When furniture makers and cabinet craftsmen demand lumber that machines flawlessly, joints perfectly, and finishes beautifully, they turn to Select Hardwoods for the premium grade hardwoods that exceptional work requires. Located in the heart of Appalachian hardwood country, our Wilkes County facility combines four generations of lumber expertise with modern kiln drying technology to deliver furniture and cabinet grade lumber that consistently exceeds expectations.

Premium Hardwood Lumber for Exceptional Furniture and Cabinetry

Our Advantages:

• 400,000 board feet kiln capacity for consistent availability
• Certified lumber graders with decades of experience
• Precision moisture content control (6-8% typical)
• FAS and Select grades in premium Appalachian species
• Custom sorting and matching services available

Premium Grade Lumber Standards

FAS Grade Excellence for Premium Applications

FAS (Firsts and Seconds) grade lumber represents the highest standard in hardwood grading, providing the clear surfaces and consistent characteristics that premium furniture and cabinet applications demand.

FAS Grade Features:

• Maximum clear cutting yields for visible components
• Superior surface quality with minimal defects
• Consistent color and grain characteristics
• Minimum board dimensions guarantee adequate clear material
• Perfect for cabinet faces, furniture tops, and premium millwork

Select Grade Quality and Value

Select grade lumber offers excellent quality characteristics at moderate pricing, ideal for applications where good appearance matters but premium grade requirements aren't necessary.

Select Grade Benefits:

• Clean surfaces with limited, workable defects
• Excellent value for secondary components
• Consistent quality across shipments
• Suitable for face frames, furniture frames, and interior components
• Professional results at efficient pricing

Furniture and Cabinet Making Species Excellence

White Oak: Specialized Cuts Available

White Oak represents one of our premier species, offering exceptional strength, distinctive grain patterns, and superior finishing characteristics.

White Oak Options:

• Quarter-Sawn: Distinctive ray fleck patterns, superior stability
• Rift-Sawn: Straight grain, minimal seasonal movement
• Plain-Sawn: Traditional cathedral patterns, economical pricing
• Custom thickness from 4/4 through 16/4
• Matched sets for coordinated projects

Premium Western North Carolina Cherry

Our regional Cherry exhibits characteristics that rival traditional northeastern sources, with exceptional color development and superior workability.

Cherry Advantages:

• Rich, consistent color development
• Fine grain structure and excellent machining
• Superior finishing characteristics for all applications
• Color-matched sets available for furniture suites
• FAS and Select grades consistently available

Hard Maple: Consistency and Workability

Hard Maple provides the density, strength, and machining characteristics that demanding applications require.

Hard Maple Features:

• Fine, even grain structure
• Excellent for painted and natural finishes
• Superior turning and detail work capabilities
• Consistent density and performance
• Light color showcases finishing treatments

Additional Premium Species:

• Soft Maple for versatile applications
• Ash for strength and flexibility requirements
• Walnut for premium furniture and accent work
• Custom species sourcing available

Technical Specifications and Quality Control

Precision Moisture Content Management

Moisture Control Standards:

• Target range: 6-8% for furniture and cabinet applications
• Consistency within 2% across lumber loads
• Comprehensive testing and documentation
• Moisture gradient management prevents internal stress
• Climate-specific recommendations available

Dimensional Accuracy and Surface Quality

Processing Standards:

• Thickness tolerance: ±1/32 inch
• Smooth, consistent surfaces ready for finishing
• S2S and S4S surfacing options available
• Multiple quality checkpoints throughout processing
• Dimensional verification with every shipment

Manufacturing Applications

Custom Cabinetry Requirements

Cabinet Applications:

• Face frames requiring superior appearance
• Door and drawer fronts with exceptional stability
• Interior components balancing quality and cost
• Structural elements meeting performance standards
• Matched lumber sets for consistent appearance

Fine Furniture Production

Furniture Applications:

• Visible components requiring FAS grade lumber
• Secondary components utilizing Select grades
• Matched sets for coordinated furniture suites
• Specialty cuts for unique design requirements
• Technical support for species selection

Architectural Millwork

Millwork Applications:

• Crown molding and trim requiring clean machining
• Stair components meeting safety and appearance standards
• Custom profiles holding fine detail
• Structural elements with aesthetic appeal
• Hardwood resources for technical specifications

Why Choose Select Hardwoods in Wilkes, NC

Substantial Capacity and Reliability

Our Capabilities:

• 400,000 board feet kiln capacity
• Multiple kiln chambers for scheduling flexibility
• Real-time inventory tracking and availability
• Consistent quality across all kiln loads
• Reliable supply for ongoing production needs

Certified Expertise and Quality Assurance

Quality Standards:

• Certified lumber graders with continuing education
• Species-specific grading expertise
• Comprehensive quality documentation
• Technical consultation and support services
• Product specifications available online

Value-Added Services

Additional Services:

• Custom sorting beyond standard grades
• Color and grain matching for projects
• Moisture content consultation
• Species selection guidance
• Application-specific recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions

What lumber grades do you stock for furniture and cabinet making? 

We maintain FAS and Select grades across our primary species, with additional grades available by special order.

Can you provide matched lumber sets for coordinated projects? 

Yes, we specialize in matched lumber sets ensuring visual consistency across furniture suites and cabinet installations.

What are your typical moisture content levels? 

Our furniture and cabinet grade lumber maintains 6-8% moisture content with precise control and detailed documentation.

Do you offer custom sorting and grading services? 

Yes, we provide custom sorting for specific color matching, grain characteristics, or defect limitations beyond standard classifications.

Your Partner for Premium Lumber Excellence

Select Hardwoods combines premium Appalachian hardwoods with expert processing and comprehensive quality control, providing manufacturers with the foundation for exceptional work. Our Wilkes County location offers:

Why Choose Select Hardwoods:

• Four generations of lumber expertise
• Modern equipment with systematic quality control
• Premium timber resources in Appalachian hardwood country
• Local expertise with proven quality systems
• Lumber optimized for specific applications

Get Started:

• Request quotes for your specific needs
• Schedule technical consultation
• Review sample materials
• Discuss custom sorting requirements

Ready to experience premium furniture and cabinet grade lumber? Contact our team today to discuss your requirements and learn how our expertise supports quality craftsmanship.