Heirloom Builds: Cedar Strip Canoe

The Cedar Strip Canoe: A Foundational Piece of the Saw & Mill Co. Story

The cedar strip canoe build is more than just a memory—it’s an influential chapter in the story of Saw & Mill Co.

Back in 1994, my dad built his first cedar strip canoe in the small workshop behind my parents’ house. Heated by a little potbelly stove, the space was humble but perfect. I remember the smell of sawdust, the quiet focus of each careful step, and the growing excitement as the canoe took shape—one strip at a time. Armed with nothing but books and the knowledge passed down from his father, my dad poured months of patience and craftsmanship into that boat.

A Boat Built for Adventure

That canoe wasn’t just for show. It carried us through the Boundary Waters of northern Minnesota, down the rivers of Wisconsin, and across our favorite fishing holes in Illinois. It became a vessel for family memories, exploration, and connection with nature.

Reflections on the Build—and the Business

The cedar strip canoe has come to represent much more than just a family project. It reflects the very spirit of Saw & Mill Co. Like the canoe, our company was built slowly, with passion, learning, and a willingness to embrace imperfections. When I attached the first cedar strip to the form, it didn’t look perfect—just like our first year in business. But progress came through perseverance.

The canoe may look beautiful in photos, but it bears the marks of every lesson learned and every adventure taken. The same is true for our business. Those scars aren’t flaws—they’re proof of growth, resilience, and craftsmanship.

 

More to Come.. 

Cutting Cedar Strips and Building the Frame

Sand Storm

First Coat