About Us
From the Mountains to the Mantel
Built on a Shared Respect for the Land
Farmkraft began in 2020, but the idea was born years earlier during long trips through the mountains of Southeast Virginia. Founders Jarrad Helms and Eric Aldridge—longtime friends, outdoorsmen, and craftsmen—spent those trips talking about more than just the landscape. They talked about the stories hidden in the silver-grey barns, the fallen timbers, and the forgotten structures that dot the rural South.
They saw potential where others saw waste. They believed that the character earned over a century of weathering—the knots, the deep grain, and the honest wear of manual labor—deserved a second life, not a landfill.
What We Believe
Farmkraft’s custom wood mantles are built on a simple mission: to give second life to exceptional timber and create pieces that carry the story of the land forward. We craft our work from materials that have already lived a full life—from historic barns and beams to naturally fallen forest deadfalls. Instead of letting that history fade, Farmkraft preserves it, shapes it, and turns it into an architectural anchor that will be part of a home for generations.
Our goal is to honor the character of every piece we touch, whether we are milling precise tongue and groove or shaping a raw live edge slab. We keep the knots, the grain, the unique imperfections—the things that make natural wood honest. Every mantle and specialty cut is built with care, using practical craftsmanship and a deep respect for the material’s past.
Story over “perfection”
Reclaimed wood isn’t uniform—and we don’t pretend it is. We lean into grain, checks, and patina when they’re structurally sound and visually right for your hearth.
Precision in the Prep
A mantel shouldn't fight your stonework. Fireplace openings, projections, and clearances are non-negotiable details. We’d rather ask ten questions upfront than deliver a piece that doesn't fit the reality of your build.
Respect of your time
When your piece is ready, we want it staged and waiting—not a scavenger hunt through a yard. That’s why we ask you to call ahead for pickup windows.
Partners who build for a living
Farmkraft sits alongside real trades: general contracting, cabinetry, and decades of wood on the bench. That shows up in how we think about installation realities.
Our Founders
Jarrad Helms
PartnerJarrad brings hands‑on craftsmanship, practical design sense, and a deep respect for the land to every project. He’s married to his wife, Christiana, and together they’re raising four sons—a family life that keeps him grounded and connected to the values that guide Farmkraft’s work.
As a general contractor and lifelong outdoorsman, Jarrad believes sustainability starts with using what already exists. He’s passionate about reclaiming wood from old buildings, barns, and trees that would otherwise be left unused, giving them new purpose in homes and spaces that will last for generations.
PartnerEric Aldridge
Eric brings a craftsman’s eye, a practical mindset, and a deep respect for reclaimed materials. He’s married to his wife, Stacy, and together they’re raising three sons and one daughter—a family that keeps him grounded and connected to the values that shape Farmkraft’s work.
As the owner of a cabinet company, Eric has spent years working closely with wood, design, and the fine details that turn raw material into something meaningful. He sees potential where others see waste—aligned with Farmkraft’s mission to honor the land and carry each board’s story forward.
Contact us
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!