Southern Arch

Prior to early American settlements in the 1600’s, the landscape of the Southeastern region was densely populated with over 90 million acres of native Southern Yellow Pine and Bald Cypress trees, the latter eventually adopted as Louisiana’s State Tree. On average, each species endured 300-400 years of undeterred growth to develop sixty percent ‘heartwood’ within. Fueling the Industrial Revolution, these virgin timbers were harvested and shipped to the American colonies in the Northeast as well as Europe to construct critical infrastructure including homes, factories, and some of the earliest naval fleets. The superior quality, durability, and rich patina of SYP and cypress led to the clear-cutting and export of over ninety-five percent of our native, ‘old-growth’ timbers prior to 1900. By the 1920’s, only ten thousand of the original ninety million acres remained. Known today as Antique ‘Heart Pine’ and ‘Heart Cypress’, this ‘Old Growth’ timber has become highly sought after for its rich patina and impeccable character. With less than a hundred acres of first-generation trees remaining, which are now protected, the only way to obtain this unique lumber is by reclaiming it from historic structures.
Between the growth of the trees and time within the structures, the materials used by Southrn Arch average between five hundred to seven hundred years old. Not only are the aesthetics and quality far superior to modern materials, but also of impeccable character forged through our Nation’s history. From the nail scars and centuries of weathered imperfections, to evidence of the ‘hand hewn’ craftsmanship before the age of power tools, each unique piece reveals a historical timeline of conflict, natural disasters, and the true American Spirit. Authentic and time-tested…
We personally thank you for supporting local business and helping Southern Arch in its efforts to preserve and pass down for generations to come…