Welcome to Gutchess Lumber, your trusted partner for your hardwood lumber needs! If you’re new here, let us introduce ourselves. We’re a 120-year-old B2B lumber company located in the Northeastern region of the United States. We are grateful to have been the global go-to source for top-quality lumber products, exceptional service, and tailored solutions to help businesses succeed since 1904. As a leading B2B company in the lumber industry, we understand the unique challenges and requirements of businesses that rely on truckloads of lumber, containers of hardwood, and mixed loads.

Reliable and Efficient Ordering

At Gutchess Lumber, we take pride in delivering truckloads and containers of hardwood promptly and reliably, including mixed loads. We understand that time is a precious commodity, and our efficient logistics and extensive distribution network ensure that your orders are delivered quickly and accurately. Whether you need a single truckload or multiple containers of hardwood, we have the capacity and resources to meet your demands and, most importantly, on time. Contact a Gutchess Lumber sales representative to learn more.

Premium Quality Lumber

Quality is our top priority at Gutchess Lumber. We source our lumber sustainably and conduct rigorous quality control measures to ensure that every piece meets the highest standards. We grade using NHLA guidelines. Our extensive range of lumber options includes Hard Maple wood, Red Maple wood, Red Oak wood, and more Northern species, all available in various grades and dimensions. Whether you require specific species or custom-cut sizes, we have the expertise and inventory to meet your requirements and offer mixed loads.

Tailored Solutions for Mixed Loads

We understand that not all businesses are the same and require uniform loads of lumber. Sometimes companies need a mix of different wood types and sizes. Gutchess Lumber excels in providing tailored solutions for mixed loads, ensuring that you receive precisely what you need. Our knowledgeable, experienced team works closely with you to understand your specifications, enabling us to curate a custom blend of lumber varieties in a single shipment, optimizing efficiency and reducing costs.

Expert Guidance and Support

As your dedicated partner, Gutchess Lumber offers more than just top-quality products. Our experienced team is here to provide expert guidance and support throughout your lumber procurement process. Whether you need assistance with product selection or estimating quantities, we have the knowledge and industry insights to help you make informed decisions.

Commitment Towards Sustainability

At Gutchess Lumber, sustainability is at the core of our operations. We are committed to responsible forestry practices. By sourcing lumber from sustainably managed forests and implementing eco-friendly manufacturing processes, we minimize our environmental impact while delivering superior products to our customers. Partnering with Gutchess Lumber means aligning your business with sustainable values and contributing to a greener future.

When it comes to truckloads of lumber, containers of hardwood, or mixed loads, Gutchess Lumber is the B2B partner you can rely on. With our dedication to quality, efficient logistics, tailored solutions, and expert support, we empower your business to thrive in the lumber industry.

Together, let’s build a solid foundation for your success in the lumber industry!

Welcome to Gutchess Lumber, your trusted source for high-quality Northern hardwood lumber products. Our company proudly provides expertly manufactured hardwoods, which come from the Northeastern region of the United States. Our Northern hardwood species, including White Ash, Basswood, Birch, White Oak, Cherry, Hard Maple, Hickory, Poplar, Red Maple, Red Oak, and Walnut, are responsibly harvested and manufactured to maintain their unique characteristics. Our guide showcases each of the Northern hardwood species we offer, along with their common uses, physical characteristics, fast facts, and much more.

Ash hardwood

White Ash is a highly desirable hardwood species that is commonly used for a variety of applications. Its dense and bright sapwood, which is the outermost layer of the tree, makes it highly resistant to wear and tear and insect damage. The light tan heartwood, which is the inner layer of the tree, provides the wood with excellent shock resistance and flexibility, making it ideal for tool handles, baseball bats, and other sports equipment. The uniform annual growth rings of White Ash give it a consistent and attractive appearance that furniture makers and flooring manufacturers alike highly prize. The wood’s dimensional stability and excellent finishing properties make it popular for guitar bodies, cabinetry, and other high-end woodworking projects. White Ash is also a popular choice for lobster traps due to its durability and resistance to decay when exposed to saltwater. Overall, White Ash is a versatile and highly sought-after hardwood species that is suitable for a wide range of applications.

