Why Sourcing Northern White Cedar from the Great Lakes Region Matters

At Lakeland Mills, we believe that truly American-made furniture for Americans begins with our materials. That's why our commitment to sourcing local materials for rustic furniture, specifically Northern White Cedar from the Great Lakes Region, is more than just a business practice – it's a philosophy embedded in every piece of handcrafted in the USA furniture we create.

In a globalized market, understanding where your furniture's raw materials come from is crucial. When it comes to Northern White Cedar, the Great Lakes Region offers unparalleled advantages, ensuring both the quality of your rustic furniture made in the USA and the sustainability of our planet.

The Unmatched Qualities of Great Lakes Northern White Cedar

Northern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis) thrives in the cool, moist climates and specific soil conditions of the Great Lakes states, including our home in Michigan. This unique environment contributes to the wood's exceptional characteristics, making it ideal for durable, beautiful, and long-lasting furniture:

• Natural Resistance to Decay and Insects: This cedar species is inherently resistant to rot, decay, and insect infestations due to natural oils and its unique closed-cell structure. This makes it a superior choice for outdoor furniture that will withstand the elements for years, without the need for harsh chemical treatments.

• Lightweight and Durable: Despite its strength and longevity, Northern White Cedar is remarkably lightweight, making furniture easier to move and arrange. Its low moisture content and resistance to warping and cracking ensure dimensional stability, especially when properly kiln-dried.

• Distinctive Beauty and Character: The wood boasts a pale yellow to light brown heartwood that gracefully weathers to an attractive silver-gray patina if left untreated. Its fine, even grain, pleasant aromatic scent, and the natural inclusion of knots give each piece a unique, rustic character that cannot be replicated by mass-produced alternatives.

• Workability: Northern White Cedar is known for being easy to work with, allowing our skilled craftsmen to achieve the precise cuts and intricate designs that define our handcrafted in the USA log furniture.

Sustainability: A Core Principle of Local Sourcing

Our dedication to sourcing Northern White Cedar locally from the Great Lakes Region is deeply intertwined with our commitment to environmental responsibility. This approach goes beyond simply purchasing wood; it encompasses sustainable forestry practices that benefit the ecosystem and ensure the longevity of this precious resource:

• Utilizing What Others Leave Behind: Unlike mainstream lumber operations that often focus on larger, straighter timber, we promote forest preservation by utilizing what the log home industry leaves behind – primarily tree tops that would otherwise be discarded. This maximizes resource use and minimizes waste.

• Eco-Friendly Operations: Even pieces of log not suitable for furniture are repurposed. At Lakeland Mills, we use these by-products to fire our kiln and supplement heat in our manufacturing plant, embracing a zero-waste philosophy. Our practices also include using water-based, non-hazardous finishes and recycled packaging materials.

• Supporting Healthy Forests: Sustainable harvesting practices in the Great Lakes Region prioritize biodiversity preservation, soil and water conservation, and carbon sequestration. Reforestation efforts ensure that cedar forests remain productive and healthy for future generations, while careful timing of harvests minimizes disturbance to wildlife habitats.

• Reduced Environmental Impact: Sourcing materials close to our Edmore, MI workshop significantly reduces the transportation distance, leading to a smaller carbon footprint compared to importing materials from overseas.

American-Made for Americans: A Pledge of Quality and Value

When you choose rustic furniture made in the USA from Lakeland Mills, you're not just buying a product; you're investing in a legacy. Our commitment to Made in the USA extends to every facet of our operation:

• Supporting American Jobs: By sourcing locally and manufacturing in Michigan, we support the livelihoods of skilled American workers and contribute to local economies.

• Unrivaled Quality Control: Producing furniture entirely within the USA allows us to maintain rigorous quality control at every stage, from raw material selection to the final assembly. This ensures that every log bed, timber frame dining table, or outdoor log swing meets our high standards.

• Ethical Practices: Our local and American-made approach means adherence to fair labor practices and environmental regulations, ensuring ethical production that you can feel good about.

The decision to source Northern White Cedar from the Great Lakes Region is a deliberate one, rooted in our century-long history and our unwavering belief in craftsmanship, sustainability, and the enduring value of American-made furniture for Americans. It's how we ensure that every piece of Lakeland Mills furniture is not just beautiful and durable, but also a true reflection of American pride and ingenuity.