What They Say

“We used Highland Craftsmen’s products on high-end/green tenant finish outs that resulted in just the look our clients wanted. Our experience from placing the order until the delivery was great and kept to our construction schedule. Highland Craftsmen will be the first place we look and first place we will point our clients to for any projects that need their quality products.” Daniel Stooksberry Havens Construction, Austin Texas

“I just wanted to say thank you for the wonderful service that we received! We just opened up an additional 3400 sq ft Spa and added your bark door to a doorway that we created to join the two spaces, and I must say the bark door is STUNNING! Everyone who came to our Grand Opening (we had well over 350 people) commented on it. It certainly helped separate the feeling of leaving our North Eastern Woods Salon to the Calm Caribbean Ocean Spa. All I can say is WOW! Thank you again to you and your team, keep up the good work!”

Pam Gordon, Owner of Gordon in Lakeview and
Gordon in Ravinia Salon and Spa, Chicago, Illinois
(Awarded Top 200 Salons in North America four years in a row)

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“Bark siding is a material with a 100 year plus tradition. It has continuity in time. To people that are not from this area, it sounds exotic and unusual but that is the genius of place. It is a part of the fabric of architecture in the mountains. It is different form the outside, but rich in tradition locally. Today people are looking for maintenance free siding options. Bark is maintenance free and a quality product. It provides the best of both worlds. Another point is the initial cost of the product is recaptured when you look at product life-cycle costs. This is a timeless product.”

Jeff Harbinson AIA,  Harbinson and Associates, Architects, P.C., Winston-Salem, N.C.

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“Highland Craftsmen produces a superior quality product and Marty’s integrity and professionalism distinguishes the company above any other.”

Ben Frantzen, BKF Builders Inc. Blowing Rock, N.C.

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“Nothing else looks as rich or rustic. Bark siding gives a look that can’t be duplicated with any other material. It looks head and shoulders above anything else and gives a great custom finish. The more I work with it, the more I like it. Marty does just what he says and so do the products. He knows what he’s doing and does it when promised.”

Joe Todd, Todd Brothers Construction Inc.,  Boone, N.C.

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“It’s the best looking siding you can put on a house and its enduring beauty should last for generations.”

Steve Silver,  Boone Construction Company Inc.,  Boone, N.C.

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“In my opinion, bark siding or rock, are the only acceptable siding materials for mountain vernacular, most especially homes in the $300,000 and up.”

JD Hughes, Circa Construction Inc.  Linville, N.C.

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“Bark siding is the siding of choice in Linville as it has been for 100 years. The longevity has proven itself as it has lasted since the turn of the century. Initially, it sounds expensive but labor costs are low and maintenance costs in the first 10 years level the initial cost. Paint can run $6,000 to $10,000 depending on the house. Bark requires no maintenance.”

Bentley Parlier,  Chestnut Construction Inc.,  Linville, N.C.

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“Your professionalism was outstanding! I appreciate the way the project went, it was perfect.” Everything was kept neat and clean through the whole process. The bark blends beautifully in a wooded setting.”

Martitia Mortimer, Home Owner, Newland, N.C.

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“Highland Craftsmen’s people, product, process, and ethics are without equal—period.”

Eric K. Morley,  Carolina Timberworks, LLC 1172 Highland Hall Road, Boone, NC 28607 828.266.9663  www.carolinatiberworks.com

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“Highland Craftsmen came through in a very high pressure situation to supply a very beautiful, consistent product, very quickly. They hand-selected hundreds of branches for us and really came through “artistically” as well as in a business-like manner—on time and on budget. Our company produces high-end custom chandeliers for the most exclusive hotels and casinos in the world. Highland Craftsmen is my absolute first call when I need product to match my clientele.”

Scott Winslow, Alger International,  Culver City, CA http://www.algerco.com/frameless.htm

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“Our client needed a material that was unique, low maintenance, and easy to install. The bark siding fit the bill perfectly and has helped to distinguish the home from all the rest in our area.”

