The Importance of using Hardwood in Urban Infrastructure Projects

It is no secret that timeless and elegant infrastructure can add matched beauty to any product. We, more than anyone, can appreciate the major role that good hardwood plays in this. But that’s not all that hardwood does. Hardwood species are, now more than ever, becoming an absolutely essential part of green urban infrastructure projects. Let’s take a look at the role hardwood plays to contribute to the creation of resilient green spaces in the urban spaces, and allows us to lead a more sustainable and green life.

The use of sustainable building materials such as hardwood ensures a positive impact on our surroundings, such as air pollution mitigation, a reduction in the urban heat island effect and an overall enhancement of biodiversity in the urban spaces. Anyone living in an urban city can probably attest to the need and importance of integrating green spaces in our regular urban environments. Green urban infrastructure refers to spaces such as parks, gardens, roof gardens and the general practice of building infrastructure facilities in a more sustainable and green manner.

Being one of the only renewable and recyclable building materials, hardwood adds a ton of benefits to urban spaces, along with unmatched elegance. A quick look at the use of hardwood in Japanese and Scandinavian infrastructure can attest to this. Hardwood also absorbs harmful substances, such as carbon emissions, thus reducing the overall air pollution and elevating the quality of life. For those living in colder regions, hardwood also acts as a great insulant.

Hardwood is a great addition to infrastructure projects, not only because it is biodegradable and organic, but also due to its ability to facilitate a positive environment, thus helping immensely with mental health as well. By harnessing the qualities of hardwood for creating green urban infrastructure projects, we can create spaces which not only lower our collective carbon footprint, but also provide a beautiful urban landscape which allows us to connect with nature.

 

Incorporating wood into our surroundings can, furthermore, increase the overall quality of life by enhancing mental health, lowering stress and helping people connect with the environment, thus also improving overall productivity. By integrating hardwood elements into streetscapes, plazas, and public buildings, cities can create more human-centric spaces that promote health, happiness, and a sense of belonging.

Hardwood stands as a cornerstone of urban infrastructure, offering a harmonious blend of strength, sustainability, aesthetics, and economic viability through its properties of longevity and durability. Therefore, in order to ensure healthy and green living spaces, we must embrace the use of hardwood in developing green urban infrastructure.

What You Need to Buy Truckloads and Containers of Hardwood

If you’re manufacturing hardwood products like cabinets, flooring, stair parts, or a distributor of fine hardwood lumber, you probably know the value of a reliable supplier for high-quality hardwood.

Gutchess Lumber, a leading name in manufacturing responsible hardwood products, is here to meet your demands. We understand your need for reliable, high-quality hardwood and are here to make it happen.

So, what goes into partnering with Gutchess Lumber for your hardwood needs? Here’s a comprehensive guide.

1. Consistent Quality Hardwood Products

At Gutchess Lumber, we specialize in providing consistent quality Appalachian hardwood products to businesses that demand ongoing excellence. Our business caters to manufacturers of hardwood products such as cabinets, flooring, furniture, stair parts, moulding, millwork, etc., and distributors of hardwood lumber.

We can ship truckloads and containers of consistent quality hardwood domestically and worldwide. If you manufacture or distribute hardwood lumber, look no further than Gutchess Lumber.

2. On-time Delivery

Gutchess Lumber is committed to supplying hardwood year-round and on time, regardless of market conditions. We understand there is no room for delay when you say you need hardwood by a specific date. When we say you’ll get your hardwood delivered on a particular date, we mean it.

3. Strong Credit Standing

A good credit standing is vital for any business transaction. We work best with partners who value this as much as we do and maintain a good credit score to create a reliable, mutually beneficial, and secure business relationship.

