When a tree comes down in the city — whether from storm damage, development, or a planned removal — its story doesn't have to end in a chipper. At Urban Wood Company in Oklahoma City, we take great pride in giving local timber a second life: carefully milling, drying, and shaping pieces that become one-of-a-kind furniture, mantels, and architectural details. This is the story of how a raw slab becomes an heirloom, and why choosing local, kiln-dried live edge and reclaimed wood matters.
Where the Wood Comes From — Caring for Local Resources
We source material from trees removed in and around Oklahoma City and from reclaimed sources like old barns, factories, and deconstructed homes. Using local trees reduces waste and keeps a unique regional character in every piece. Reclaimed wood brings decades — sometimes centuries — of patina and history that can't be duplicated.
Every tree has its own story, and we're honored to preserve that narrative in the furniture we create. From majestic red oak slabs to rich black walnut, each piece of wood carries the character of Oklahoma's urban forest.
Our Process — Patience and Craft, Step by Step
We treat each log on its own merits. Key parts of our workflow include:
Milling: We cut slabs and dimensional lumber on-site so each board's grain, movement, and character are preserved.
Kiln drying: We kiln-dry many slabs to stabilize moisture content, which reduces checking and movement and makes the wood reliable for indoor furniture.
Slab flattening: We flatten and fine-joint slabs to provide a level, workable surface while preserving live edge character where desired.
Custom milling & finishing: From specific thicknesses to custom edge treatments and finishing options, we tailor the milling and finishing to your design and use.
These steps are about respect for the material and careful craft — not shortcuts. The result? Furniture-grade slabs that are stable, beautiful, and ready to become the centerpiece of your home.
Why Choose Kiln-Dried Live Edge, Dimensional Lumber, or Reclaimed Wood?
Kiln-dried live edge slabs: Great for statement tables, islands, and mantels. They keep the natural edge that shows a tree's personality while being stabilized for indoor use. Browse our current selection of black walnut slabs and red elm slabs to see the stunning variety available.
Dimensional lumber: Perfect for traditional builds, cabinets, shelving, and joinery where consistent thickness and predictable movement matter.
Reclaimed wood: Ideal when you want warmth, character, and a story. It's a sustainable choice with a unique visual history that adds instant soul to any space.
We work with homeowners, designers, and builders to match material to project needs and aesthetic priorities.
How We Partner with You on Custom Projects
Every custom piece starts with a conversation. You bring inspiration — a photo, a sketch, or a room measurement — and we help define the right material, size, and finish. Our services include design consultation, custom milling, slab flattening, and final finishing.
Looking for inspiration? Check out pieces like our Black Walnut Round Breakfast Table or Internet Viral The Maxine to see what's possible with locally sourced wood.
For complex structural questions or load-bearing designs, we recommend consulting a qualified engineer or contractor; we'll work closely with them to supply the right material.
Because every slab is unique, final decisions and detailed pricing are best handled in person or over the phone. We invite you to visit our shop in Oklahoma City or reach out through our website to schedule a consultation and see samples in person.
Project Ideas That Shine with Local Wood
Not sure where to start? Here are a few ideas for projects that truly showcase the beauty of local, kiln-dried wood:
- A single-slab dining table with a hand-rubbed oil finish — perfect for family gatherings
- Reclaimed-wood accent walls or open shelving for a kitchen that tells a story
- Live-edge countertops or island tops paired with metal bases for a modern-rustic aesthetic
- Custom headboards made from wide reclaimed boards that become the focal point of your bedroom
- Floating mantels that highlight the natural edge and grain patterns
Each of these projects benefits from choosing material with intentional drying and milling — that's where our experience helps most.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
We love helping people turn local wood into pieces that last generations. Whether you're starting a full custom table project or browsing for the perfect slab, we're here to walk through material choices and the steps involved.
Explore our current inventory: We regularly update our selection of live edge slabs and finished pieces. Each one is unique and ready to become part of your home's story.
Visit us: Stop by our shop in Oklahoma City to see slabs and finished pieces in person, feel the grain, and discuss your vision.
Get in touch: Reach out through our website to set up a consultation, plan a project timeline, and review finish options.
From urban tree to heirloom table, we're with you every step of the way.