About Lake Ann Barnwood
Lake Ann Barnwood is a family-run company based in Traverse City, Michigan, built on a simple idea; old wood still has a story worth telling.
We specialize in reclaiming lumber from century-old barns across Northern Michigan, carefully taking them down board by board and giving that material a second life. Every piece we salvage has already lived a full life. First as part of the forests that stood here long before Michigan was a state, and then as the backbone of barns that helped build this region.
What we offer isn’t just wood. It’s history you can still work with.
Our Story
Lake Ann Barnwood started in 2016 in Joe Harrison’s backyard in the village of Lake Ann. What began as a personal home project, trying to track down real barnwood for a build, quickly turned into something more. Once you start pulling apart old barns and seeing what’s inside them, it’s hard to stop.
There’s a character in that wood you just can’t replicate. Tight grain from old-growth timber. Saw marks, nail holes, weathering that only comes from time and use; not a factory.
By 2020, the operation moved to Traverse City, where we’ve continued to grow; salvaging barns across the state and turning that material into wall paneling, tables, mantels, doors, and custom pieces.
We still do things the same way we did at the beginning: hands-on, one board at a time. Because to us, this isn’t just reclaimed wood; it’s preserving something real and putting it back to work.
Our Process
Salvage
Prepare
Build
We carefully take down old barns piece by piece, saving every board and beam that still has life left in it.
We clean, de-nail, sort, and mill the reclaimed wood so it’s ready to be turned into walls, mantels, tables, and more.
In our shop, we turn those boards into finished pieces—cut, joined, and finished by hand for your home or business.
Why Reclaimed Barnwood
Reclaimed barnwood offers a depth of character and history that new lumber simply cannot match. Every knot, nail hole, and saw mark tells a story of a different era. Choosing salvaged wood is an inherently sustainable choice, reducing the demand for new timber while preserving the high-quality, old-growth wood that was used in historic structures. It feels different because it is different—durable, seasoned by time, and uniquely beautiful.
Our Partners
We are proud to be trusted by local retailers, builders, and community partners across Northern Michigan. Together, we ensure reclaimed history finds its way into the finest local projects.