About Black's Farmwood
Founded by Michael Black in the late 1990s
A Green Business Born from a Family Barn Black’s Farmwood started with a single fallen barn and a profound environmental concern. In the late 1990s, I left a Ph.D. program in clinical psychology in San Francisco. I was increasingly troubled by global deforestation and climate change and felt pulled in a different direction. Back home in Ohio, a 150-year-old oak barn had collapsed on my family’s farm. When I asked my grandmother what she planned to do with the wood, she said she would burn it to clean up the land. That moment changed everything. With the help of my two grandfathers, I carefully deconstructed the barn by hand using a chainsaw and a borrowed pickup truck. I became captivated by the weathered oak siding, the hand-hewn beams, and the powerful sense of history embedded in the wood. I knew I had found my life’s work. Sustainable Wood with a Story Today, Black’s Farmwood specializes in reclaimed, thermally modified, and FSC-certified wood products. We work with wood salvaged from antique barns, industrial buildings, and sustainable forests worldwide. Our offerings include:
Each piece is chosen for its quality, character, and environmental value. Trusted by Top Clients and Local Builders Our clients include homeowners, architects, builders, and design firms throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. We’ve proudly supplied materials for iconic brands like:
Visit Our Petaluma Showroom Explore samples, get expert guidance, and experience our materials in person. We’re located in Petaluma and work by appointment to ensure personal attention. Let’s talk about your project. I would love to work with you. – Michael Black, Founder |