4. Species Requirements

When it comes to hardwood, choosing a suitable species is critical. Gutchess Lumber allows you to choose from various Appalachian hardwood species. You’ve come to the right place if you’re in the market for any of the following hardwoods. Our production line includes:

White Ash

Basswood

Yellow Birch

Black Cherry

Hard Maple

Hickory

Poplar

Red Maple

Red Oak

Walnut

White Oak

Each of these hardwoods has unique qualities. When you’re looking to buy any of the species that Gutchess offers in truckload or container quantities, you can be confident that you’re getting real American hardwood.

5. Flexibility in Specifications

Regarding hardwood, you must find lumber that best suits your specific requirements. If you’re looking to buy truckloads or containers of rough-cut lumber or S2S material, then Gutchess Lumbers is the perfect destination for you. You can find the specifications of each species on our website and our hardwood lumber stock list, which is updated consistently.

6. Exclusive Focus on Business Partners

Gutchess Lumbers places value in building long-lasting, enduring and exclusive relationships with our customers. We are happy to go the extra mile to ensure commitment in our relationship with our customers. To honor this commitment, Gutchess Lumber does not pursue or solicit business from our distributors’ customers. Our customers are collaborators in a shared journey towards excellence in hardwood products.

To reinforce this commitment, we have a strict policy: you must not be a customer of a current customer. We respect our established partnerships and believe in working with them for mutual growth.

7. Shared Value of the Environment and Sustainability

You’re in the right place if you’re passionate about responsible forestry practices in hardwood production. At Gutchess Lumber, we understand the importance of responsible practices in hardwood harvesting and production. If you share our passion and value for responsibly sourced hardwood, you should buy truckloads and containers of hardwood from us.

Partnering with customers who share a similar vision ensures that we collectively continue to take steps towards a greener, more sustainable future.

8. Promoting the Benefits of Hardwood

At Gutchess Lumber, we are deeply committed to providing high-quality hardwood and spreading awareness about its exceptional benefits. From its durability and timeless appeal to its positive environmental impact, hardwood is an exceptional choice for aesthetics and sustainability. At Gutchess Lumber, we encourage you to choose us only if you are equally passionate about promoting the advantages of hardwoods to consumers around the world.

 

The Gutchess Lumber Advantage

1. Transparent Payment Terms

Gutchess Lumber believes in ensuring clarity and flexibility when it comes to payment. Our standard payment terms for domestic transactions are 1% 10 days/Net 30.

On the export front, we extend three standard payment methods: CAD (Cash Against Documents), Wire Transfer, and the 2WT option. The latter offers a 2% discount if payment is wired within ten days of receiving the invoice. This not only streamlines the transaction process but also provides a cost-saving incentive. We accept ACH and wire payments, facilitating smooth and secure transactions.

Additionally, there is no restriction based on the number of years your business has been in operation. New businesses, get in touch. We’ve been around for 120 years and counting and would be happy to share some of the knowledge we’ve collected over the years.

2. Flexible Shipping Options

At Gutchess Lumber, we understand that shipping preferences can vary. We offer two primary shipping terms to accommodate your needs and ensure a hassle-free buying experience.

FOB Mill: Under this arrangement, you can organize the freight, whether a truckload or a container. This gives you control over the logistics of the shipment.

Delivered: With this option, we take charge of the freight arrangements, ensuring a hassle-free delivery process. Whether it’s a truckload or container, we handle the logistics so you can focus on your core operations.

We will help you find lumber that fits your specific requirements so you can buy truckloads and containers of hardwood from Gutchess Lumber. Click here to find your region’s dedicated sales representative and get in touch. We can’t wait for you to get your first delivery of Gutchess Lumber hardwood products.

What are you waiting for? With flexible export options and the best quality lumber, order your truckload of lumber from Gutchess Lumber today!

11 Types of Appalachian Hardwood

The finest quality Appalachian hardwood is essential when distributing and manufacturing hardwood products for furniture, moulding, and other secondary uses. Crafting exquisite pieces that consumers will love requires the trust, charm, and quality that only Gutchess Lumber hardwood can provide. That is why our tagline is Be Sure It’s Gutchess.

