Danny Heatherly, a second-generation timber farmer, launched BarkClad more than two decades ago right in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains in Western North Carolina. Danny and Nylenda Heatherly, both born and raised in Haywood County, helm this small business where their Appalachian roots run as deep as the mountain ridges themselves.
Their BarkClad products catch the eye of anyone who sees them, borne from Danny’s rich heritage in the timber industry. Growing up on a farm, he learned the value of each tree—its leaf, twig, and bark. Early on, Danny started peeling bark from trees used in the furniture and plywood industries, turning them into dry kiln siding. This not only repurposes material but also reduces the environmental footprint, creating long-lasting, natural BarkClad siding.
The concept of bark siding isn’t new; it traces back to ancient Native American practices and was notably used with the now-nearly extinct American Chestnut in the early 1900s. Bud Phillips later discovered that tulip poplar also made excellent siding. Today, bark siding is a revolutionary choice spreading across all 50 states, Canada, and beyond, offering a fresh face to home building for the first time in over three decades.
Danny, Nylenda, and their three children have devoted over 20 years to harvesting and marketing this unique bark, working from May through August each year to gather enough for the annual supply. With the realization that synthetic bark siding could broaden their reach, they secured a US patent for engineered bark siding in 2008, developing what they now call SMARTBARK. This product even resurrects the historic look of the American Chestnut.
The Heatherly family embodies the true spirit of American entrepreneurship, where integrity and deep-seated values guide their business.
Their story is one of hard work and dedication, a testament to believing in the promise of America as a land of opportunity.
