Red barn with white trim on a nice summer day
Red barn with white trim covered in snow

Timber Frame Reclaim began almost completely by accident.

Growing up on a farm in Oxford, Ohio, our founder, Michael D. Wengler, spent hours exploring and climbing through an 1864 timber-frame barn. That early exposure sparked a lifelong fascination with historic barns, traditional craftsmanship, and the trees that made them possible.

With a background in forestry and botany, that curiosity grew into deep expertise. Years spent working in forestry, tree conservation, Christmas tree farms, and timber work created a strong foundation in wood species, sustainable harvesting, and the natural materials that built early American structures.

Old barn with some mold growing on it slowly falling down

The turning point came when a local developer needed help dismantling an old barn. In the process, we realized the incredible value of these historic structures and the irreplaceable timber they contain. Builders quickly recognized the strength, character, and craftsmanship of reclaimed barn wood, and demand began to grow.

From there, Timber Frame Reclaim began traveling across the country salvaging historic barns and sourcing reclaimed timber from Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, Indiana, Virginia, and North Carolina and beyond.

Red barn with a metal roof next to a white house and pickup truck under a partly cloudy sky.
Old red barn with weathered wood siding, multiple small windows, and rolling metal doors, surrounded by green grass and trees on a cloudy day.

Ohio in particular is considered a crossroads of barn architecture in America — a melting pot of barn styles and timber species.

Over the years, our founder, has become affectionately known as “The Barn Guy”, someone deeply passionate about barn history, architecture, and preserving these structures for future generations.

Timber Frame Reclaim proudly works with builders, architects, homeowners, interior designers and preservationists who share that same passion.

We are also proud to be a lifetime member of Friends of Ohio Barns, an organization dedicated to preserving  historic barns across the region.

Today, Timber Frame Reclaim continues that mission — reclaiming historic timber and transforming it into meaningful spaces, structures, and heirloom-quality wood products.

An old wooden barn on stilts with a metal roof surrounded by green grass and trees.

Meet The Leaders

A man and a dog sitting on wooden stairs outside a building, smiling at the camera. The man is wearing a gray t-shirt with 'Stonewall Staff' written on it, glasses, and a cap. The dog is a large fluffy breed, possibly a German Shepherd mix, wearing an orange collar.

Michael D. Wengler is the founder of Timber Frame Reclaim and remains deeply involved in the day-to-day operations. He manages projects, oversees ordering, and handles customer relationships, ensuring every job runs as smoothly as possible from start to finish.

Zelma (“The Supervisor”) is Mike’s German Shepherd and the unofficial face of Timber Frame Reclaim. Known for keeping a watchful eye on job sites, she takes her role as supervisor very seriously—especially when treats are involved.

A man with short dark hair and a beard, smiling outdoors with a blurred industrial structure in the background.

Christopher Gross is the on-site lead supervisor at Timber Frame Reclaim. He brings over a decade of hands-on experience with the company and has a deep understanding of traditional timber framing techniques. Chris plays a key role in delivering the quality and craftsmanship Timber Frame Reclaim is known for.