We have upcyclet +9500
tons of wood since 2002

Our history

From auto mechanic to designer, craftsman, and CEO of Thors Design. Carsten Thor has been through a lot with Thors Design since the journey began in 2002. At a time when no one was talking about sustainability, Carsten began reusing quality materials that had no future — it was simply common sense. Today, we have recycled more than 9,500 tons of wood and have shipped furniture to customers all over the world.

2002
Carsten Thor came into possession of the bulwark from Korsør's decommissioned harbour by pure chance. The wood had remained untouched for 4 years, as everyone considered it to be impossible to work with or even sell. He took a break from his career as an automation technician, and began to experiment with the possibilities of the wood.
Thors Design is founded
2002
A circular blade is developed
It took Carsten over a year to develop a circular saw blade that could saw through the length of the robust harbour wood.
Wooden tiles for the terrace
2003
The first idea is to make terrace tiles. An idea that is quickly discarded when Carsten tests it at home. The wood moves too much, and the corners bend upwards like a dry slice of rye bread.
2004
Carsten sets out to master the art of controlling the powerful planks, which requires both finesse and the development of exceptionally sturdy brackets. Later that year, he develops the first bench, aptly named ALFA.
The first product
2004
The first plank table is made
2005
2008
Room for patina
2008
In the early years, the outer layer of the harbour timber is cut away and the planks are refined. It is not until 2008 that Carsten begins experimenting with highlighting the wood’s historical details. In the following years he develops methods to best bring out the distinctive and unique characteristics of the patinated timber. Thors Design, in its current form, is born.
We collect wood from Kalundborg Harbour
2008
We purchase the Old Dairy in Timring. The building dates back to 1891, and with its raw, industrial expression, it complements the furniture well. Initially, one half of the dairy is used as a workshop, while the other is used as a showroom.
Invests in our own building
2008
2011
We collect wood from Gedser & Rødby harbour
2011 - 2012
The workshop moves to its own premises 200 meters further down in the town. This makes it possible to use all of the Old Dairy’s facilities as a showroom.
A bigger showroom
2013
We collect more harbours
2014 - 2018
During this period, we bring in large quantities of wood. We source timber from Knudshoved in 2014 and Nyhavn in 2015. Fyns Hav and Halskov are both collected in 2018.
2022
We source another batch of wood from Rødby Harbour
2022
The workshop is expanded yet again
2022
We have once again outgrown our facilities, so we find a 900 m² warehouse in Vildbjerg, a 5-minute drive from the Old Dairy. It is renovated and set up as a workshop.
We explore new, sustainable materials, and MINNIE is brought to life — a children’s furniture piece made from recycled textiles.
Children furniture from recycled textiles
2022
2024
Harbours and railways
2024
When the railway switch in Skørping is due for renovation, we see an opportunity to reuse more resources. The railway sleepers are tested to ensure they are free from chemicals, allowing us to use them for furniture with a clear conscience.

Our story continues with a focus on recycling, durability and togetherness. We do what we can to reduce the use of the planet’s resources and strive for Thors Design to always lead the way when it comes to sustainability and responsible production.

Will you join us on our journey?

See our collection

“The early years were tough. From 2003 to 2006, I only took out a small amount of money for myself. Twice, the electrical company came out to cut off the power. One Monday morning, I thought to myself: if this is how it’s going to be, I can’t keep going. If it doesn’t improve by Friday, I’ll go and hand over the keys. Then on Wednesday, I received a solid order for eight table-bench sets, and from that point on, orders started coming in regularly.”

/ Carsten Thor