Corrales Duo Breathe New Life Into Fallen Trees

Father-son woodworkers find creative purpose in repurposing local timber.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 12:11am

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A high-contrast silkscreen print featuring a repeated image of a wooden chair in a grid, rendered in a bright, neon color palette with heavy black outlines, conceptually representing the Thalers' transformation of discarded natural materials into modern, artistic home furnishings.The Thalers' handcrafted furniture pieces, made from repurposed local timber, become bold, colorful works of pop art in this vibrant illustration.Corrales Today

In the small town of Corrales, New Mexico, Rick and Jacob Thaler have built a thriving woodworking business by salvaging fallen and downed trees from the surrounding area. The father-son duo transform the discarded timber into unique furniture, home decor, and other handcrafted items that celebrate the natural beauty of the wood.

Why it matters

The Thalers' business model demonstrates how local, sustainable practices can create economic opportunities and community connections in a time of rapid development and environmental change. Their work also highlights the value of repurposing natural resources that might otherwise go to waste.

The details

Rick and Jacob Thaler operate their woodworking shop out of a converted barn on their family property in Corrales. They scour the nearby arroyos and neighborhoods for fallen trees, often working with local residents and the town's public works department to collect the timber. The Thalers then carefully mill, dry, and craft the wood into a variety of products, from rustic dining tables to intricate wall hangings.

  • The Thaler family has lived in Corrales for over 50 years.
  • Rick Thaler started the woodworking business with his son Jacob in 2015.
  • The Thalers' workshop is located in a converted barn on their family property.

The players

Rick Thaler

A longtime Corrales resident and the founder of the family woodworking business.

Jacob Thaler

Rick's son and business partner, who works alongside his father in the workshop.

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What they’re saying

“We see these fallen trees as an opportunity, not just waste. There's so much beauty and potential in the wood if you take the time to bring it back to life.”

— Rick Thaler, Founder, Thaler Woodworks

“Working with my dad to create something unique and sustainable from the local landscape is incredibly rewarding. It's allowed us to build a business that's good for the environment and the community.”

— Jacob Thaler, Co-owner, Thaler Woodworks

What’s next

The Thalers plan to open a small retail showroom on their property later this year to showcase their handcrafted products and connect directly with local customers.

The takeaway

The Thalers' story demonstrates how a commitment to sustainability and community can lead to innovative small business opportunities, even in the face of environmental challenges. Their work repurposing fallen trees into beautiful, functional objects inspires others to find new life in discarded natural resources.