LumberChuck's Woodworking & Restoration

10/27/2026

What if we started valuing what we own again?

Somewhere along the way, we've become accustomed to replacing things instead of repairing them. Buying new instead of restoring old. Throwing away something useful because it no longer looks new.

I believe there's another way.

I believe an old tool can be a work of art. That worn wood can hold a lifetime of stories. That craftsmanship deserves to be appreciated, useful things deserve a second chance, and the things we own should be worth passing down.

That's the spirit behind LumberChuck's.

Own Less. Value More.

Restore what matters. Preserve what lasts. Pass the story on.

Because every item has a story. 🔨

— LumberChuck's

09/03/2026

I am glad folks liked the homemade trophies!!!

Not everything has to start out new!

This weekend I had the opportunity to make the trophies for the Imlay City Summerfest Motor Show.

I could have ordered the same plastic trophies that everyone has seen a hundred times before, but I wanted to build something with a little more character.

The base is made from reclaimed lumber from an old deck.

The piston came from a scrap engine that had reached the end of its life.

The only new part is the engraved nameplate.

Every piece has a story, and sometimes all it takes is a little imagination and a little work to give it a new purpose.

I hope the winners enjoy these as much as I enjoyed building them.

This is just the beginning of what I hope LumberChuck's becomes: A place where old materials, forgotten treasures, and quality craftsmanship come together to create something worth keeping.

08/03/2026

Not everything has to start out new!

This weekend I had the opportunity to make the trophies for the Imlay City Summerfest Motor Show.

I could have ordered the same plastic trophies that everyone has seen a hundred times before, but I wanted to build something with a little more character.

The base is made from reclaimed lumber from an old deck.

The piston came from a scrap engine that had reached the end of its life.

The only new part is the engraved nameplate.

Every piece has a story, and sometimes all it takes is a little imagination and a little work to give it a new purpose.

I hope the winners enjoy these as much as I enjoyed building them.

This is just the beginning of what I hope LumberChuck's becomes: A place where old materials, forgotten treasures, and quality craftsmanship come together to create something worth keeping.

07/19/2026

🦇 BAT HOUSE #3 OF THE YEAR! 🦇

Another pile of old reclaimed lumber gets a second life at LumberChuck’s Woodworking & Restoration!

This is the third bat house I’ve built this year, once again using reclaimed and salvaged wood. I love being able to take lumber that might otherwise be tossed aside and turn it into something useful—especially when it can help our local wildlife.

Michigan’s bat populations have faced serious challenges over the years, particularly from habitat loss and diseases like white-nose syndrome. Bats play an important role in our ecosystem, and one simple way we can lend them a hand is by providing safe places to roost.

A bat house doesn’t have to be fancy. A little lumber, the right design, and a good place to hang it can give these incredible little nighttime neighbors another place to call home. 🦇🏠
Old wood. New purpose. A little help for the bats.

That’s pretty if you ask me. 😎🪵

06/21/2026

🦇 Sometimes it's about more than building something... it's about making a difference.

Michigan's bat population has been declining for years, and these amazing animals need our help. Bats are one of nature's best pest control systems, eating hundreds to thousands of insects every night.

This bat house isn't perfect... and that's okay.

It wasn't built from expensive lumber or fancy materials. It was built from reclaimed wood, reclaimed nails, and a little bit of time. Materials that might have ended up in the trash were given a second life to create a home for wildlife.

You don't have to spend a fortune or be a master woodworker to help.

If you have a few scraps of wood, a handful of old nails, and the desire to make a difference, you've already got enough to start.

I believe every piece of reclaimed wood has another story to tell. Sometimes that story becomes a table or a sign... and sometimes it becomes a safe place for a family of bats.

If this little bat house helps even one colony find a home, then every reclaimed board was worth saving.

🪵 Build with purpose.
♻️ Reclaim what you can.
🦇 Help wildlife whenever you have the chance.

Inspired by the idea that reclaimed materials can still do good things. Thought the Dirt Babies might appreciate this. Jacob Cochrane

03/16/2026

Update: finished up the window today with a 2nd coat of paint and weatherstripping. Pretty happy with how it all came out. I used pretty much all reclaimed lumber and hinges. Plus I like to try and keep the vibe of the 1930's style.

It’s been a quiet winter over at Lumberchuck’s.
Between the cold weather and still working on finishing up the garage , projects slowed down for a bit. But I’ve still been tinkering when I can.

I found a old widow in the trash a while back, and I decided to use it for the back wall of the garage.

So while doing the pallet wall interior I framed in a spot for the window. To keep it simple the old window will just open with hinges.

So far the whole project has only used reclaimed lumber.

It may not be perfect, might be a little out of square 😬 and still needs paint, but I’m pretty happy with how it's turning out.

Every project is a chance to try something different and get a little better.
That’s what Lumberchuck’s is all about. 🪵🔨

12/29/2025

Happy New Year from LumberChuck’s 🪵🔧

I’ve been a little quiet lately, but for a good reason. When I’ve had the time, I’ve been out in the garage getting the workshop ready for spring. The goal will be to show more projects and vintage items for sale.

What cool projects are you working on ?