Each type of Appalachian hardwood is unique and versatile and has specific characteristics that make it the perfect choice for your needs. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the eleven hardwood species we manufacture here at Gutchess Lumber that are revered for their distinctive characteristics and consistent quality.

White Ash Hardwood

Commonly used in furniture, tool handles, guitar bodies, lobster traps, and flooring, White Ash (Fraxinus americana) is a symbol of strength and dependability. Characterized by a straight, medium to coarse texture, it ranges from light to medium brown. Our White Ash hardwood is dense with bright white sapwood, light tan heartwood, and uniform, well-defined annual growth rings.

Renowned for its durability, it’s the go-to wood for crafting baseball bats and longbows. Whether you’re creating a masterpiece or a functional tool, White Ash is a choice that ensures your creation stands the test of time.

Thickness Offered:

4/4, 5/4, 6/4, 7/4, 8/4, 10/4, 12/4

Few Grades Offered:

F&B, S&B, SELN, 6SEL, 1,2,3 COM, Pallet

 

Basswood Hardwood

Also known as Lime or Linden, American Basswood is a soft, lightweight hardwood ideal for crafting. A soft, lightweight wood, pale in color, with fine close grain, it is usually free of large knots. From pale white to light brown, Basswood features a straight, fine-grain pattern—a canvas of understated elegance.

The light density of basswood lumber makes it well-suited for woodenware, crates, blinds, and internal furniture parts. For carving enthusiasts, kiln-dried Basswood responds effortlessly to hand tools. In many applications, it’s a versatile substitute for aspen or poplar.

Thickness Offered:

4/4, 5/4, 8/4

Few Grades Offered:

F&B, 1,2 COM, Pallet

 

Yellow Birch Hardwood

Native to Northeastern North America, Yellow Birch (Betula alleghaniensis) showcases a beautiful interplay of light, red-brown heartwood, and nearly white sapwood, exuding natural sophistication. The wood’s straight grain complements its fine, even texture, making it a pleasure to work with. With a Janka Hardness rating of 1,260 lbf, Yellow Birch embodies durability. Kiln-dried Yellow Birch finds its place in various applications, from crafting furniture and kitchen cabinets to adorning paneling, moldings, and interior doors.

Thickness Offered:

4/4

Few Grades Offered:

F&B, 1,2 COM

 

Black Cherry Hardwood

The Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) is a North American marvel featuring a fine, straight grain with the exception of figured pieces with curly grain patterns or when defects from pith, mineral deposits, gum pockets, and knots arise. Due to its malleability and the wide distribution of the seeds of its fruit by birds, the Black Cherry has always been in abundance in North America.

Ranging from light pink-brown to a radiant medium reddish-brown, Black Cherry’s palette is highly versatile. Medium in density, Black Cherry is malleable and exhibits excellent wood bending properties. Kiln-dried Cherry lumber finds its place in fine furniture, cabinets, paneling, flooring, doors, and even musical instruments. Its versatility extends to coffins, carvings, and recreational vehicle interiors.

Thickness Offered:

4/4, 5/4, 6/4, 8/4, 10/4, 12/4

Few Grades Offered:

F&BP, F&B, S&B, NAT, SELN, 6SEL, 1,2,3 COM, RUSTIC, Pallet

 

Hard Maple Hardwood

Hard Maple hardwood hails from the Sugar Maple tree (Acer saccharum), and is abundant throughout the Northeastern United States and Northeastern Canada. Hard Maple wood features a fine, even-textured grain that is generally straight but may be wavy. It boasts a palette ranging from white to cream and is graced by reddish or golden hues.

Hard Maple is a dense hardwood noted for its sturdy, bright white sapwood and high abrasion and wear resistance. Hard Maple finds its essence in various applications, from crafting fine furniture to adorning cabinets, stairs, and millwork. It can be found in gym floors, bowling alleys, and even in creating musical instruments.

