests and has long been a symbol of our nation’s endurance.

Ash

Both lightweight and flexible, ash trees are symbols of healing and protection.

Cherry

In Japan, cherry trees represent love, purity and the transient nature of life, while American designers prize their sophistication, warmth and luxurious feel.

Elm

The often “wild” swirling grain of Elm gives it unique structural properties and in American culture it stands as an important symbol of liberty, cooperation and patriotism.

Beech

An elegant and smooth wood, beech is prized for its versatility and as a symbol of femininity, knowledge and learning.

Birch

A straight grained wood with satin-like luster, birch is a symbol of renewal, purification and good fortune.

Poplar

A resource for artists and designers for centuries and known in Roman times as the “Tree of the People”, poplar is linked to the ideas of democracy and community.

Craftsmanship Rooted in Heritage

Woodworking and furniture making are deeply connected to the stories and traditions of the Appalachian communities who work the land. Choosing Appalachian hardwood is an ecologically conscious decision that provides a renewable, ideal material for your home or office. It also provides important support to American foresters, mill workers, and craftspeople. 

At Hardwood Lumber Company, we craft heirloom-quality products by putting the finest materials in the skilled hands of our woodworking team. By matching the strength and durability of this genuine Appalachian hardwood with the dedication of our artisans, we offer you butcher block countertops rooted in heritage and built to endure.

Ready to build your dream countertop or chopping block? Shop our online store to begin designing a one-of-a-kind piece that reflects your values, style, and story.

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