THE SHOP
In the heart of Skagit Valley, surrounded by pasturelands with glimpses of Roozengaarde’s famed tulip fields, you’ll find Skagit Valley Slabhaus. What began as a passion project in 2009 became much more, as owners Tony and Shanna Hawes turned their love of discarded old growth trees into a mecca for reclaimed Pacific Northwest wood. The primary mission? To give old wood new life, rather than seeing it go to waste. Whether you are a contractor outfitting a home or a homeowner looking for that dazzling conversation piece, make Slabhaus your first destination. For those farther south, Slabhaus also plans to set up a satellite location near Olympia this spring.
THE ATMOSPHERE
As you would expect, the large shop boasts slabs of wood in various sizes and shapes. Some wait to have their luster brought to life, while others are finished and resplendent. Outside you’ll find more wood and milling equipment. The plan is to create a retail space that showcases the splendor and versatility of these forgotten beauties. During the tulip festival in April, Slabhaus often partners with local artists to create a showroom of their space.
KEY PEOPLE
Over the years, Tony and Shanna Hawes have honed their extensive network of places to source and find unused old-growth wood. When you contact the shop, the person you’ll most likely talk to first is Brandin Sears. With more than 30 years of experience working for Duluth Timber Company, his knowledge about reclaimed wood will help you find that perfect piece and figure out details for a customized project. If you know where you’d like to use it, bring the dimensions and photos of the space.
WHAT YOU’LL FIND
Slabhaus focuses on old-growth and regional Pacific Northwest woods such as fir, cedar, maple, spruce, and black walnut. They offer slabs, beams, and reclaimed timbers ($150 and up) and can mill rescued logs up to 62 inches wide and 49 feet long. Many logs have a story to tell, like a pencil cedar that grew into a curve-shaped or a western red cedar buried 30 feet under the ground. Even 100-year-old cuts can find a happy ending, like a local spruce tree felled in 1926 in Fidalgo Bay that is now a table at Terramar Brewing in Edison. Wood is offered in the raw, or flattened, sanded, and ready for its next life. If you’re looking for a custom project, Slabhaus designs those too. When needed, they also offer connections to local artists.
FAVORITES
While Shanna likes the beautiful patterns in black walnut and maple, Tony loves it all. “There is something very rewarding about having a really old piece of wood on the mill,” Tony says. “I love watching the grains and colors revealed. It’s like seeing a piece of art for the first time.”
11573 Beaver Marsh Road, Mount Vernon, 360.424.7522, skagitslabs.com
For more local favorites, check out our Shop section here.
