My friends’ 1840’s barn collapsed in a storm, and where some folks saw a junk pile…


I saw a gold mine.

NOTE: I’m currently represented by KORE Gallery in Louisville, where a number of pieces similar to the ones below are on display. If you’d like to discuss a commissioned piece, please get in touch.

From A Collapsed Barn to Heirloom Pieces

  • Hickory coffee table

    "Boone Creek"

    The slab was cut from a pignut hickory–so named because the settlers fed it to their swine, who couldn’t complain–near the ‘crik’ it’s named for just south of Lexington, KY. The crack behind the walnut “bowtie” joint is filled with black epoxy for a buttery smooth surface.  52″Lx 16″Wx 17″H.  Legs easily removed for shipping.

     

           Available at KORE Gallery, Louisville

  • Maple slab coffee table

    "State Line Giant"

    This slab was cut from a huge maple near Corydon, Indiana, just across the Ohio River from Kentucky. The natural half-moon cavity is filled with near-transparent epoxy resin for a smooth, see-through surface. The black-streaked “spalted” live edge adds character and interest, and the steel legs are easily removed for shipping. 46″Lx 23″Wx 17 1/2″H.

    Available at KORE Gallery, Louisville

     

  • Hickory coffee table

    "Spencer County Sentinel"

    This slab is pignut hickory (settlers fed the bitter nuts to their swine and saved the fruit of the tastier kingnut hickory for themselves). The legs are made of oak, ash and walnut lumber harvested from an 1840’s Spencer County, KY, barn that collapsed in a thunderstorm in 2019 (see a video of that process above). The lumber came from trees that were sturdy young ones when Daniel Boone was exploring nearby hollers. The scars made by the primitive, wobbly saw are clearly visible on the legs.  34″Lx 14″Wx 17″H.

    Available at KORE Gallery, Louisville

  • Barn Wood work desk

    "Wendell Berry" work desk

    Named for the famous Kentucky farmer and writer, the cherry, walnut and oak top of this desk were harvested and milled on a Kentucky farm. 52″H x 20″W x 27″H. Legs disassemble for easy shipping.

    Available at KORE Gallery, Louisville

  • Small Barn Wood Coffee Table

    “My Heart Pines”

    32”L x 15”W x 17”H

    SOLD

    Heart Pine Barn Wood Table Barn Wood Table with Heart Pine
  • Barn Wood coffee table

    "Squire Boone"

    41”L x 18”W x 17 1/2”H

    SOLD

    rustic Barn wood table Barn wood occasional table
  • Trestle Table & Bench of Barn Wood

    "Trestle Table with Bench"

    60”L x 38”W x 30”H
    Note “live edge” on bench and old saw marks on end of table.
    “The combination of Mack’s creative vision and unfaltering craftsmanship always produces stellar results. My farmhouse table and bench are exactly what I wanted!” Vallorie H., Berea, KY.

    Sold

    Warm light view Close up other Wedge tightener
  • 2-Shelf Table for storage

    "Practical 2-Shelf Table"

    38”L x 19”W x 17”H
    After spending many fruitless hours online looking for the ideal coffee table for his needs, Ron M. of Louisville, KY, found the solution: “Mack understood my needs precisely, and crafted a handsome table from reclaimed barn wood. It was an easy collaboration that resulted in just what I needed,” namely, shelves for TV remotes, writing materials, newspapers, etc.

    Sold

    See-Through View w/ Shelves End View 2-Shelf Table
  • Handmade coffee table

    "Red Oak Coffee Table"

    34”L x 15”W x 17”H
    This unique slab of red oak was milled on the Kentucky farm where it grew for more than 200 years. Supported by barn wood legs, it’s a sturdy, practical and beautiful conversation piece.

    Available at KORE Gallery, Louisville

    Natural oak coffee table Barn wood legs show nail holes
  • Red oak has lots of depth

    "V-Notch Red Oak Table"

    44”L x 19”W x 17”H
    This quarter-cut slab of red oak features part of a fork in the 200-year-old-plus tree that was milled on a Civil War era Kentucky farm. 150-year-old nail holes and teeth marks from a wobbly saw give its barn wood legs lots of character.

    SOLD

    The swirling grain of the plank is inspiring Red oak plank table has loads of character
  • A few original nails were left as accents

    "Rustic 4-Hook Coatrack"

    36″W x33″H x 5″D 18 lbs
    Kentucky sawmills in the 1840’s were powerful enough to shape the solid oak barn rafters forming the frame of this piece, but the big blades of the period inevitably wobbled and left semi-circular ridges that lends them character to modern eyes. The “birdsmouth” or bird beak notches were hand-hewn to fit snuggly over the beams holding up the roof. The horizontal planks are roof battens to which the (probable) tin roof was nailed.

    SOLD

    The rugged aging reveals a long history 150-year-old nails are visible
  • The

    "Rustic 3-Hook Coatrack"

    41″W x33″H x 8″D 20 lbs
    Kentucky sawmills in the 1840’s were powerful enough to shape the solid oak barn rafters forming the frame of this piece, but the big blades of the period inevitably wobbled and left semi-circular ridges that lends them character to modern eyes. The horizontal planks are roof battens to which the (probable) tin roof was nailed.

    $350

    Saw marks add character That's quite a dramatic 'live edge.'
  • Full view Console table

    Rustic Console Table

    63”L x 13”W x 35”H

    SOLD

    Side View w bourbon bottles Open view top shelf console table

If you have an idea for a custom piece, please get in touch. I can build to your desired dimensions and work with practically any budget. Check back often to see my latest creations. Stay safe, and I hope to hear from you.