LUCAS BELTON OPENS RUSTIC to RECLAIMED

Who would have thought wooden blocks would be the foundation for a career?

Lucas Belton, that’s who.

Lucas always gravitated towards wood. His grandfather made him a set of wooden blocks as a child which he cherishes. Those blocks were a solid indicator wood was always going to be Lucas’s happy place in life.

During his early career the artisan had an opportunity to learn from numerous professionals working at major companies. Construction management in Charlotte, specializing in restoration of historical homes was a lesson in cataloging and managing wood.

“That’s where I learned the importance of saving every piece of interior and exterior millworks to reuse and repurpose,” said Lucas. “Under Buzz Knight I learned how to salvage and label every single piece of millworks for reference or replication.”

Lucas learned the components and background of building new structures from the ground up while at BNR Custom Framing.

“For two years I cut every necessary piece for custom framed houses from 4,500 to 12,500 ft. in the Charlotte and Lake Norman area for this company,” Lucas continued. “For 13 years following I worked on my own doing small handyman projects and beginning creative build and reclaimed projects. At Cope and Stick, also in Charlotte, I learned the majority of the reclaimed and salvaged knowledge that I have now”  

Lucas joined Down East Preservation (DEP) in July 2022 as the Shop Manager. In January 2023 they completed the new woodwork shop at 903 North Broad Street.

“Working with DEP ownership, we were able to build an impressive facility with a team of woodworkers that could create and restore DEP projects and also for their clients,” said Lucas.

He made the jump into his own business, Rustic to Reclaimed, to get back to the ‘hands on’ build aspect of his craft.  The pursuit of reclaimed and salvage local materials and the ability to offer his connections to suppliers of materials, all under one roof, was a vision come to fruition.   

“Finding a business partner that shared my passion and vision for what I wanted to create, started the ball rolling in August, 2025,” said Lucas.

“There are many aspects to the new business. We have the ability to salvage lumber, to mill and repurpose into existing historical structures which includes architectural salvage, doors, windows, trim works, glass, flooring, siding and even brick,” said Lucas. “I also source and will carry a supply of driftwood for local artisans and crafters.”

Rustic to Reclaimed’s goal is to work with many clients from commercial to residential, local designers and builders. Ultimately, the company would like to be able to provide custom builds to area retailers, including the Outer Banks. The company’s main focus will be to sell locally sourced lumber by piece or by pack to anyone interested. Their main focus will be on custom builds and creations.

“Material focus will be on locally sourced woods, including historical or antiquated woods through reclaimed structures,” said Lucas. “We are very fortunate to have a large selection of local hardwoods and soft woods here in the surrounding three counties. My personal favorites are Walnut, Hickory, Pecan, Cypress, Juniper, Cherry and Heart Pine.”

Rustic to Reclaimed current facility is able to store roughly 20,000 board feet of materials inside with an additional 40,000 board feet undercover outside. With a large building space and a climate controlled finish and epoxy room the company is able to take material in most any form and process it for build or sale. Lucas also has a wood carving CNC machine, a sign of things to come.  

“In my spare time, I don’t do much sketch work, but I do a ton of research,” said Lucas. “Especially in the epoxy and finish aspect of our job the material and processes are constantly evolving.”

Lucas and wife Kristy have lived in Edenton since 2022 after moving from Matthews, North Carolina. The Belton’s have two grown children, Isaac and Gavin. Isaac lives here with his parents and their oldest son, Gaven,  lives in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

Lucas’ focus has been on growing the business and clientele base. The goal is to expand into more bulk lumber sales to builders, artisans, and craftsman by supplying them with custom material needs.

“Rustic to Reclaimed is looking forward to working with our local high school to provide apprenticeships in the upcoming school year and are currently developing a curriculum of that,” said Lucas, obviously planning for the future.