Profile: Wood&Faulk

Story by Homecamp
Wood & Faulk's Portland workshop
Wood & Faulk's Portland workshop

After discovering Wood&Faulk’s beautiful and functional products online, we were lucky enough to meet founder Matt Pierce on a recent visit to Portland, Oregon. Based in an industrial corner of this creative city, the workshop is a magical place where Matt’s thoughtfully designed products come to life.

Wood&Faulk began as a blog and has grown into a thriving small business that designs, manufactures and sells a range of American Midwest-inspired goods for the outdoors, and life in general. We chatted to Matt, the brains behind the operation, about his passion for Wood&Faulk.

Tell us a bit about your background and the launch of Wood&Faulk.

My background is one of constant tinkering and taking things apart. From houses to cars to furniture, I’ve always liked deconstructing things to rebuild them to my own liking. With my constant need for projects, I launched the Wood&Faulk blog. Once popularity increased, I started making my own products and selling them in an online store.

How would you describe the style and ethos of Wood&Faulk?

My style is very much influenced by my upbringing in the Midwest US. From my first pickup truck to the antiques my parents would collect, I have a real affinity for classic items and I bring that into the design and ethos of my company.

Tell us about the materials you use for your products.

Materials are foremost used for their utility, but they must also be interesting and attractive. Heavy canvas from Martexin USA, amazing leathers from S.B. Foot, Red Wing and durable bridle leather from Wickett & Craig… I love looking for the perfect material for our products.

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Where the magic happens

"My style for Wood&Faulk is very much influenced by my upbringing in the Midwest US. From my first pickup truck, to the antiques my parents would collect, I have a real affinity for classic items and I bring that into the design and ethos of my company."

Matt Pierce, Wood & Faulk
Gone Creek Campground

Mt Hood National Forest
16400 Champion Way
Sandy, OR 97055
United States

Tell us what a typical day for you involves.

Typical weekdays involve waking up at 6:30am to start the day. Load up the LandCruiser with whatever work I might’ve brought home the previous night, or a bicycle project, or materials. Stop by the coffee shop for an 8oz Americano, and then to the workshop. Check emails, ignore emails, then wander from my desk into the workshop to help with any production needs.

If I had my way, I’d always be prototyping, but there’s so many other things to do in the shop. I usually grab lunch nearby with friends and co-workers, then keep at it into the evening. When there’s energy left, maybe cook dinner at home or meet up with folks for a nightcap or dinner. Portland is a great place for food when you’re too tired to cook!

What’s so cool about living and working in Portland, Oregon?

I’ve always loved the moody weather of Portland, so that’s a big draw for me. It’s good for work productivity, too — maybe that’s why there’s a lot of good design coming out of this town, with everyone working and hunkering down all winter?

It’s a city of amazing creativity in all aspects: design, food, drink, fine arts, music and more. I’ve never felt more at home in any city.

Where is your favourite spot to camp and enjoy the outdoors?

Another good aspect of the city is that you’re on the mountain or at the ocean within 90 minutes. A usual fave is Timothy Lake in Mt Hood National Forest. Great for a camp, or just a canoeing day-trip.