Unique. Historic. Beautiful.
At Three Forks™ Wood Reclamation, we believe that wood is more than just a building material—it's a connection to the past, a storyteller, and a bridge between generations. Our mission is simple: to save wood from structures that are at the end of their days, preserving its unique history and transforming it into something extraordinary for the future.
We scour the globe for one-of-a-kind, forgotten wooden structures—barns, homes, bridges, and ships—that are no longer viable but are rich with history.
We reclaim the wood, ensuring that each piece carries with it a story. From the moment we discover a site to the final stage of delivery, our process honors the wood, its origins, and the people who lived alongside it. We carefully document each step of the journey with photographs and words, passing that history to the next owner so they, too, can share the story with family, friends, and generations to come.
Environmental Stewardship
Our approach is rooted in environmental stewardship, as we recycle and reuse wood, giving it new life while respecting its past. We work with local craftsmen, ensuring fair compensation and empowering communities by providing skilled labor opportunities. From discovery to disassembly, to transport, and finally, to its new purpose in a client’s project, we handle every piece with care and reverence for its historical value.
Our Process
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Discovery.We find structures with unique histories, documenting the discovery with stunning photographs and personal stories from the owners, families, and local communities.
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Disassembly.Local craftsmen carefully disassemble each structure, preserving every reclaimed piece of wood. We prioritize the conservation of both the wood and its environmental impact.
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Warehouse.The wood is stored in secured, covered warehouses, and we ensure it meets all USDA import requirements using local kilns to treat the wood, eliminating moisture and insects.
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Transit.Once cleared through US customs, the wood is shipped in containers, arriving at the port closest to our clients. From there, we coordinate safe transport directly to the site.
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Utilization.The wood is then integrated into its new home —whether it’s for a residential, hospitality, or custom project—ensuring that its legacy continues and its history lives on.
Nothing Is Off Limits: Bringing World-Changing History to Your Design
At Three Forks™ Wood Reclamation, no structure is too distant, no story too hidden. We source wood from the world’s most historic landmarks, from ancient barns in Europe to long forgotten sites in exotic lands. Each piece is a direct link to the people and events that shaped history.
Nothing is off limits when it comes to sourcing the materials that will transform your space. Whether it’s for a luxury residence, high-end hospitality, or custom creations, we ensure that the wood’s legacy adds depth and meaning to your design.
This isn’t just wood—it’s history, preserved for a new generation. Let us bring the world’s stories to your design.
Meet Our Founders
Chris Kelley
Born near the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana, Chris’ adventurous spirit led him to join the Navy after high school. Over the course of his 31-year service, Chris traveled to numerous countries and immersed himself in diverse cultures, fueling his lifelong passion for exploration.
After retiring from the Navy, Chris’s focus shifted to uncovering the forgotten structures of the world—buildings rich with untold stories and hidden treasures.
With Three Forks™ Wood Reclamation, Chris has found a way to combine his love for exploration with his commitment to conservation, sourcing and preserving unique wooden structures and giving them new life. His drive to uncover the world’s hidden gems and share their histories is matched only by his dedication to empowering local communities.
"EVERY PIECE OF RECLAIMED WOOD WE SOURCE CARRIES THE WEIGHT OF HUMAN HISTORY, AND IT'S A PRIVILEGE TO BREATHE NE LIFE INTO THESE STORIES. BY CRAFTING UNIQUE DESIGN PROJECTS, WE NOT ONLY PRESERVE LEGACIES BUT CREATE TIMELESS CONNECTIONS BETWEEN THE PAST AND FUTURE, TURNING YOUR VISION INTO A LIVING TESTIMENT OF CRAFTSMANSHIP AND HISTORY.
Chris Kelley and Christian Knutzen
Three Forks™ Wood Founders
Christian Knutzen
Raised in the rugged beauty of Durango, Colorado, Christian grew up surrounded by the majesty of aspen groves and blue spruce. His early days spent exploring the natural world led him to a career in the military, where he served as a Green Beret for over 26 years.
With deployments across Afghanistan, Iraq, the Philippines, Nepal, and South Korea, Christian gained firsthand experience of the world’s cultures and histories. His military service instilled in him a deep sense of duty to preserve and protect what is valuable—whether it’s people, culture, or materials.
Now, as a founder of Three Forks™ Wood Reclamation, Christian brings that same passion for discovery, conservation, and preservation to the wood reclamation process, honoring history while creating something new.
