Log Salvaging
Salvaged wood with a deeper story
Karmanah works in partnership with Island Timber Co, a First Nations owned carving school, log salvage, and custom milling operation based on Malahat Nation. Together, we prioritize salvaged wood that stays in local hands, supports cultural practice, and then becomes high value products for homes here on the coast.
Through this partnership, much of the cedar and fir that goes into our doors, siding, and soffits has already lived another life in the hands of carvers, artists, and knowledge keepers.
How our salvaging partnership works
Island Timber Co focuses on log salvaging along the coast, recovering fibre that would otherwise be lost or sold into commodity markets. The goal is simple – keep this resource accessible for First Nations communities and local users first.
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Logs are salvaged and brought back to Island Timber Co’s mill, on site with their carving school on Malahat Nation.
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Each log is evaluated. Those best suited for carving and cultural projects are set aside as select logs or cants for First Nations carvers, craftspeople, and artisans.
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Additional material is made available to local, high value added wood processing, including Karmanah, rather than being shipped into bulk commodity channels.
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The remaining salvaged wood is milled for Karmanah’s doors, siding, and soffit systems, where every piece is selected and built true to our standards.
This process helps redress the balance so that coastal timber serves First Nations communities and local makers first, and only then becomes part of our elevated exterior systems.
When you choose Karmanah products sourced through this partnership, you are working with wood that is part of a larger artistic and cultural process.
Why salvaging matters to Karmanah
This approach to sourcing supports more than just beautiful material.
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Respect for land and water
Salvaging reduces waste and makes better use of fibre already in the ecosystem.
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Access for First Nations communities
High quality logs are prioritized for cultural and community use instead of being pulled into distant commodity markets.
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Stronger local value
Logs stay in the region, supporting carvers, artisans, and local businesses like Karmanah who focus on high value, long lasting products.
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A more meaningful material story
Homeowners gain a direct connection to the origin of their wood and the communities it has touched along the way.
Salvaged fibre, built true
Our commitment is to treat this salvaged material with the same care and precision we bring to every Karmanah project. From log selection to milling, joinery, and finishing, each step is handled so that the full story of the wood can live on in your home.
If you would like to explore salvaged options for your project, we can walk you through current species, grain, and design possibilities available through our partnership with Island Timber Co.