Podcast: Cut from a Different Grain: Why Thor Chose the Hard Way

Xav Builds Podcast

Our founder, Thor Diesendorf, recently joined the Xav Builds Podcast to share the story of Thor’s Hammer — how we began in 1994 with a mission to rescue timber from landfill and reimagine it into something new.

In the episode, Thor talks about what first drew him to timber, why recycled timber became our focus, and how our team transforms salvaged beams and floorboards into furniture, benchtops and architectural pieces. He also reflects on some of the projects that have stayed with us, the species of timber we love to work with, and the balance between traditional craft and modern machinery.

Beyond the workshop, the conversation explores the bigger picture: the challenges of the construction industry, the need for faster action on sustainability, and what the future could look like if recycled materials were embraced at scale. Thor also shares lessons from three decades in business, what it means to lead a purpose-driven team, and his hopes for inspiring the next generation of makers.

It’s an honest, wide-ranging discussion about craft, sustainability, and building a business that puts people and planet at its core. Definitely worth a watch!