Thickness Offered:

4/4, 5/4, 6/4, 8/4, 10/4, 12/4, 16/4

Few Grades Offered:

F&B, S&B, SELN, 6SEL, 1,2,3 COM, Pallet

 

Hickory Hardwood

Native to the Eastern United States, Hickory is commonly known as Shagbark Hickory. Its remarkable Janka Hardness ranking of 1,880 lbf ensures excellent strength and shock resistance. Hickory wood lumber heartwood features light to medium brown with red undertones, while the sapwood is pale, yellowish-brown. Its grain, predominantly straight with occasional waves, adds depth to its visual appeal, complemented by a medium texture.

For those seeking a rustic touch, Calico Hickory boards offer a picturesque option featuring heartwood and sapwood on the same canvas. Used for cabinets, tool handles, axles and shafts, bows, skis, paddles, furniture, and flooring, Hickory is hard, dense, and heavy.

Thickness Offered:

4/4, 5/4, 8/4

Few Grades Offered:

F&B, 1,2,3 COM, RUSTIC, Pallet

 

Poplar Hardwood

Rising to towering heights of 130 to 160 feet, with trunks spanning 6 to 8 feet in diameter, Poplar commands attention with its sheer size. However, beneath this imposing stature lies a wood of remarkably low density.

Poplar wood color features a light cream to yellow-brown heartwood, pale yellow to white sapwood, and a straight, uniform grain. White Poplar is a light, soft hardwood with sapwood that is white or light green cast. The color is lighter and more uniform than native American Southern “Yellow Poplar” (also known as Tulipwood). It is generally free of dark mineral streaks found in the southern species, making it a stain-grade Poplar.

White Poplar offers an economical solution for various applications from furniture to millwork, carvings to picture frames. It proves itself to be a versatile and cost-effective option.

Thickness Offered:

4/4, 5/4, 6/4, 8/4, 10/4, 12/4

Few Grades Offered:

F&B, 1,2,3 COM

 

Red Maple Hardwood

Also known as the Scarlet Maple, Red Maple, the Drummond Red Maple, the Carolina Red Maple, the Swamp Maple, the Trident Maple, and the Water Maple, this hardwood is found in the Eastern United States and Canada. Similar in appearance to Hard Maple, its close-grained sapwood is generally creamy white, and its heartwood is reddish-brown. The grain of this hardwood is often dotted with flecks. It easily machines and can be finished to emulate the essence of Hard Maple, Black Cherry, or Alder, making it a valuable substitute in various woodworking projects.

Thickness Offered:

4/4, 5/4, 6/4, 8/4

Few Grades Offered:

F&BS, F&B, FIGR, WRM, S&B, SELN, 6SEL, 1,2,3 COM, Pallet

 

Red Oak Hardwood

A testament to nature’s vigor, the Red Oak tree unfurls its branches, growing to a remarkable 24 inches yearly. Red Oak lumber boasts a distinctive character, featuring a coarse, uneven, straight grain punctuated by large pores. Red Oak wood color ranges from light to medium brown with red undertones.

Distinguished by its strength, durability, and ease of manipulation, Red Oak is a versatile ally in woodworking. Red Oak machines exceptionally well and can be stained or polished beautifully. Kiln-dried Red Oak is commonly used in furniture, cabinets, doors, panels, moldings, and millwork, floors, and caskets.

Thickness Offered:

4/4, 5/4, 6/4, 7/4, 8/4

Few Grades Offered:

F&B, F&BP, S&B, SELN, 6SEL, 1,2,3 COM, Pallet

 

Walnut Hardwood

Known by various names like American Black Walnut and American Walnut, Walnut exudes an air of timeless elegance. The Black Walnut hardwood bark is dark gray to brown in color with deep ridges that create a distinctive bark pattern. American Black Walnut is a straight-grained, medium-density hardwood with beautiful dark red heartwood and steamed dark sapwood.

