Origin of Heartwood-1992

The roots of Heartwood extend back to 1992 when Lynda and Jerry Glass began a small Saturday craft show business attending local "festival days" across Mississippi. Their unique products were overwhelmingly received. After a few years, nature products were added, and because of demand, became the only items made. Full attention was then given to these products and they enjoyed much local success. A local merchant picked up the line from Heartwood and suggested its products could be marketed nationally. Wonderful friends provided further encouragement, and in 1998 Heartwood took its products to "market" in Atlanta.

The friends were correct; merchants nationwide purchased these unique products for stores, catalogs, and Internet sales. Thanks to this response, Heartwood-Architecture for the Birds was a reality.

Starting our fifth year and having hundreds of satisfied customers, Heartwood continues to provide innovation and value to the nature products industry.

Come along on the "factory tour" and let us show you what makes our made-in-the-U.S.A. products so special and unique.

Design

Function and architectural detail are not a byproduct of Heartwood's manufacturing process; instead they are the focus of an intense and purposeful design plan. Jerry is primarily responsible for design form and details. The design must be creative and fresh to capture the imagination. "Cute" sells, but quality of design and material make it last. Though our products are not guaranteed for a lifetime, we design and build with that goal in mind. Many of our design features and innovations were developed in-house and are not available anywhere else in the world.

Material

Quality derives from functional design, quality material, and experienced craftsmanship. The majority of our products are made from cypress, the most naturally rot-resistant wood that grows in our country. We use only the top furniture grades in our production. Our heavy, deep swamp cypress is a by-product of material bound for furniture factories worldwide. Large manufacturing operations require boards that are 8 to 16 feet in length. We purchase the shorter lumber that heretofore has been chipped and burned for heating purposes. No trees have to be cut to provide Heartwood a bountiful supply of quality raw materials!

Cutting

This process is crucial to thorough utilization of raw materials and eliminates any defects (knots, cracks, etc.) that might exist. We design products to accommodate standard lumber dimensions to eliminate waste and save money.

Fabrication

Techniques used in fabrication are taken from our previous careers in custom home construction. We use only quality zinc-coated fasteners, brass screws, exterior adhesives, and unique methods to combat the weather elements that want to damage your product and shorten its life.

Painting/Finishing

All of our paints are industrial grade, non-toxic, acrylic latex applied with experience and care. Treat them with the same care and maintenance methods as your home. We cut no corners on the final finish.

Shingles

Our 100% cypress shingle roofs are outstanding in esthetics and longevity. We have designed special machinery that cuts a tapered, dog-eared, straited, and stone washed shingle that is unique to Heartwood. No one worldwide makes this shingle. (We do not sell our shingles to others.) This is a distinctive and crowning touch to our products. Only Heartwood products have this world-class shingle!

Roofing

In addition to the world-class shingles used on many of our products, we make use of 16-ounce copper sheeting for many houses. Again, the design, detail, and execution used give our products a custom look and lifelong durability. These are not "machined," but refined roofs produced with many years of experience in metal fabrication. Compare our metal to any in the world. It is truly outstanding.

For 2003, we are introducing two new roofing materials. Genuine slate and solid glass roof panels will be another industry first for Heartwood!

Satisfaction

From design through fabrication and finish, Heartwood products intend to be leading-edge technology with "old world" experience. We build to last, to satisfy, and we want you 100% pleased with our product.

Customer Service

Design, fabrication, finish, and value are worthless without real, honest people who enjoy their work. Call, write, or email us about your needs. We will respond courteously and promptly.