Our Story

“I think my past experiences have allowed me to breathe life into Mountain Lumber Co.™”-Willie Drake

In 1974, Mountain Lumber’s founder Willie Drake embarked on his life’s quest – finding new uses for lumber that was destined to be forgotten and left to decay. His original task had been simple – go to West Virginia to buy unused, antique lumber for the construction of a new house. While collecting the wood, Willie gazed at the surrounding farmhouses and barns in various states of age and disrepair and wondered if he could somehow find additional uses for the old wood.

Trite but true, he proceeded to build Mountain Lumber Company with his bare hands, reclaiming the antique wood from old buildings and using it to create what is now considered the finest antique flooring in the world.  He was one of the pioneers of an industry that has grown up around him over the past three decades.

Early on, Willie was involved in all aspects of the company – finding, procuring and milling the antique wood. He was a carpenter during the day as he crafted the floors and worked tirelessly into the night on the administrative tasks of the business. Proud and excited about the company he was building, he maintained an optimistic attitude that was infectious, and is still today shared by everyone at the company.

Even after 35 years in business, Willie is still following his life’s passion and traveling the globe in search of irreplaceable ancient wood to restore and give a new life. Meanwhile, all of us who work here - some who have been with Willie since the early days, and others who have spent the better part of our careers here - help our customers discover everything that is unique and special about Mountain Lumber floors. Our cumulative years here have given us an expertise in the antique wood flooring industry that is unmatched.

The company began with an appreciation of history and respect for quality wood. That still resonates in everything we do, but what started with a simple shed has grown into a modern facility that incorporates the most advanced technology to mill the finest antique floors in the world.