Giving Character a Second Life: Using Story-Rich Trees in Custom Wood Projects
- Christian Spencer
- 12 minutes ago
- 2 min read
At Atlanta Woods, we believe that wood should be more than just a building material—it should tell a story. There’s something undeniably powerful about crafting a table, mantle, or countertop from a tree that’s seen over a century of seasons, storms, and sunrises. Whether it stood watch over a country club fairway for generations, or grew quietly in a backyard until it had to come down, every tree has a history. And we think that history deserves a second life.

Not Just Wood—A Legacy
We’ve worked with trees that towered over golf courses, estates, and neighborhoods for decades—even over a century. One customer came to us with a massive oak that had shaded his family’s property for over 80 years. It was more than a tree—it was part of their story. When it had to be removed for safety reasons, they didn’t want it to become mulch or firewood. They wanted it to live on.
We transformed that oak into a dining table and bench set that now sits in the family’s home—where memories continue to be made, this time around a handcrafted heirloom with deep roots.
The Beauty of "Imperfection"
Trees that have lived long, exposed lives often come with:
Natural voids or cracks
Color variations and spalting
Unique grain patterns from wind or weather stress
These so-called “flaws” are exactly what give our pieces character. A pristine, uniform board can be beautiful, but it rarely carries the soul of a tree that’s lived and weathered the world. At Atlanta Woods, we see beauty in those imperfections—and we design our pieces to highlight them.
Custom Work, Crafted with Purpose
We specialize in creating:
Live-edge tables and bar tops
Beams and mantels from reclaimed trunks
Accent walls and flooring with historic character
Every piece is cut, dried, and milled in-house with precision—and with respect for the tree it came from. If the wood came from your own property, we’ll work with you to design a piece that reflects both your space and your story.

Local Wood with Local Roots
We're proud to be based in Georgia, where trees aren’t just plentiful—they’re meaningful. Our clients often bring us trees with deep personal significance:
The giant pecan tree that stood on a grandparent’s land
A storm-damaged maple from the front yard of a family home
A towering pine from a wedding venue property
We don’t just preserve wood—we preserve moments in time.
Got a Tree with a Story?
If you have a tree that needs to come down—but you don’t want its story to end—we can help. At Atlanta Woods, we turn meaningful trees into lasting, handcrafted pieces you’ll be proud to live with and pass down.
Contact us today to talk about your tree’s next chapter.