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Krantz Recovered Wood: Craftsmanship and Innovation

Krantz Select Woods, an established fine lumber company headquartered in Austin, Texas reports continued growth as one of the nation’s largest online purveyors of quality wood products. Originally headquartered in New Orleans, Krantz Select Woods relocated to Austin due to the city’s vibrant culture, lifestyle and economy. Krantz Select Woods opened the doors of its 15,000 square foot combined warehouse and retail space in North East Austin in 2009 and has seen its Texas business grow over 400 percent since. With a history in Cypress that goes back three generations, the Krantz family has been in the lumber business for nearly 100 years. In 1997, Krantz Select Woods owner Jimmy Krantz took the family tradition online with the launch of Jimmy’s Cypress, selling and shipping finer new growth cypress throughout the US. The company expanded its line of products in 2002, when Jimmy and wife Emili launched Krantz Recovered Woods, a specialty line of antique-quality, reclaimed wood.

Krantz Select Woods: From Austin to National Prominence in Fine Lumber

Fine Lumber Purveyor, Krantz Select Woods Achieving National Success from Austin Headquarters

Krantz Select Woods is proving that craftsmanship, sustainability, and innovation can definitely elevate a regional lumber business. Especially to national success. Based in Austin, Texas, the company has become one of the country’s top providers of premium wood, catering to architects, builders, and designers nationwide.

Originally founded in New Orleans, Krantz Select Woods relocated to Austin to essentially take advantage of the city’s dynamic culture, entrepreneurial energy, and also the notable eco-conscious community. In 2009, the company opened a 15,000-square-foot warehouse and retail facility in Northeast Austin, fueling more than 400% growth in its Texas operations.

A Legacy of Timber Tradition

The Krantz family has been immersed in the lumber trade for three generations, bringing nearly a century of expertise. In 1997, owner Jimmy Krantz launched Jimmy’s Cypress, one of the first online storefronts to ship fine cypress wood across the U.S.

By 2002, Jimmy and his wife Emili expanded their vision with Krantz Recovered Woods, a specialty line featuring reclaimed, antique-grade timber.

Infographic comparing reclaimed wood and new lumber showing environmental waste and design benefits of using reclaimed wood
Reclaimed Wood vs New Lumber Why Your Choice Matters Choosing reclaimed wood reduces carbon emissions prevents deforestation minimizes landfill waste and adds unique historic character to modern design projects

Reclaimed Woods with Elevated Appeal

The Recovered Woods division has certainly become a standout branch of the company. That’s clearly thanks to its ability to source rare, premium-quality woods not typically available through mainstream suppliers. The business focuses on reclaiming virgin cypress and longleaf pine. For they are carefully salvaged from rivers, mills, and buildings constructed before 1925.

Jimmy Krantz credits much of the company’s success to this reclaimed focus, noting that “our customers choose Krantz because of consistent quality, and specifically with our reclaimed woods, because they can feel good about their investment.”

This approach mirrors the growing demand for sustainable building materials and eco-friendly construction practices.

An Austin Community Fit

Relocating to Austin was more than strategic—it was cultural. The city’s appreciation for history, design, and environmental responsibility aligned perfectly with Krantz’s philosophy. Austin customers value reclaimed wood for both its unique beauty and its role in reducing environmental impact.

Dining area with a wall of reclaimed wood planks in varied warm tones paired with modern furniture
Reclaimed wood accent wall adds rich texture and timeless character to a modern dining space

This alignment reinforces the company’s mission to provide products that merge eco-conscious living with timeless architectural value.

Featured in Prestigious Projects

Krantz Recovered Woods has been chosen for some of Texas’s most recognizable projects, including:

  1. The LEED-certified Advisory Board Company headquarters in Austin
  2. The restoration of the Texas Governor’s Mansion
  3. Installations at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas
  4. The LEED-certified HomeAway corporate offices in the Austin–Fort Worth area

A Future Built on Heritage and Sustainability

From its roots as a family lumber company to its national reputation for reclaimed wood, Krantz Select Woods continues to show how tradition and sustainability can drive modern success. By blending craftsmanship, eco-friendly practices, and innovative distribution, the company has positioned itself as a leader in sustainable architecture and design.

Conclusion: Building the Future with Heritage

Krantz Select Woods proves that sustainable practices and fine craftsmanship can go hand in hand. From its Austin headquarters, the company also continues to grow. All the while they certainly are honoring nearly a century of family tradition. At the same time, it helps architects, designers, and homeowners make responsible choices with materials that combine beauty, durability, and environmental stewardship.

By focusing on reclaimed and premium woods, Krantz recovered wood doesn’t just sell lumber. It offers products that preserve history, reduce waste, and bring timeless character into modern spaces. This dual commitment to heritage and sustainability sets the company apart in a crowded market.

Call to Action: Choose Sustainable Materials Today

If you’re a builder, designer, or homeowner, now is the time to think beyond conventional materials. Choosing reclaimed wood is more than a design choice—it’s an investment in the planet’s future.

Take inspiration from projects like the Texas Governor’s Mansion restoration or LEED-certified corporate headquarters. These projects definitely prove that reclaimed woods can certainly meet the highest standards of beauty and performance.

Explore the possibilities with Krantz Select Woods. In addition, please join the growing movement toward sustainable architecture and green living. Because every choice you make today shapes the future we all share.

Outside Sources on Reclaimed Wood Benefits

  1. Carbon Savings & Environmental Impact  Reclaimed lumber reduces carbon emissions:
    National Resources Defense Council –NRDC Reclaimed Wood Benefits
  2. Deforestation & Forest Conservation  How reusing wood prevents deforestation:
    World Wildlife Fund – Deforestation Explained
  3. Waste Reduction
    Construction waste and landfill diversion data:
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Sustainable Materials Management
  4. Durability & Aesthetic Value

Antique woods’ density and unique look:

Architectural Digest – Why Reclaimed Wood Adds Value

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greenlivingguy
The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke # Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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