Brett Brown, Dohn Construction Inc., Colorado

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“…Having seen acres… of mountain land being developed… rural communities need to educate themselves on eco-friendly development and building practices…. The good news is there is hope. For over 20 years Marty and Chris McCurry have been creating natural building materials from plants, trees, bark and many other natural materials found in natures back yard. When you apply their materials to the home building process, the results are just amazing…. Their business in located in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina…. It might seem like a long way to go to find building materials, but when you get there, you realize why you did it, and then, almost instinctively, you thank Marty and Chris for being in the business.”

Peter Knutzen, Blue Ridge Golf and River Club, Blue Ridge, GA

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“The bark arrived when promised and in perfect condition. Installation was similar to other wood siding but the results are anything but typical. The homeowners love it.”

John Lerchen, Lerchen Builders, Indianapolis, IN

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“The name of my house is Tree house, for obvious reasons. I wanted a product that was little to no maintenance and that would blend in with nature. By choosing Highland Craftsmen’s bark siding, I have found the best of both worlds. Installation was a no brainer.”

John Walden, KY

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“Highland Craftsmen gave us access to materials that set our project apart from the norm. Because of their unusual product line and quality of service we were able to deliver to our client an outstanding piece that delighted and amazed— a real head-turner.”

Ken Smith Cullen, Grace Joinery, Becket, MA

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“Our architectural design company was engaged to design a pair of “rustic” cabins here on Martha’s Vineyard– This departure from the usual beach cottage theme was presenting some challenges for us until we ran into Highland Craftsmen. Marty and Chris provided unique products and incredible customer service. Everything was delivered on time (something different here on Martha’s Vineyard) and was exactly as promised. In addition, Marty’s architectural background allowed him to make many helpful suggestions and his instructions and patient handholding throughout the installation process of what were for us unfamiliar materials contributed greatly to the success of our project. Our clients are delighted with the end result!”

Carole Hunter, Hunter and company, Vineyard Haven, MA

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“I wanted to send you a note to thank you for your help with our Camp David project. The use of the Black Locust rails and balusters and the bark shingles made just the right effect for the cabins. The owners and architects were all as pleased as I was with the outcome…. I plan to use your services again on another project in the very near future. It’s gratifying to know that someone is making such creative and novel products available and backing them with quick shipping and great service.”

Colin D. Whyte, Martha’s Vineyard Construction Company, Inc.  West Tisbury, Massachusetts

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“We used the poplar bark sheets to panel a room in the Yellowstone Club. It’s so distinct, everyone loves it.”

Bob Burkhart, Beartooth Creations Inc., Belgrade, Montana

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“Highland Craftsmen’s experience and knowledge of their products outshined all the other suppliers by miles. The team’s history with the bark was impressive. We are so far away from the bark we had to know we were getting someone who would stand behind the bark siding and we had to know what we were getting from the start. Plus, they have seen and used the bark from start to finish. It was nice to have someone who knows the process from harvest to installation and has done everything in-between. Their hands on customer service approach could not have been better. We know we will have a long-term relationship with bark and Highland Craftsmen. These guys have single handedly brought bark back into existence as a viable siding material. Their depth and knowledge of the product is unsurpassed.”

Andy Bearaquawski Malmquist Construction, White Fish, MT

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”We used the bark shingles and locust posts on our lake house. It’s awesome. Everybody loves it. It’s just incredible. In fact it’s so unique that I almost don’t want to share it.”

Geordy Hutchinson Yankee Peddler Realtors Wolfeboro, New Hampshire

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Martitia Mortimer, Home Owner, Newland, N.C.

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“Our lake house project nested in the Adirondack Mountains on Schroon Lake needed a product to mix well with the layers of material being used to help create the feel of the GREAT CAMPS of the Adirondack Mountains built in the late 1800s. The log half lap siding with a wrap around porch of cedar bark rafters, post and railings on the lower half needed a material on the upper half of the house that not only blended well with existing materials but still gave you the feel of the Adirondack style. We also where looking for maintenance free material for the upper part of the house and your material provided just that.  We highly recommend this material to anyone who is looking for both.”