Renowned for its workability and stunning finish, this medium-density hardwood is preferred for various applications. From crafting exquisite furniture and cabinets to adorning doors, floors, and paneling, Black Walnut leaves an indelible mark of sophistication and luxury.

Thickness Offered:

4/4, 5/4, 6/4, 8/4

Few Grades Offered:

F&B, F&BS, 1,2,3 COM, Pallet

 

White Oak Hardwood

White Oak (Quercus alba) tree growth is native to the eastern United States. It boasts resilience against diverse climates, adapting seamlessly to varying temperatures, annual precipitation, and relative humidity levels.

The color of White Oak lumber can be described as similar to wheat in color with cool undertones. White Oak wood features a very mild, straight grain pattern that is perceived as having a coarse, uneven texture even when planed.

The remarkable durability and water-resistant prowess of White Oak truly set it apart. Tyloses fortify its pores, rendering it resistant to decay and rot. These natural waterproofing properties are the reason White Oak has historically been the wood of choice for shipbuilding.

White Oak has a light brown heartwood and slightly paler sapwood. It is vital, tough, dense, tight-grained, durable, and beautiful. Its water-resistant properties make it the primary species for whiskey and wine barrels. It is used in fine furniture today and indoors, moldings, caskets, boat decking, flooring, and outdoor applications. Kiln-dried White Oak is rated as one of the best hardwoods for machining and steam bending.

Thickness Offered:

4/4, 5/4, 6/4, 8/4

Few Grades Offered:

F&B, 1,2,3 COM, Pallet

Gutchess Lumber hardwood lumber products

Gutchess Lumber is a National Hardwood Manufacturer You Can Trust

If you’re in the market for hardwood lumber, whether it be for cabinets, caskets, stair treads, millwork, fine furniture, etc., then you know there are a lot of options out there. But if you’re looking for a supplier you can trust to provide quality hardwood lumber products consistently, then look no further than Gutchess Lumber Co. Inc. We’ve been in business since 1904, and we have a long-standing reputation for being a national leader in the hardwood lumber industry. Whether you need one truckload or one hundred truckloads of lumber, we’re here to help.

“We like your quality and service and have fewer issues with your lumber compared to our competitors. We know your price is higher, but we have a better yield with Gutchess’ lumber.” -Furniture Manufacturer customer located in the United States of America (click here for more testimonials)

 

What Sets Us Apart

There are a lot of things that set Gutchess Lumber apart from our competitors, but three things, in particular, stand out: our commitment to customer service, our superior product, and our unmatched experience.

First and foremost, we pride ourselves on providing excellent customer service. We understand that buying lumber is a big investment, and we want to make sure you feel confident and comfortable every step of the way. Our sales team is knowledgeable and helpful, and they’re always happy to answer any questions you may have.

In terms of product, we only sell the highest quality hardwood lumber. We source our lumber from responsibly managed forests, typically within a 150-mile radius of our seven locations across New York and Pennsylvania to control each step of the manufacturing process from forestry all the way to the mill. Most of our products are kiln-dried to ensure optimal moisture content. Green lumber sales are also offered by Gutchess Lumber. We offer a wide range of lumber grades and sizes to choose from, so you can find the perfect product for your needs.

Finally, there’s our experience. We’ve been in business for close to 120 years, and in that time we’ve worked with customers of all shapes and sizes – our lumber products have been used by small businesses to Fortune 500 companies. This experience has given us the knowledge and expertise needed to provide each and every one of our clients with the best possible service and product.

If you’re looking for an American supplier of high-quality hardwood lumber that you can trust, then look no further than Gutchess Lumber Co. Inc. We have the experience, commitment to customer service, and superior product that you need. Contact your region’s representative today to learn more about what we can do for your business.