Basswood hardwood

Basswood, also known as linden, is a popular hardwood choice due to its lightweight and soft texture. The wood has a lighter color with a fine, close grain, making it easy to work with hand tools. Basswood’s low density makes it an ideal wood for woodenware, such as bowls and spoons, as well as crates and blinds. Additionally, it’s often used for internal furniture parts because it’s relatively inexpensive and easy to shape. Its softness makes it an excellent wood for carving intricate designs or details, making it a preferred choice for many furniture manufacturers. In summary, basswood’s versatility and ease of use make it a go-to wood for various hardwood designs.

Birch hardwood

Birch hardwood is popular for various applications due to its versatile nature and beautiful appearance. With its straight or slightly wavy grain and fine, even texture, it is an ideal material for creating furniture pieces with a sleek and modern look and for more traditional designs. Birch hardwood’s light color allows it to be stained or painted to match any design aesthetic, making it a versatile option for kitchen cabinets, paneling, and moldings. Birch is also an excellent choice for interior doors, as it is durable and can withstand wear and tear. Its natural resistance to moisture and rot makes it a popular choice for flooring in high-traffic areas. In addition to these more common applications, Birch hardwood is also used for various specialty wood items, such as turnings, toys, and decorative items, due to its ease of working and carving properties.

Cherry hardwood

Cherry is a popular and highly sought-after hardwood due to its warm and inviting reddish-brown tones, which deepen and improve over time. This heartwood is often highlighted with elegant and complex grain patterns, including curly, fiddle back, and birdseye figuring. Unlike other hardwoods, our Cherry hardwood has minimal gum spots, making it a premium choice for high-end furniture, cabinetry, and decorative woodwork. Its stunning appearance and durability make it a favorite among designers. It is often used for heirloom-quality pieces meant to last for generations. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Cherry wood is easy to work with and finishes beautifully, making it a versatile material for a wide range of applications.

Hard Maple hardwood

Hard Maple is renowned for its durability and strength, making it an excellent choice for many applications. The pale and creamy hardwood provides a blank canvas for various finishes. It also has a fine, uniform texture with a subtle grain pattern ranging from straight to curly or wavy. Due to its hardness, Hard Maple resists wear and tear, making it ideal for high-traffic areas such as gym and basketball courts, bowling alleys, and stairs. It’s also a popular choice for furniture and cabinetry, where it can be finished with a clear coat to showcase its natural beauty. Hard Maple’s resonant properties also make it a favored wood for musical instruments such as violins, guitars, and drumsticks. Its versatility and durability make it a valuable addition to any woodworking project.

Hickory hardwood

Northern Shagbark Hickory is a type of hardwood highly valued for its toughness, durability, and resilience. This hardwood is renowned for its distinctive bark, which separates it from its southern counterpart. The sapwood is on the lighter side, while the heartwood ranges from a light to medium brown color. The wood has a tight, uniform grain that creates beautiful patterns and is easy to work with. Due to its high shock resistance, Northern Shagbark Hickory is perfect for use in cabinetry, tool handles, axles and shafts, bows, skis, paddles, furniture, and flooring. Its resistance to wear and tear, coupled with its toughness, makes it ideal for use in items that are frequently used or subject to heavy use. The wood is also well-suited for steam-bending, which is useful in furniture making and other woodworking projects. All in all, Northern Shagbark Hickory is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a strong and durable hardwood that is both beautiful and practical.

Poplar hardwood

White Poplar hardwood is a versatile and sustainable hardwood that is easy to work with and finishes beautifully. Its unique lightness and strength make it an ideal choice for various applications, including furniture, interior trim, toys, and even musical instruments. The wood’s light color and subtle grain pattern provide a neutral backdrop for any decorative or finishing touches, and it can be stained or painted to match any design scheme. Our White Poplar is sourced from prime timberland in the northern Appalachian region of Pennsylvania, near our manufacturing facilities, ensuring we can access the highest quality wood available while minimizing our environmental impact.

Red Maple hardwood

Red Maple hardwood is a popular choice for a variety of applications due to its moderate density, straight grain, and subtle figure. Its heartwood ranges from light to dark reddish-brown and its sapwood is white with a reddish tinge. Red Maple is often used for flooring, cabinets, furniture, veneer, and musical instruments such as drums and pianos. Due to its durability and workability, Red Maple is widely available and relatively affordable compared to other hardwoods, making it an excellent choice for both commercial and residential applications.

Red Oak hardwood

Red Oak is a widespread species of hardwood known for its strength, durability, and distinctive grain patterns. The heartwood of Red Oak ranges from light to medium brown, while the sapwood is a pale yellow color. With a coarse and open grain, Red Oak is easy to work with and can be finished to showcase its natural beauty. It is commonly used in flooring, cabinets, furniture, veneer, and millwork due to its strength, shock resistance, and affordability. The wood is also ideal for steam-bending, allowing it to be shaped into various forms for decorative and structural purposes. Red Oak is a versatile hardwood suitable for many applications, making it a favorite.

Walnut hardwood

American Black Walnut is a highly valued hardwood known for its rich, dark color and straight grain. The heartwood of this medium-density hardwood is a deep, dark red, while the steamed sapwood is dark in color. Our Black Walnut is sourced from North Central Ohio, where the wood is highly sought after for its color and workability. Its exceptional machining and bending properties make it ideal for furniture, paneling, cabinets, doors, paddles, coffins, flooring, and rifle stock. This versatile hardwood can be polished or stained to an exceptional finish, making it a popular choice for various high-end applications.

White Oak hardwood

White Oak is a highly desirable hardwood due to its durability and strength and is therefore used in a wide range of applications beyond whiskey and wine barrels. It has a fine, uniform texture with straight grains and is highly resistant to decay and insect attacks. This makes it ideal for outdoor furniture, boat building, flooring, millwork, and cabinetry. Its natural resistance to moisture also makes it a popular choice for outdoor structures such as decks, patios, and pergolas. Additionally, White Oak is highly valued for its appearance, with the heartwood often displaying a range of colors from pale yellow-brown to dark brown with a hint of olive green and the sapwood being only slightly lighter. Its distinctive grain patterns make it a popular choice for decorative applications, and its hard-wearing properties ensure that it remains a favorite for furniture designers and makers.

At Gutchess Lumber, we take pride in providing high-quality hardwoods, including White Ash, Basswood, Birch, White Oak, Cherry, Hard Maple, Hickory, Poplar, Red Maple, Red Oak, and Walnut. Each species has unique physical characteristics and uses, and we ensure they are treated with the respect they deserve. We are committed to maintaining our 120-year reputation as a trustworthy and reliable provider of hardwood lumber and look forward to serving our customers for years to come. Choose us for all your hardwood needs and experience the difference in quality and customer service.

As we become more aware of the built environment’s impact on our health and well-being, designers and architects are increasingly turning to biophilic design to create spaces that promote human health and happiness. Biophilic design is an approach to architecture and interior design that emphasizes the connection between people and nature. By incorporating natural elements, such as hardwood, plants, water, and natural light, into building design, biophilic design creates restorative, soothing spaces that promote overall health.

Benefits of biophilic design in architecture and interiors

Incorporating biophilic design into architecture and interior design can have several benefits. For example, studies have shown that exposure to natural light can improve mood, reduce stress, and increase productivity. Incorporating plants and greenery into a space can also improve air quality, reduce noise levels, and help to create a sense of calm and tranquility. Furthermore, using natural materials, such as hardwood and stone, can create a sense of warmth and comfort often lacking in modern, industrial-style buildings.

Key principals of biophilic design

One of the key principles of biophilic design is creating a connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. This can be achieved by using large windows, balconies, and green roofs that allow people to see and interact with nature from within the building. By blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, biophilic design creates a sense of continuity that is both calming and restorative.

Another important aspect of biophilic design is using color and texture to create a natural and organic feel. For example, using natural hardwood or stone walls can create a sense of calm and depth often lacking in modern, minimalist designs. Similarly, using soft, natural fabrics and materials, such as wool and cotton, can create a sense of comfort and relaxation often lacking in synthetic materials.

How interior designers and architects use hardwood in biophilic design

Interior designers and architects often incorporate hardwood into biophilic design because it is a sustainable and eco-friendly material that connects people to nature. Hardwood provides a sense of warmth and natural beauty that can help to create a sense of calm and tranquility. It also has many practical benefits, such as durability, versatility, and resistance to wear and tear. By using hardwood in building design, designers can also promote carbon sequestration and storage, which helps to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and mitigate the effects of climate change. Whether used in flooring, furniture, or wall paneling, hardwood is a versatile and aesthetically pleasing material that can help bring nature’s beauty and serenity into interior spaces.

In conclusion, incorporating biophilic design into architecture and interior design can have many benefits, including improved health and well-being, increased productivity, and a greater sense of calm and tranquility. By incorporating natural elements, such as plants, water, and natural light, into building design, biophilic design creates restorative and aesthetically pleasing spaces. As we prioritize human health and well-being in building design, biophilic design will likely become an increasingly important trend in architecture and interior design.

When it comes to finding reliable hardwood lumber manufacturers in the United States of America, there are some things you need to consider. Quality and reputation are essential, as is a long track record of success. You must also look for customer reviews from domestic and international customers and membership in trade associations like the American Hardwood Export Council and National Hardwood Lumber Association. Let’s take a closer look at what you should be looking for when it comes to finding a reliable hardwood lumber manufacturer.

Hardwood lumber manufacturing experience

Experience matters when looking for a reliable hardwood lumber manufacturer in the USA. Look for those with a long track record of success and who have been around for at least 100 years. Gutchess Lumber has been around since 1904. Gutchess Lumber has nearly 120 years of experience manufacturing hardwood lumber in the USA, specifically in the Northeastern region of the United States. Check out the about page on Gutchess Lumber’s website or call directly for more information about their history and reliable manufacturing capabilities in New York and Pennsylvania.

Read customer reviews

It’s also important to read customer reviews from both domestic and international customers, depending on your location. This will help you gauge people’s satisfaction with their product or service. If you are an international buyer looking for a reliable hardwood lumber manufacturer, shipping times can be a huge factor in your decision. Gutchess Lumber is known for its reliability when it comes to shipping times. Here are a couple of reviews from Gutchess Lumber customers.

“We have been trading with Gutchess Lumber for at least 20 years. They have always been reliable, straight-forward and their quality always meets expectations. Gutchess Lumber has always delivered on time, as per their contracts and their staff responsible for documentation are very thorough, ensuring that we never have any problems with the import process. We have no hesitation in advising that Gutchess Lumber is an honourable company.”

Hardwood Distributer, United Kingdom customer

“We purchase from Gutchess because we know the quality of the material is going to be high quality at a reasonable price, and the customer service is going to be at a high level. You always come through on your promises, and that gives us a great deal of confidence when ordering! We have had lots of issues with poor quality material arriving from other vendors in the past, and we know that we don’t need to worry about this from Gutchess.”

Commercial Furniture Manufacturer, USA

Check hardwood lumber manufacturing associations

Another good way to find reliable hardwood lumber manufacturers in the USA is by seeing if they are members of groups like the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) and the National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA). These organizations provide tools for you to look up their members to verify membership. While any company can say on its website they are a member of a hardwood lumber association, it’s always best to check. For example, use AHEC’s member lookup tool by searching “Gutchess Lumber,” you will see they are a verified member. You can also use this tool to search specifically for hardwood lumber manufacturers in the USA. Being a member of these organizations shows that Gutchess Lumber is committed to providing its customers with quality products while adhering to industry standards.

For more than a century, the Gutchess Lumber name has been synonymous with hardwood lumber manufacturing excellence in the USA. The employee-owned and family-led business is renowned for its commitment to combining high-quality hardwood and outstanding service, leading customers from all over the globe to rely on Gutchess Lumber as their source of hardwood. With extensive expertise and years of reliable hardwood inventories, “Be sure it’s Gutchess” is the gold standard tagline known worldwide.

In conclusion, finding a reliable hardwood lumber manufacturer in the USA can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. By researching their longevity in business and reading customer reviews both domestically and internationally, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’ve chosen the right company for your hardwood needs. Additionally, ensure any potential company is a member of reputable industry organizations like AHEC or NHLA so that you know they follow industry best practices when producing high-quality lumber products with superior craftsmanship. With these tips in mind, you can rest assured that your hardwood needs will be met with an experienced partner who takes pride in delivering quality products year after year.

If you are looking for high-quality kiln-dried hardwood lumber, look no further than Gutchess Lumber. Established in 1904, Gutchess Lumber is one of the leading American suppliers of kiln-dried hardwood lumber, exporting its forest products worldwide. With over a century of experience, the company has built a reputation for being a reliable and trusted source of top-quality hardwood products.

Gutchess Lumber and the American Hardwood Export Council

As a member of the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), Gutchess Lumber is committed to supplying and promoting American hardwoods in international markets. AHEC is the leading international trade association for the U.S. hardwood industry, representing committed U.S. hardwood exporters and significant U.S. hardwood product trade associations. With its extensive network and expertise, AHEC runs a worldwide program to promote the full range of American hardwoods in over 50 export markets.

Being a member of AHEC means that Gutchess Lumber has access to the latest market research and insights, allowing us to stay ahead of the competition and offer our customers the best possible products and services. We are dedicated to promoting the use of American hardwoods in international markets, which is one of AHEC’s primary goals. In addition, we are committed to providing our customers with responsibly harvested and environmentally-friendly forest products.

About Gutchess Lumber’s American Kiln-Dried Forest Products

At Gutchess Lumber, we understand the importance of providing our customers with the best hardwood products. That’s why we only source our lumber from responsibly managed forests, ensuring we play our part in protecting the environment. We then carefully process our lumber using state-of-the-art kiln-drying techniques, producing forest products of the highest possible quality.

Our extensive range of kiln-dried lumber products includes species such as Cherry hardwood, Hard Maple hardwood, Soft Maple hardwood, Red Oak hardwood, White Oak hardwood, and Walnut hardwood, to name just a few. For a complete list of the 11 American hardwood species Gutchess Lumber offers, click here. In addition, we offer a wide range of thicknesses and grades, making it easy for our customers to find the perfect forest product for their needs.

Gutchess Lumber Northern China Customer Furniture Manufacturer Cherry Makeup Vanity made with our 4/4 Cherry F&BP

Get American Kiln-Dried Hardwood Lumber Products Worldwide

We take great pride in our ability to export kiln-dried hardwood lumber products worldwide, providing our customers access to high-quality American forest products, no matter where they live. So whether you are looking for a reliable supplier of hardwood lumber for your furniture manufacturing business or need high-quality timber for flooring manufacturing, we can help. Learn more about our global exporting process, including frequently asked questions here.

Our experienced kiln-dried hardwood sales professionals are here to ensure that our customers receive the best possible service. From selecting the perfect hardwood product, grade, and thickness for your needs to ensuring timely and reliable delivery, we are committed to providing a seamless experience for our customers. We’ve been doing it since 1904, after all.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a top American kiln-dried hardwood lumber supplier that exports all around the world, then Gutchess Lumber is a perfect choice. With over a century of experience, a wide range of high-quality forest products, and a commitment to providing the best possible service to our customers, we are the leading supplier of kiln-dried hardwood lumber in the United States. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services.

Gutchess Lumber Co., Inc. is a leading producer of North American forest products, with seven lumber yards and manufacturing plants located in New York and Pennsylvania. The company takes advantage of the abundant prime North American timber in the region to provide high-quality lumber products to its customers. Gutchess Lumber has been a well-established hardwood lumber manufacturer in business for over a century. Founded in 1904, the company has built a reputation for providing high-quality hardwood forest products to customers worldwide. As a fifth-generation led and employee-owned company, Gutchess Lumber is committed to maintaining its position as a leader in the industry for years to come.

Responsible forest products

Sustainability is a crucial aspect of Gutchess Lumber’s operations. The company is committed to responsible forestry practices, harvesting timber from responsibly managed forests, and using state-of-the-art manufacturing processes that minimize waste and reduce its environmental impact. Gutchess Lumber controls the manufacturing process from the forest through shipping to customers. From harvesting logs to delivering hardwood forest products, the company controls every aspect of the process to ensure the highest quality products for its customers. Watch as logs are added to the log yard at Gutchess Lumber’s Cortland, New York headquarters below.

Hardwood forest products

Gutchess Lumber‘s seven lumber yards and manufacturing plants are strategically located across New York and Pennsylvania, providing easy access to world-renowned timberland. The company also has a robust distribution network that enables it to deliver products to customers across North America and worldwide. One of Gutchess Lumber’s key strengths is its ability to provide its customers with a wide range of hardwood products. The company manufactures and exports hardwood forest products worldwide, including Black Cherry lumber, Hard Maple lumber, Northern Red Oak and White Oak lumber, and other Northern hardwood species. Gutchess Lumber’s products are used in various applications, including furniture making, cabinetry, flooring, and more. Read some Gutchess Lumber customer testimonials here.

World-renowned hardwood lumber

One of the critical strengths of Gutchess Lumber is its ability to provide consistent products. The company has a team of sales professionals who work closely with customers to understand their unique requirements and provide tailored solutions. This customer service level has helped establish Gutchess Lumber as a trusted supplier in the industry.

