When off-the-shelf lumber won't do, Select Hardwoods delivers precisely what your manufacturing process demands. Our custom specification capabilities ensure you get exactly the right material for your unique applications.

Premium Hardwood Tailored to Your Exact Manufacturing Requirements

For decades, manufacturers across the country have trusted Select Hardwoods by Church & Church to provide custom-specified Appalachian hardwoods that meet their most exacting requirements. From specialized cuts to custom sorting and finishing options, we tailor our premium hardwood products to your specific needs.

Beyond Standard Grades: True Manufacturing Partnerships

At Select Hardwoods, we understand that your manufacturing success depends on receiving materials that align perfectly with your production processes. That's why we go beyond standard industry classifications to provide truly customized lumber solutions.

Our approach begins with understanding your specific manufacturing requirements:

• Exact thickness specifications to minimize machining waste
• Custom width sorting to optimize your cutting processes
• Color matching for consistent aesthetic outcomes
• Growth ring orientation for optimal stability in your applications
• Surface preparation that integrates seamlessly with your finishing processes

Custom Cutting Capabilities

Our state-of-the-art sawmill and dry kiln operations allow us to provide lumber in virtually any configuration your manufacturing process requires:

Custom Thickness Options

• Standard thicknesses from 1/2" to 16/4"
• Precision thickness tolerances to your specifications
• Consistent thickness across entire orders

Specialized Sawing Techniques

• Quarter-sawn lumber for exceptional stability
• Rift-sawn material for straight, consistent grain patterns
• Plain-sawn options for maximum yield and value
• Custom angle sawing for specialized applications

Width Specifications

• Fixed width material to eliminate ripping operations
• Sorted width ranges to optimize your cutting processes
• Extra-wide boards for special applications

Advanced Sorting Capabilities

Our specialized sorting processes ensure you receive material that meets your specific requirements:

Color Sorting

• Color-matched material for consistent aesthetic results
• Sapwood or heartwood sorting based on your needs
• Specialty character selections (mineral streak, figure patterns, etc.)

Grade Sorting

• Standard NHLA grades (FAS, Select, No. 1 Common, etc.)
• Custom grade sorts based on your specific criteria
• Proprietary grading standards developed specifically for your applications

Character Sorting

• Straight grain selection for maximum stability
• Figure pattern identification (curly, quilted, bird's eye, etc.)
• Knot size and placement specifications
• Growth ring density sorting

Surface Preparation Options

Minimize your processing steps with our surface preparation capabilities:

Surfacing Services

• S2S (surfaced two sides) to your exact thickness specification
• S4S (surfaced four sides) to your complete dimensional requirements
• Textured surface options for specialized applications
• Custom edge profiling available for certain applications

Moisture Content Control

• Precisely controlled kiln drying to your specified moisture content
• Specialized drying schedules for thick stock and sensitive species
• Moisture content verification and documentation
• Equilibrium moisture content management for your facility's environment

Premium Foothills NC Hardwood Species

Our location in the North Carolina Foothills gives us access to some of the finest hardwood resources in North America. We specialize in premium Appalachian hardwoods including:

White Oak

• Plain-sawn, quarter-sawn, and rift-sawn options
• Exceptional color consistency
• Superior grain pattern development

Red Oak

• Consistent color and grain characteristics
• Excellent machinability for manufacturing applications
• Various grade options to match your requirements

Hard Maple

• Light color with minimal variation
• Excellent finishing characteristics
• Exceptional wear resistance for high-traffic applications

What many don't realize is that our western North Carolina climate, soil, and elevation creates growing conditions similar to the Northeast, resulting in Cherry and Maple quality that rivals traditional northern sources. Our Cherry, Hard Maple, and Soft Maple are of significantly better quality than what's found in regions east and south of us. Read our article on the topic for more information.

