Our Story
“We seek not to conform to the patterns of this world, but to transform it by living these values day in and day out: at home, in the workshop and in our communities.
While not perfect, we do not allow the fear of failure to impede our becoming more so.”
What Guides Us
Every piece of timber tells a different story — a story that is etched in its grain, hue, and surface — a direct reflection of the tree it came from. Wood introduces a kind of stillness and depth to built environments—a connection to the natural world that resonates with something deeply familiar and enduring.
We work with wood because we love it. Wood communicates in sensory terms that are hard to define, but impossible to miss; there’s a quiet familiarity in the warmth of wood, the feel of the grain, the distinct scent of cedar. Out of our reverence for our raw material comes an uncompromising approach to how we craft our products . Drawing upon generational expertise and a deep familiarity with the material, we take care at every step, from thoughtful sourcing to meticulous storage and finishing. We treat our lumber not as a commodity, but as a living material that deserves time, attention, and respect.
We always want to collaborate with architects, builders and homeowners who care about the material as deeply as we do.
History
By the time Idaho Wood acquired Southern Woodcraft and Design in 2022, its original founders,Mike and Dana Drew, had already spent decades building a reputation for superior craftsmanship and unparalleled dedication. Now Tar River Timber Works is operating from the same Oxford, North Carolina facility and we are working to continue their legacy—guided by an enduring respect for our materials and a commitment to offering quality products.
As a company, we remain committed to the values of those that came before us: thoughtful design, skilled craftsmanship , and a respect for the natural beauty and complexity of the wood itself. We take pride in the tactile, visual, and even aromatic aspects of the material—qualities that make working with wood a uniquely human experience.
As the next generation steps in, we’re expanding our product offerings, experimenting where it makes sense, and preserving what we want to see endure. Above all, we’re building a company rooted in quality, from the choice of our materials to the craftsmanship of our products.
The Foundation
People
From our customers to our team members, people are at the heart of what we do. As leaders, we strive to model our values through word and deed, acknowledging our shortcomings while providing team members with the training and resources they need to succeed.
We work to ensure that our team members are able to fully develop their gifts and attain the status of “skilled master craftsperson” in their area of expertise. The way we see it, the more skilled artisans we employ, the better we can provide for our customers.
Our commitment to our team members is both an opportunity to live our values and an investment in our future. We hope that by seeking out opportunities to build up our team members, they will carry on our values of community, care, and responsible stewardship
The Way
Environmental Stewardship
If something cannot go on forever, it will stop. -- Economist Herbert Stein
Manufacturers turn raw materials into finished products. As a small batch manufacturer, one of our goals is to use primarily renewable, bio-degradable raw materials while minimizing the use of non-renewable raw materials. Wood, of which the bulk of our products consist, is one such material, especially when sourced from sustainably managed forests. Minor components of our fixtures, however, such as interior steel frameworks and electrical components, as well as the acrylic we use in our lenses, are obviously not made of renewable raw materials. To the extent possible, we will design out the need for such materials or reduce the amount of such materials included in our products.
The wood we use is sourced from sustainably managed forests. Our western red cedar comes from British Columbia, where the Canadian government does a superb job of sustainably managing one of its most valuable natural resources. For more information on Canada’s forest management, visit: The State of Canada’s Forests Annual Report (nrcan.gc.ca). Ultimately, we hope to be more directly involved in the sustainable management of western red cedar in particular, especially to ensure mature, old growth trees continue to thrive at a sustainable level. This requires attentive stewardship, and a long-term mindset, but it can be done.