“We have been trading with Gutchess Lumber for at least 20 years,” a hardwood distributor customer in the United Kingdom said. “They have always been reliable, straightforward and their quality always meets expectations. Gutchess Lumber has always delivered on time, as per their contracts and their staff responsible for documentation are very thorough, ensuring that we never have any problems with the import process. We have no hesitation in advising that Gutchess Lumber is an honorable company.”

Produced by employee-owners

As one of the leading producers of North American forest products, Gutchess Lumber prides itself on manufacturing a consistent product. Maintaining strict quality control standards is one of the key benefits of keeping the entire manufacturing process in-house. Each employee at Gutchess Lumber is dedicated to producing a superior hardwood forest product, as they have skin in the game. Gutchess Lumber is an employee stock ownership company, which means employees are company owners. Listen in as sales representative Trudy Burdge talks about the ESOP program in the video below.

In conclusion, Gutchess Lumber is a leading producer of North American forest products, committed to sustainability, high-quality products, and exceptional customer service. Whether you’re a contractor, furniture maker, or packaging manufacturer, Gutchess Lumber has the products and expertise to meet your needs. Use our interactive map to identify your region’s sales representative and get in touch to purchase hardwood from one of the leading producers of North American forest products.

Baseball fans love nothing more than a good homerun record, which New York Yankees star Aaron Judge just knocked out of the park. When someone steps up to the plate and launches one deep into the stands, the crowd goes wild. What’s even more impressive is when a player breaks an existing record. But have you ever wondered what goes into making a bat that can hit a ball so far? The answer is simple: the material. In this post, we’ll explore the history of some of baseball’s biggest home run records and the hardwood bats that were used to set them.

Babe Ruth’s Record-Setting Season

In 1927, Babe Ruth hit a total of 60 home runs, which remained an MLB record for 34 years. That season, Ruth used a Hickory bat. It was an R43 model that was 35 and a half inches long and weighed 38 and a half ounces.

View Gutchess Lumber Hickory hardwood characteristics, grades, and more.

Roger Maris Breaks Ruth’s Record

In 1961, Roger Maris broke Babe Ruth’s record by hitting 61 home runs in a single season. Maris used a 37-inch, 40-ounce piece of Sugar Maple to achieve his feat. Sugar Maple is actually harder than Ash, which is why it’s often used for building floors and furniture instead of bats. Nevertheless, Maris’ bat was up to the task and helped him make history.

Aaron Judge Breaks Maris’ Record

On October 4, 2022, Judge broke the Major League Baseball home run record with a smashing 62 home runs. Judge previously tied Roger Maris’ 61 run record. To accomplish these feats, Judge swung a 35-inch, 33-ounce Maple bat that is made by Chandler Bats.

View Gutchess Lumber Maple hardwood characteristics, grades, and more.

As you can see, hardwood bats have played a big role in Major League Baseball history. Babe Ruth, Roger Maris, and Aaron Judge all used hardwood bats to achieve their historic feats. Today, companies craft high-quality hardwood bats for professional and amateur players alike. If you’re looking for the hardwood that makes history, be sure to check out our selection of hardwood lumber products.

Gutchess Lumber Co. Inc., one of the nation’s leading suppliers of hardwood lumber, is excited to announce the expansion of its sales team with the addition of Patrick Semeraro. Patrick began his career with Gutchess Lumber stacking lumber and has worked his way up through the ranks, most recently joining the global kiln-dried lumber sales team as a salesperson. In his new role, Patrick will be responsible for developing relationships with new and existing customers. Here is a glimpse into Patrick’s career since joining Gutchess Lumber:

I began working here at Gutchess in our Cortland facility back in July of 2020, where I started off in the yard stacking lumber. After a short time of stacking, I began to learn how to operate various machines such as the sorter, tilt hoist, and trim saws. While learning the ins and outs of how the yard operates, I was attending our grading classes after work. By January of 2021, I had completed the course and was working on the dryline as a lumber inspector. I continued this for over a year, and in April of 2022, I was hired into my current position as a salesperson with the company.

My entire experience here with Gutchess has been amazing. From being hired to working in the yard, to being in sales, everyone along the way has been more than willing to help me learn and grow with the company. Without their help and knowledge, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I am looking forward to my new role with the company and am excited for what the future may hold.

Gutchess Lumber is committed to providing its customers with the best possible products and services. With the addition of Patrick Semeraro to its sales team, the company is well-positioned to continue delivering on that commitment. Welcome to the sales team, Patrick. To find your territory’s sales representative, please use Gutchess Lumber’s interactive map here.