Bill Brayton Vice-President Brayton Construction Inc., Albany New York

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“Recently my husband and I were in Boone and stopped in at the Black Bear Bookstore. While I was looking for a gift, he found your book, Bark House Style and bought it for me as a gift. At the time I didn’t know the book was about you and your revival of the bark shingle. You’re probably wondering why I’m telling you this, but we feel like we are a ‘very small’ part of what you have developed and introduced to bark manufacturing. In spring of 2006, my husband and I drove to Spruce Pine after deciding to build a small cabin in our backyard and seeing your article in Southern Living. I dealt with one of your Bark House Experts on the phone several times before coming back for the shingles in the fall. Even though my order was extremely small compared to what you sell to developers, I was always treated as though I were a huge buyer of your product. Because of the uniqueness of the cabin being only 50’ from our back door, an article ran in a local magazine. I thought you might enjoy seeing your work on a much smaller scale in the magazine I’m sending. If you or your staff is ever going through the area, give us a call. We’d love to show you our ‘dream come true.’ May God bless you and your business and thanks for being a part of making my dream a reality.”

LaDonna & John Bost, Home Owner, Winston-Salem, North Carolina

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“Natural Green Products Incorporated in Classic Design. Local builders are raving about a look and style that only the Poplar Bark could provide.”

Wayne & Connie Mitchell, M2 Development, Sisters, Oregon

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“I am writing to thank Highland Craftsmen for the wonderful products and services you have provided us. You are truly craftsmen, and your products are unique and expertly made. They are the highlight of our homes. In addition, I wish to commend you on your professional service. I love to do business with people who do what they say. You have certainly done so, and you are timely and efficient in your product delivery system… You are a great company, with great products and outstanding service, and I greatly appreciate you.”

Robert Lambert, Principal and General Manager, Tennessee Timberframe, Inc.

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“The product was very easy to work with and looks spectacular. We as a builder could not be happier and the customer is very happy.”

Alan Newman Daedalus, Utah

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“We used the bark to accent our cabin in northern Vermont. It not only looks great, but it was also easy to install. The Bark is a real eye catcher and fits in perfectly with our overall rustic theme.”

Joan Shannon, Vermont

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“We are pleased with the Bark. It was much easier to install than I thought. We were first timers and it really sets the house apart. Our house used to be covered in vinyl siding and the bark reinvented the home. We had hoped for a lifetime investment like this – everything was a positive experience. I hope that you can call me in 25 years and I will have the same answer.”

Bill Crowson, personal homeowner in Craig County, VA

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“I love it, that old lake lodge kind of a look… I’m really a northwest child and this poplar bark siding makes me feel right at home. Looking constantly at the growth that’s happening you really realize everything looks the same… Poplar bark siding… is the perfect thing to make our home different and unique. We are on 5 acres with mountain and water view. We are… in a valley bordering a big farm, the setting is perfect. Our home is our own creation, like the chalets in Switzerland, simple plan, gigantic gently sloping roof line with eves that cover the deck that surrounds the belly of the house. It should be a beautiful application of the poplar bark siding.”

The Martins, Port Angeles, Washington

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“We finished installing the facades for the Monkey hut last Friday. The Smithsonian staff is very happy! I may get down to the zoo this weekend to take photos. You guys did a GREAT job distressing the locust, it couldn’t have turned out any better. It was pleasure working with you on this project!”

Garrett Mason, Project Manager, Explus Inc. for Smithsonian D.C. Zoo Monkey Huts in Washington, D.C.

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“We used premium grade poplar siding as an accent on our newly sided cedar house. It looks fabulous, and is truly unique! I learned about bark siding on your website, ordered a sample and, in something of a leap of faith, ordered 400 square feet. We used it on the front door elevation and on a wall enclosed by our back screened porch. Our contractor followed your installation directions and had no problem attaching it. We have had many complements on our bark siding. It really makes our house something special. We live in a lovely wooded neighborhood. The bark siding is a great way to pay homage to the magnificent trees that dominate the forest around us. We are thrilled with the product and the company!”

Monica G., Shepherdstown, West Virginia

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“I just wanted to send a quick note to say thank you for all your help with the Lazarus Job. This was my first project using “bark siding” and it turned out a success. I really appreciate the fact that you were there to answer any installation, general questions and also warranty questions for us. Our field crew had no complaints with the overall installation process. Ultimately, our client, Mr. Lazarus, was very pleased with the final look of the bark siding. On behalf of The Lakewood Companies, Inc., I would like to thank you for the great product and the wonderful customer service extended. I look forward to our next project with Highland Craftsmen.”

Crystal Newport, Lakewood Companies, Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin