Sustainable forestry

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint with Hardwood Lumber Products

As concerns about climate change continue to grow, industries across the globe are recognizing the importance of reducing their carbon footprint and adopting sustainable practices. In the hardwood lumber industry, the process of carbon sequestration plays a significant role in mitigating climate change. This blog post explores the relationship between carbon sequestration and hardwood lumber, highlighting the potential for reducing carbon footprints through sustainable practices.

Understanding Carbon Sequestration

Carbon sequestration refers to the capture and long-term storage of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. Trees and forests act as natural carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 during photosynthesis and storing it in their biomass. By incorporating sustainably harvested hardwood lumber into various applications, individuals and businesses can actively contribute to carbon sequestration and help combat climate change.

The Role of Responsible Forestry Practices

Responsible forestry practices are vital for ensuring sustainable carbon sequestration in the hardwood lumber industry. These practices involve managing forests in a way that supports natural regeneration, biodiversity conservation, and long-term carbon storage. Sustainable forestry management programs, such as selective harvesting, help maintain forests’ health and resilience, maximizing their carbon sequestration capacity.

Carbon Storage Potential in Hardwood Lumber

Hardwood lumber possesses significant carbon storage potential due to the nature of its composition. Hardwood trees make wood products, which allows for long-term carbon storage. The carbon stored within hardwood lumber products remains locked away for extended periods, mitigating the release of CO2 into the atmosphere. In some cases, carbon can be stored for decades.

Longevity of Carbon Storage

One notable advantage of hardwood lumber is its longevity. Hardwood products, such as furniture, flooring, and cabinetry, can last for decades or even centuries. This extended lifespan ensures that the carbon remains sequestered within the wood for an extended period, maximizing the environmental benefits of using hardwood products.

Collaborative Efforts for Environmental Sustainability

Reducing carbon footprints and promoting carbon sequestration in the hardwood lumber industry require collaborative efforts from various stakeholders. Forestry professionals, lumber suppliers, manufacturers, and consumers all play a role in supporting sustainable practices. By making informed choices and selecting responsibly sourced hardwood lumber, like hardwood from Gutchess Lumber, individuals and businesses can contribute to carbon sequestration and create a more sustainable future.

Creating a greener planet

Carbon sequestration is a crucial process for mitigating climate change, and sustainable hardwood lumber practices can significantly contribute to this endeavor. Through responsible forestry practices, hardwood lumber offers substantial carbon storage potential. By recognizing the importance of sustainable sourcing, longevity of hardwood products, and collaborative efforts, we can collectively reduce carbon footprints and work towards a more sustainable future. Embracing the role of carbon sequestration in the hardwood lumber industry is essential for addressing climate change and creating a greener planet for generations to come.

Why Choose Black Walnut Lumber?

When it comes to selecting the perfect hardwood species for your business needs, one species stands out for its remarkable beauty, durability, and versatility – Black Walnut. Gutchess Lumber, a trusted name in the industry, proudly offers high-quality Black Walnut hardwood lumber products that are sure to impress. Here’s why Black Walnut lumber should be one of your top choices:

Aesthetics that Leave a Lasting Impression

Black Walnut lumber is renowned for its stunning visual appeal. The heartwood exhibits rich, dark brown hues with beautiful undertones of purple and chocolate, creating a luxurious and timeless aesthetic. The wood’s natural figuring and grain patterns add depth and character to any project, making it a preferred choice for high-end furniture, cabinetry, flooring, and decorative accents.

Durability for Long-Lasting Results

One of the remarkable qualities of Black Walnut lumber is its inherent durability. This hardwood species boasts excellent dimensional stability and resistance to decay, making it an ideal choice for both indoor and outdoor applications. From furniture that withstands the test of time to decking and exterior trim that brave the elements, Black Walnut lumber ensures long-lasting results that surpass expectations.

Versatility for Diverse Applications

Black Walnut lumber offers remarkable versatility, allowing it to shine in various woodworking projects. Its natural beauty and workability make it a favorite among craftsmen and artisans. Whether manufacturing furniture pieces, carving sculptures, creating paneling or flooring, or designing unique accents, Black Walnut lumber provides endless possibilities and stands out in the market.

 

Sustainable and Responsible Sourcing

Gutchess Lumber takes great pride in its commitment to responsible forestry practices. When you choose Black Walnut lumber from Gutchess, you can be confident that it is sourced responsibly, adhering to strict sourcing and harvesting standards. Gutchess Lumber prioritizes sustainable forest management, ensuring the regeneration of Black Walnut trees.

Expertise and Exceptional Service from Gutchess Lumber

With Gutchess Lumber as your supplier, you gain access to their expertise and exceptional service. Our team of knowledgeable professionals can assist you in selecting the perfect Black Walnut lumber. Gutchess Lumber’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction ensures that you receive only the finest Black Walnut lumber tailored to your specific requirements.

Choosing Black Walnut Lumber

Choosing Black Walnut lumber means an investment in beauty, durability, and versatility. With its captivating aesthetics, durability, and wide range of applications, Black Walnut lumber is one of the most showstopping species.

Gutchess Lumber hardwood species guide

A Guide to Gutchess Lumberā€™s Northern Hardwood Species

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.

biophilic design gutchess lumber

Incorporating Hardwood and Biophilic Design in Architecture and Interior Design

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.

hardwood lumber manufacturer in the USA

How to Find a Reliable Hardwood Lumber Manufacturer in the USA

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. Letā€™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

Itā€™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 donā€™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, ā€œBe sure itā€™s Gutchessā€ is the gold standard tagline known worldwide.

In conclusion, finding a reliable hardwood lumber manufacturer in the USA can be challenging, but it doesnā€™t have to be. By researching their longevity in business and reading customer reviews both domestically and internationally, youā€™ll have peace of mind knowing youā€™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.

Gutchess Lumber Chinese Customer Finished Hardwood Product in a field

Top American Kiln Dried Hardwood Lumber Supplier: Exporting Forest Products Worldwide

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 Chinese Customer Finished Hardwood Product in a field

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 Forest Products

Gutchess Lumber is a Leading Producer of North American Forest Products

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.

Gutchess Lumber Hardwood Baseball Bat

A History of the Hardwood Bat and Major League Baseball Home Run Records

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.

Gutchess Lumber Hickory hardwood

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 Marisā€™ Record

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

Gutchess Lumber Hard Maple hardwood lumber pack

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 showing hardwood manufacturing process to students

AIR CTE Pathway Visits Gutchess Lumber to Learn How Hardwood is Produced

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 Dā€™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.