Cherry

• Rich, consistent color development
• Straight, stable grain patterns
• Excellent working characteristics

Poplar

• Versatile utility hardwood
• Excellent paint-grade characteristics
• Consistent machinability

Hickory

• Custom-sorted to your specific requirements
• Distinctive character and exceptional hardness
• Specialized grading available to address typical variability

Ash, Walnut, Soft Maple, and More

We source and process a wide range of additional species to meet your specific manufacturing needs. If there's a particular Appalachian hardwood species your process requires, we can provide it to your exact specifications.

The Select Hardwoods Advantage

Technical Expertise

Our team includes lumber industry veterans with decades of experience in hardwood specification, grading, and processing. This expertise ensures your custom specifications are interpreted correctly and executed precisely.

Quality Control Systems

Our rigorous quality control processes verify that every board meets your specifications before it leaves our facility:

• Multi-point inspection protocols
• Detailed documentation of specifications
• Pre-shipment verification procedures
• Sample approval processes when requested

Packaging Excellence

Proper packaging is crucial for maintaining product quality during transit. Our custom packaging options include:

• Air-dried stickers to prevent sticker stain
• Reinforced package construction for safe handling
• Weather-protective wrapping
• Custom package sizes to accommodate your receiving capabilities
• Special marking and labeling to your specifications

Manufacturing Partnerships Built on Trust

We don't just sell lumber – we build long-term partnerships with manufacturers who value consistency, quality, and attention to detail. Our approach involves:

1. Understanding Your Process: We take the time to learn about your specific manufacturing requirements and challenges.
2. Collaborative Specification Development: Working with your team to define exact material specifications that optimize your manufacturing processes.
3. Sample Development and Approval: Providing sample material for testing and approval before full production.
4. Consistent Delivery Schedules: Coordinating production and shipping to align with your manufacturing schedule.
5. Ongoing Communication: Maintaining regular dialogue to address any specification adjustments as your needs evolve.

Serving the Entire Foothills Region and Beyond

From our facility in Millers Creek, we serve manufacturers throughout the North Carolina Foothills region and ship nationwide to clients who demand the finest Appalachian hardwoods. Our strategic location provides easy access to major transportation routes while maintaining proximity to premium hardwood resources.

Our custom lumber specification services are particularly valued by manufacturers in:

• Wilkes County
• Caldwell County
• Alexander County
• Catawba County
• Burke County
• Watauga County
• Ashe County
• Alleghany County

Frequently Asked Questions

What minimum order quantities apply for custom specifications?

Minimum order quantities vary based on the complexity of your specifications and the species requested. For most custom sorting requirements, minimum orders start at 1,000 board feet, while more standard items may be available in smaller quantities. For highly specialized requirements, larger minimums may apply. Contact our sales team to discuss your specific needs.

How consistent are your custom specifications from order to order?

Consistency is one of our core commitments. We maintain detailed records of all custom specifications and implement rigorous quality control processes to ensure order-to-order consistency. Many of our manufacturing partnerships have spanned decades precisely because of our reliability in maintaining exact specifications.

What information do you need to provide an accurate quote for custom lumber?

The most helpful information includes species, dimensions (thickness, width, length requirements), grade or appearance specifications, quantity needed, moisture content requirements, and delivery timeframe. Any information about the end application also helps us recommend the most appropriate specifications for your needs.

Can you match specifications from another supplier?

Absolutely. We frequently help manufacturers who are looking to diversify their supply chain or who have been disappointed by other suppliers. We can match existing specifications or, in many cases, improve upon them based on our extensive experience with Appalachian hardwoods.

What lead times should we expect for custom lumber orders?

Lead times vary based on current inventory, kiln schedules, and the complexity of your specifications. Standard items with custom sorting may ship in as little as 1-2 weeks, while fully custom items typically require 3-6 weeks. For ongoing partnerships, we can develop inventory programs that ensure material is always available when you need it.

Get Your Custom Lumber Specifications Today

Don't compromise your manufacturing process with off-the-shelf lumber. Get precisely what your application demands with custom-specified hardwoods from Select Hardwoods.

Contact our sales team today to discuss your custom lumber specifications.

Contact Us | Call: (336) 838-1256