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Raw Lumber
Raw lumber, also called rough lumber or rough-sawn lumber, is wood that has been cut from a log but not yet planed, sanded, or finished. It still has its full original dimensions (so a "2x4" is actually close to 2 inches by 4 inches) and has a rough texture.
Key traits of raw lumber:
-Full, actual dimensions (unlike nominal/finished lumber)
-Rough surface, not smooth
-Often used in custom woodworking, milling, or when exact sizing will be done later
It’s usually cheaper per board foot but requires more prep work.
What does nominal lumber mean?
"Nominal lumber" refers to the named or labeled dimensions of a piece of lumber before it is planed and finished. These dimensions are usually larger than the actual (or "finished") size.
For example:
-A 2x4 nominal board actually measures 1.5 inches by 3.5 inches.
-A 1x6 nominal board is actually about 0.75 inches by 5.5 inches.
The nominal size is based on the size of the wood before it's dried and planed smooth. It's still widely used for labeling and purchasing lumber, even though the actual size is smaller.
How do I know what size I need?
When you talk with us we will always do our best to communicate clearly but keep this idea in mind regardless. If you need to be able to process your lumber and end at an inch you will need extra material on the lumber, with Raw lumber that would mean purchasing a 1.25” board to finish it at 1”. If you are still confused do not worry we are available to answer any questions you might have and are ready to help you with all your lumber needs!
Our Process
1. Sawing
Our cutting is done on location at our mill, custom orders are cut to order and the logs are selected specifically to get the best yield for the requested dimensions and quantity. Our lead times vary depending on the season as it's harder to cut in the winter so our busy season is the summer. If you need your material in a timely manner be sure to contact us ASAP so we can get you on the schedule and figure out when we will be able to get you your material.
2. Stacking
All Lumber is stacked per the order, We typically stack our wood using a method called “stickering”. Stickering is the process of adding a 1” x 1” stick between each layer of wood to allow for adequate air flow as the drying process begins. We can also stack your material to order without Stickering if you have your own process for the material or if you will be using the wood while it's still green.
3. Drying
Drying is the process of “seasoning” material prior to it being used. Wood is a live material and holds excess moisture that is released slowly over time. If your material will require drying then some form of stickering is required to get a properly seasoned material. A good rule of thumb for drying is to give the material at least 1 year per inch thick prior to working with it. If you need to have your material ready to work with sooner you can have us Kiln dry it for you which takes about 6 months on average.
Rough Sawn (Raw) Lumber
We have a large variety of species available in all sizes primarily sourced locally.
Pricing per Board foot
Hardwoods
Hard Maple(sugar)
Dry: $5.50
Green: $3.50
Kiln Dried: $6.00
Live Edge: $7.50
Maple(spalted)
Dry: $6.50
Green: N/A
Kiln Dried: $7.50
Live Edge: $7.50
Maple(spalted)
Dry: $7.00
Green: $4.00
Kiln Dried: $8.50
Live Edge: $9.50
Red Oak
Dry: $6.00
Green: $3.50
Kiln Dried: $6.50
Live Edge: $8.00
Hickory
Dry: $9.00
Green: N/A
Kiln Dried: N/A
Live Edge: $12.00
Cherry
Dry: $8.00
Green: N/A
Kiln Dried: N/A
Live Edge: $10.00
Hackberry
Dry: $7.00
Green: N/A
Kiln Dried: N/A
Live Edge: $9.00
Walnut
Dry: $9.00
Green: N/A
Kiln Dried: N/A
Live Edge: $12.00
Red Elm
Dry: $9.00
Green: N/A
Kiln Dried: N/A
Live Edge: $7.00
White Elm
Dry: $5.00
Green: N/A
Kiln Dried: N/A
Live Edge: $6.00
Softwoods
Ash
Dry: $6.00
Green: $3.50
Kiln Dried: $6.50
Live Edge: $8.50
Kentucky Coffee Bean
Dry: $7.00
Green: N/A
Kiln Dried: N/A
Live Edge: N/A
Soft Maple(Silver)
Dry: $5.00
Green: $3.50
Kiln Dried: $5.50
Live Edge: $7.00
Aromatic Cedar(Red)
Dry: $7.00
Green: N/A
Kiln Dried: N/A
Live Edge: $11.00
Butternut
Dry: $6.00
Green: N/A
Kiln Dried: N/A
Live Edge: $7.00
Pine
Dry: $3.50
Green: $3.00
Kiln Dried: $4.50
Live Edge: $5.50