From the shop
Where the wood comes from, and how to work it.
The Purpose Wood Co. blog covers provenance stories, buyer guides, and drop news, written by the people who run the saw. Learn where Chicago trees come down, how to choose a slab, what a built-in actually costs, and when the next drop lands.
Wood Wall Paneling: Types, Costs, and What's Actually Worth It
A practical guide to wood wall paneling types, honest cost ranges, and which options hold up — for Chicago homes and beyond.
Washable Rugs on Hardwood Floors: What You Actually Need to Know
Washable rugs sound like a no-brainer — but there's a lot brand pages won't tell you, especially if you have hardwood floors. Here's the honest version.
How to Choose the Right Rug for Your Room: A Chicago Craftsman's Honest Guide to Size, Color, Quality & Where to Buy
An honest Chicago craftsman's guide to choosing the right rug size, color, and quality for your room, plus where to buy rugs that actually last.
How to Choose Area Rugs for Hardwood Floors & Wood Furniture: A Chicago Craftsman's Honest Guide
A Chicago woodworker's honest guide to choosing area rugs that protect hardwood floors and pair with wood furniture—size, materials, tones, and rug pads.
Buying Wood Slabs in West Chicago, IL: A Local Maker's Honest Guide
An honest local maker's guide to buying wood slabs in West Chicago, IL — species, pricing, drying, and the questions that save you money.
Custom Solid Wood Furniture in Chicago, IL: An Honest Buyer's Guide
An honest local guide to custom solid wood furniture in Chicago, IL — real costs, timelines, wood choices, and how a piece actually gets built.
Where to Buy Custom Solid Wood Furniture in Chicago, IL: A Local Maker's Honest Guide
An honest local maker's guide to buying custom solid wood furniture in Chicago, IL — materials, cost, what to ask, and how to spot real wood.
Live Edge vs Reclaimed Wood: What's the Real Difference?
Live edge describes the shape of the wood; reclaimed describes its history. Here's how to choose the right slab for your Chicago home.
How Much Does a Custom Wood Dining Table Cost? A Chicago Maker's Honest Breakdown
An honest Chicago maker's breakdown of custom wood dining table cost, the real price ranges, and where your money actually goes.
This walnut came down on Wabansia Ave
A black walnut on Wabansia Ave in Bucktown, Chicago split in a spring 2024 storm. Purpose Wood Co. salvaged it, kiln dried it to 7 percent, and milled it into slab lot PW-0421 and the June WALNUT drop. Same tree, tracked the whole way.
What is urban salvaged wood?
Urban salvaged wood is lumber milled from trees removed in a city or suburb rather than logged from a forest. Reasons include storm damage, disease such as emerald ash borer, construction, and end of life. Salvaging keeps usable hardwood out of landfills and wood chippers.