Historical photo of the Gutchess Lumber mill in the 1900s

The Gutchess Lumber Story: From One Central New York Sawmill to Global American Hardwood Supplier

Founded in 1904, Gutchess Lumber Co. Inc is an employee-owned (ESOP) and family-led business that specializes in the production of superior quality kiln-dried hardwood lumber products. We are one of the largest suppliers of American hardwoods in the United States, with customers all around the world. Our hardwood lumber products are used in a variety of applications including furniture, cabinetry, flooring, millwork, stair treads, and much more.

Gutchess Lumber began in 1904 as a small, regional lumber company serving central New York. George Gutchess started the sawmill business by powering his mill with a wood-fired steam tractor. In the beginning days of Gutchess Lumber, oxen and horses were used to transport lumber across surrounding regions in New York state.

Today, Gutchess Lumber operates out of seven strategically located mills across New York and Pennsylvania, shipping truck loads and container loads of lumber to customers across the United States as well as all over the world. We attribute our success to our commitment to customer satisfaction and our dedication to producing the highest quality product possible.

The Gutchess Lumber Difference

What sets Gutchess Lumber apart from other American hardwood suppliers? Quality control is paramount at our facility; we grade all of our kiln-dried lumber according to the National Hardwood Lumber Association standards. This results in a more stable and consistent product for our global customers. Our lumber comes from prime timberland in the northeastern region of the United States. Our forestry team is dedicated to working with private landowners to develop plans that benefit the environment, meaning that our hardwood lumber products come from well-managed forests that adhere to our responsible forestry management practices.

In addition to producing high-quality lumber, we also pride ourselves on our customer service. Our international sales team members are happy to work with your schedule, no matter where you are in the world, to answer any questions you may have about our product or your order. We know that when you’re buying lumber internationally, time is of the essence; that’s why we work hard to keep lead times as short as possible.

If you’re looking for an American hardwood supplier that you can count on for consistently high-quality lumber, Gutchess Lumber Co. Inc. is the right choice for you. We have been in business for over 100 years and have shipped container loads of lumber to satisfied customers all over the world. Contact your region’s sales representative today to learn more about how our hardwood lumber products can maximize your yields.

Positive mental health with smiley face drawn in sawdust

Gutchess Lumber’s Forest 2 Home Partnered with MTV for Mental Health Action Day

MTV created Mental Health Action Day in 2020 and Gutchess Lumber’s own Forest 2 Home was an inaugural member. Forest 2 Home, with MTV, worked to help start important conversations about mental health and break the stigma that surrounds it. Throughout the day, Forest 2 Home team members talked to woodworking, crafting, and DIY industry leaders through Instagram Live. Forest 2 Home was also joined by industry partners Woodsmith Magazine and Popular Woodworking Magazine. The full programming can be found on Forest 2 Home’s website.

Mental Health Action Day is an important step in raising awareness for mental health and breaking the stigma that surrounds it. By partnering with companies like Forest 2 Home, MTV is able to reach a wider audience and make a bigger impact.

Mental health is an often overlooked but important part of overall health. One in five adults in the United States experiences a mental illness in any given year, yet only 43% of those adults receive treatment. Mental illness can affect anyone at any age, but most mental illnesses first appear during adolescence or young adulthood.

Mental Health Action Day is an important step in raising awareness for mental health and breaking the stigma that surrounds it. Too often, people suffering from mental illness feel like they have nowhere to turn or that they are alone in their struggle. Events like this help start important conversations and let people know that they are not alone.

You can help by starting a conversation about mental health with your friends and family. Too often, people suffering from mental illness feel like they have nowhere to turn or that they are alone in their struggle. Events like this help start important conversations and let people know that they are not alone.

Forest 2 Home: Forest 2 Home is a Gutchess Lumber brand. Gutchess President and Chairman Matthew Gutchess saw an opportunity to connect individual woodworkers, crafters, and DIYers across the United States with our premium hardwood lumber products. Opening in 2020, Forest 2 Home has served all 50 states and partners with local builders for a monthly F2H Gives Back campaign to promote circular giving.