Whitethorn Hardwoods

Bob McKee, the founder of Whitethorn Construction, was of the third generation of his family to settle in Whitethorn Valley. Bob’s boyhood wanderings in the woods, his work as a very young man as a log pond worker and assistant timber cruiser, and his adult life as an innovative builder, skilled carpenter and landholder all contributed to his deep love and appreciation for the forests of southern Humboldt County. He conceived of a more sustainable approach to forest management and timber harvesting, and he saw value in native trees that had routinely been discarded as debris by the lumber industry. Bob understood that the intrinsic beauty and utility of our native hardwoods, particularly Tanoak and Madrone, needed to be recognized by the world. From his vison and passion, Whitethorn Hardwoods was created. Today the fourth generation of the family is continuing Bob McKee’s legacy of fine craftsmanship and sustainable commercial development of native California hardwoods. In our operation of Whitehorn Hardwoods, we strive to serve as a model of the important link between forests, local woodworking trades, and handcrafted wood and furniture in our homes. Having worked with local hardwoods for decades as woodworkers, with our on-site mill, wood kiln, and woodshop, we are able to make a variety of products, to provide services for the wood working community, and to offer fine furniture and small items handcrafted by skilled woodworkers on our staff and by other local makers. Whitethorn Hardwoods offers an extensive inventory of California native hardwood lumber, slabs, and wood products. Our vast hardwood inventory includes California Claro Walnut, Tanoak, Madrone, Pepperwood, Black Oak, and Chinkapin. We also work with softwood species including Redwood, Douglas Fir, Cypress, and Pacific Yew.

The focus of our vision and work includes:

• Milling specialty wood products - slabs, flooring and lumber

• Designing and crafting of both bespoke and finished furniture for homes and outdoor spaces

• Providing services for the woodworking community – custom milling, slab flattening, planing and sanding

• Training makers in traditional woodworking skills – carrying on art and knowledge

• Contributing to a regenerative local economy