Live Edge Woodworks, founded in 1995 by Kim Hoelting, is a family-owned business located on Whidbey Island, Washington. The company specializes in salvaging and transforming old-growth softwoods from the Pacific Northwest into premium lumber, timber frame packages, and functional art pieces designed for both commercial and domestic use. Rooted in the local community, Live Edge collaborates with a network of craftspeople, loggers, sawyers, and builders who share a passion for quality craftsmanship and sustainability.
Kim Hoelting, a third-generation native of the Northwest, brings a unique blend of architectural design and woodworking experience to the business. His early fascination with the natural world and architecture led him to create a vibrant enterprise that emphasizes not only the aesthetic qualities of wood but also its ecological significance. The company takes pride in using salvaged materials, helping to conserve the environment while celebrating the beauty of local timber types such as Alaskan yellow cedar, Sitka spruce, Douglas fir, western hemlock, and western red cedar.
Over the last 30 years, Live Edge Woodworks has focused on restoring downed trees and overlooked lumber, creating unique pieces that reflect the rich history and natural beauty of the region. The company aims to inspire a deeper connection to the natural world through its products and educational efforts that inform customers about wood's stories and habitats.
As it moves into new avenues of creativity, Live Edge is exploring innovative projects, including the processing of century-old cedar burls and the construction of functional structures that harmonize with the environment. This commitment continues to highlight the company's core values of sustainability, creativity, and community collaboration. Live Edge Woodworks not only crafts stunning wood products but also serves as a vital part of the ecological conversation in the Pacific Northwest.
