Designing with urban timber is more challenging than working with commercially available furniture grade stock.  It is much more demanding not only of wood design knowledge, but; of timber processing knowledge as well.  In Atlanta there are no licensed lumber graders in the urban timber business.  Local mills rely on small scale operations and cooperation with tree service companies to handle and process their raw materials.  Furthermore, this material must then be seasoned  through air-drying or kiln drying.  Consistency is not currently the hallmark of urban timber.  I began harvesting and working with urban timber in 2002.  In that time I have successfully completed a number of projects and have never experienced a failed joint, seam, finish or otherwise.

  Based on my experience this material is more prone to movement than is the standard stock.  Keep in mind that wood is full of water and must be seasoned so that it is in equilibrium with its environment.  This process of drying involves stress relief and stabilization of the timber so that it dries in a straight and balanced manner.  This is why handling and drying schedules are so important.  Since trees may lay on the ground for long periods of time, or not be end-coated, or air-dried prior to the kiln it all adds up to the problem faced by any small batch operation..different results from time to time.  This is compounded by the fact that small kiln operations often mix species in the kiln, and when you consider that every species dries a little differently you can see that the science of handling and seasoning timber has varying amounts of voodoo mixed in. 

  In Atlanta the viable urban species include Walnut, Cherry, Elm, Hickory, Pine, Ash, Red and White Oak, Poplar, Maple, and Sycamore.  Since these trees are  become available at random you must understand how difficult it is to maintain drying schedules, especially with kilns. 

  Another factor, a benefit even, of urban timber, is wide stock.  Urban trees can reach gigantic proportions.  In fact, I bet you're more likely to see old growth timber in the middle of Atlanta than you are in many parts of the Appalachians.  Considering I am an avid hiker and have traveled many trails in Ga, Tenn, NC and SC I feel this is a qualified statement.  Urban trees can grow massive!  And what woodworker isn't enchanted by wide boards or massive slabs?

Urban timber harvesting and processing has come a long way in the last eight years.  As demand grows and more facilities and processes become available to this industry the raw product will only increase in quality.  For me, working with urban timber means I must be familiar with how various species dry and what drying problems they are prone too.  It means having a moisture meter and strong knowledge base not only when selecting someones elses' timber but managing the drying of my own stock as well.  As for design a thorough understanding of wood movement and solid wood design fills me with confidence that I can overcome any potential problem where engineering or aesthetic is concerned.