Hardwood production is an interesting process to witness. It’s even more interesting when you get to see it in person. A video can only do so much justice. That’s why Gutchess Lumber Co. Inc is happy to open its doors to students of all ages to see a glimpse of how hardwood is produced. Gutchess Lumber previously welcomed Agriculture Science and Natural Resources students, part of McGraw Central School District’s AIR CTE pathway program, to see what goes on in our Cortland, New York hardwood sawmill.

A Message from McGraw Central School District

The Agriculture Science and Natural Resources classes, both a part of the new AIR CTE pathway, went to Gutchess Lumber on December 17th for a tour of their facilities. We were shown how logs are processed- from being segregated by species out in the yard, being sawed-graded-bundled, to being dried in their kilns. Chris Barber spoke to the students about employment opportunities and what it takes to do the job- the 3 D’s: dependability, durability, and drive. In addition, he explained the whole process of how a log becomes a board and all the technical aspects of each stage of that process. Despite the cold, students and staff enjoyed the tour and learned quite a bit about a world-renowned company right here in our backyard.

The Hardwood Production Process

The first step in hardwood production is harvesting trees. The Gutchess Lumber Natural Resources Department ensures that the mill has a continuous flow of hardwood logs by working with our own land and individual landowners across New York and Pennsylvania to develop responsible forestry management programs. Once the trees are cut down, they are transported to our sawmills where they are then debarked and cut into lumber. The lumber goes through a kiln-drying process where it is dried to a specific moisture content over the course of several weeks or sometimes months. After the lumber is dried, it is ready to be shipped out and used for various purposes.

Common Uses for Hardwood Lumber

Hardwood lumber can be used for a variety of projects, both big and small. Some of the most common uses that Gutchess hardwood goes into making include:

• Furniture making
• Cabinetry
• Flooring
• Molding and trim
• Wood components
• Caskets
• Stair treads

Why Learn About the Hardwood Manufacturing Process?

It’s always beneficial to learn about how things are produced, especially when it’s something that we interact with on a daily basis like hardwood. Seeing the process in person can also be very eye-opening and might even inspire students to pursue a career in this field. There are several career paths that students get introduced to, including forestry and natural resources, material handling, mechanics, electricity, and more. Who knows, maybe one day these students will be the ones running our yard.

Overall, it was great having students from AIR CTE pathway visit our facility and learn about the hardwood production process. If you are a local business or school and are interested in seeing how hardwood is produced or just want to learn more about the industry in general, we highly encourage you to reach out to us to talk about what we can do to help continue learning outside of the workplace or classroom.

Gutchess Lumber Co. Inc is committed to being environmentally responsible and celebrating Environmental Awareness Month is one way we like to show it. This year, we want to focus on raising awareness of responsible forestry practices that help us preserve our forests for future generations.

Forests play a vital role in the health of our planet and its inhabitants. They provide critical habitats for countless species of plants and animals, help regulate our climate, and purify the air we breathe. Responsible forestry practices are essential to maintaining these benefits and ensuring that our forests remain healthy and thriving.

Unfortunately, not all forestry practices are equally beneficial to the environment. In fact, some practices can actually do more harm than good. For example, clear-cutting—the practice of removing all trees from an area—can damage delicate ecosystems and lead to soil erosion and flooding. Unsustainable logging practices can also deplete forests of their valuable timber resources, making it difficult for them to recover.

On the other hand, sustainable forestry practices, which we practice at Gutchess Lumber, such as selective harvesting can help maintain the health of our forests while still providing the hardwood products that the world needs. Selective harvesting allows foresters to remove only certain trees while leaving the rest of the forest intact. This helps to ensure that the forest remains diverse and healthy while the carbon that is absorbed during the trees’ life is stored.

“Those trees otherwise would die and release that carbon directly back into the atmosphere,” Gutchess Lumber President and Chairman Matthew Gutchess explained. “Even better, removal of the overstory allows new trees to grow, which consume carbon out of the atmosphere more efficiently than mature trees. This makes an active working forest a powerful force for mitigation of climate change.”

As we celebrate Environmental Awareness Month, let’s take a moment to reflect on the importance of our forests and what we can do to protect them. By choosing products made from responsibly sourced wood and supporting sustainable forestry practices, we can help make sure that our forests remain healthy for generations to come. To learn more about Gutchess Lumber’s commitment to the environment, head over to our environment and sustainability resource center by clicking here.