Big Sinker Logs
River Recovered Sinker & Deadhead Logs
“Sinker” is simply a term for a log that sank to the bottom of a waterway during transport, or the bottom of a holding pond while it was waiting for processing. They’re also referred to as “deadheads.” These big logs sank a very long time ago (sometimes over 100 years ago!) and they remain there until they are “rediscovered.”
Underwater for up to a century, the bark and sapwood of the Sinker Log decomposes, but the inside is perfectly persevered. This interior wood is the “heartwood,” and is prized for its beauty and durability.
Cool river water, very little oxygen, and resin in the log, all combine to create a natural preservation process.
As these Sinker Logs rest at the bottoms of swamps and rivers for decades, they slowly absorb minerals and tannins from the water, and the wood itself will take on a variety of hues. Because the mineral content will vary from one body of water to the next, the colors and shading of the logs become one-of-a-kind works of art.
Sometimes the Sinker Logs can get completely buried in mud. When this happens it can have an even more profound effect on coloring of the heartwood. When these logs are completely covered with mud for long periods of time, there can be a complete lack of oxygen, and a type of anaerobic bacteria will make its home in the log. This bacteria can cause dark coloration of the wood, sometimes making it completely green or black. Although it isn’t truly a variety, Cypress logs that have undergone this process are often referred to as “black cypress,” and they are quite rare.
Most of the Sinker Cypress and Sinker Pine Logs we reclaim average 28 feet long and were ax-cut by hand. We estimate that each of these logs can contain 2500 to 2800 board feet of lumber.
Due to their strength and extreme durability, the lumber from Sinker Cypress and Sinker Pine Logs has found a wide variety of uses, from exterior building applications such as high-end decking and siding; to interior applications such as paneling, beams, tongue & groove, trim, ceilings, and moldings; and for furniture such as tables, desks, and counter tops.
Sinker cypress and sinker pine specialists
We’ve been in the business of reclaimed Sinker Cypress and Sinker Pine Logs for over two and a half decades, and we’ve become specialists at recovering these Sinker Logs from the bottom of Northwest Florida and Southern Alabama waterways and swamps.
Using reclaimed wood helps preserve our forests by utilizing timber harvested hundreds of years ago while also providing a higher quality lumber.
We’re proud to be able to recover these Sinker Cypress and Sinker Pine Logs from the rivers of Northwest Florida and Southern Alabama and give them purpose again.
For ordering and pricing information, visit our Ordering & Contact Info page.
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