Recovered old growth river wood

[maximus]

I first heard about recovered old growth river wood from my mother. She lives in Maine and the rivers there had once been used to transport lumber logs. Many of them sunk in the process and are only recently being recovered. I have heard there are many other areas where this wood can also be found (such as Lake Michigan).

It's very expensive, but it is supposed to have some interesting and unique qualities. I also hear it's exceptional for making musical instruments. As a casual guitarist, that intrigues me! What makes it so special?

Can anyone tell me more about this wood? Is it really worth the price or has it been hyped? It's way out of my price range but I do think it sounds interesting.

 

[BldrsWife]

I'm not sure about the price, but we experienced something similar when we visited Northern California a number of years ago. Some guys were recovering the remnants of huge redwood trees that had been cut down years before. We bought a huge slab and 2 smaller slabs to use as tabletops. They were quite expensive but they were heavy and hard as nails, and still look beautiful.

 

[woodcrafts]

Very interesting - you have certainly peaked my interest. I have been dealing and working with wood for many years and have never come across "recovered old growth river wood". I certainly hope I do find something made out of this now. I live in NY (Upstate), I wonder if it's anywhere near us. We have many State Parks and many old trees and rivers. I don't know much about our area in the line of transporting lumber through the rivers though.

You have given me something to research! Thank you for peaking my interest.

 

[maximus]

I'm glad to have generated some interest. It's definitely a very cool topic.

However, be advised, when I say it's expensive I mean it! Supposedly, for all intents and purposes, it's one of the most expensive woods on the market. There are some exotic woods that are priced higher, of course.

 

[woodcrafts]

Can you get this wood to build with it, or are you buying something already made? Either way I am so excited to find some of my own. Hey, if it's worth it I'll buy it. I have never seen anything like this in any area around me, so it would be cool to be the first person to have it around here.

 

[Sparrow1]

I live on Lake Michigan and I've heard a little about this wood as well.

However, I think the wood in Lake Michigan is from a barge that sank with it's cargo. At least, that's what I recall hearing. That probably doesn't make a difference, since the aging process would be the same as long as the wood was submerged, but it's an interesting fact nonetheless.