When one thinks of a sawmill in Revelstoke, Take to Heart Specialty Wood Products may not be the first one that comes to mind. The small, family-run business is not a typical sawmill. Offering an array of high quality wood products, from timbers and flooring, to stair railing and treads, Take to Heart is the place to go to when you are looking for high end.
If it’s an incredibly special Douglas Fir slab you are after, they’ve got it. Just recently, they have produced an abundant range of different sized slabs, ranging in width from three-feet to five-feet wide, and ten to twelve feet long. This special log was harvested near French Creek, back in the spring of 2014. The coordinates of where it was logged will be noted on each slab, and in the spring, the team at Take to Heart will be planting seedlings in memory.
While a tree hugger may shed a tear over the logging of such a special, old growth tree, they can rest assured that the wood from this tree will not be hidden away in a wall as dimensional lumber.
By milling it into slabs, this tree has been turned into a thing of complete beauty. It will be appreciated by many for years to come, and can be passed along from generation to generation. Wood is the element that ties to our homes to nature, and for city dwellers, it may be one of the only natural connections to the outside world.
What sets Take to Heart Specialty Wood Products apart from a regular sawmill, is in its name. Everything that is produced at Take to Heart is done with absolute precision, and the dedication to producing the best possible product is something that no one there takes lightly. It truly comes from the heart; there is a sense of passion, perseverance and enthusiasm to continue to create unique and beautiful products. 
Take to Heart has been in business for twelve years and just recently, has been acknowledged with an honourable mention at the BC WoodWorks! 2013 awards, and has been nominated for three years in a row for the Industrial and Manufacturing Excellence Award with the Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce. This has garnered attention and awareness for what Take to Heart does, which is more than just cutting wood. 
In order to utilize all elements of wood, Take to Heart has created a composting program, specifically using the wood waste created during processing. Sawdust and mulch is mixed with other organics, and then added to the large garden on site in summers. In the fall, garden produce was supplied to a 100-person wedding at the Glacier House Resort, which was a huge success. Take to Heart strives to utilize waste and to create products using salvaged wood or wood destined to become pulp. In keeping with designer trends, Take to Heart has taken their love of stumps to the next level. These salvaged-wood cedar pieces have been lovingly turned into stunning works of art using shou sugi ban techniques.
The ability to turn something as simple as wood, into such special pieces takes the eye of a true artisan.
With the collection of specialty products and services offered by this local company, it’s hard not to smile and say, “Wow, Revelstoke really does have everything.”
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