Behind the Scenes
Meet John
Learn what John does and everything involved in custom urban timber processing behind the scenes.
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Tabletops
Finished Wide-Grain Tabletop Slab
- Category
- Tabletops
- Species
- elm, white oak, black walnut
- Dimensions
- Up to 51" wide · Vacuum kiln dried to 6%–8%
- Location
- Whitmore Lake, MI
Opening a large urban log reveals grain patterns you will never find in commercial lumber. This wide-grain tabletop slab was sawn on our large-capacity band mill, dried gently under vacuum pressure to preserve its rich natural color, and surfaced flat up to 51" wide.
Stage 01 · Salvaged Timber
Stage 02 · Milling & Kiln Drying
Stage 03 · Finished Surface
In-House Services Used
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Videos from the shop
Log Preparation
Why We Paint Log Ends — Moisture & Checking Control
Why we paint and seal the ends of hardwood logs to control moisture loss and prevent splitting.
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Shop Tour & Inventory
Meet John & Shop Tour — Live-Edge Slab Inventory & Wood Knowledge
Tour John's shop in Whitmore Lake, explore live-edge slab inventory, and learn about hardwood species.
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Vacuum Kiln Drying
Vacuum Kiln Drying Process & Moisture Testing Explainer
John explains how vacuum kiln drying works, moisture testing, and why it prevents wood checking and warp.
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Reclaimed Logs
Monster Log Showcase — Reclaimed Hardwood Timber
John shows off a massive urban salvaged monster log at the Whitmore Lake shop.
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Tutorials & DIY
How to Epoxy a Table — Step-by-Step with John’s Urban Timber
Step-by-step masterclass on pouring, sealing, and finishing live-edge epoxy tables.
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