Tag Archives: Les Bois Milling

The Best Ways to Use Custom Wood Slabs: A Contractor’s Guide

Creative wood slab projects add warmth and depth to any building project and are particularly popular in the residential sector of the rapidly growing wood products market. Live edge wood slabs are well suited to these applications, combining beauty and durability with environmental benefits.

Wood slabs can be difficult to work with considering their large size, irregular shapes, and need for specialized milling techniques. However, the result makes up for the effort required, especially if you follow a few basic guidelines.

Keep reading to learn practical tips for using custom wood slabs most effectively.

Why Choose Custom Wood Slabs?

Wood slabs bring unique beauty and character to every project thanks to their unique grain patterns, imperfections, and knots. Their natural edges and curves allow each piece to stand out by creating a sense of movement and organic flow.

Beauty aside, custom wood slabs also offer the following benefits:

Versatility

Live edge wood suits a wide variety of styles and design projects, from rustic to modern. They’re well suited to wall art, shelves, countertops, and tables.

Sustainability

Wood construction materials have an extremely low carbon footprint and are highly suited for recycling. When harvested according to the principles of responsible forestry, wood is a sustainable material.

Durability

Wood slabs can last for decades with minimal upkeep. All they need is an occasional application of wood or wax and regular cleaning with a damp cloth.

Types of Custom Wood Slabs

Choosing the right custom slab is critical for maximizing the benefits of this beautiful wood while bringing your contractor slab design ideas to life. These are the things to consider when making your pick:

Types of Live Edge Wood Slabs

Live edge wood slabs retain the natural edge of the tree. They’re available with the bark intact for a unique organic look or with the bark removed to create a smoother finish.

Live edge slabs come in three configurations, namely:

Standard Shape

Milled at the trunk of the tree, these slabs vary widely in width and length. They’re the most versatile choice for many projects.

Y-Shaped

Also known as ‘crotch slabs,’ these slabs are milled at the fork of the tree. One edge of the slab is usually wider than the other, making it a good choice for free-standing furniture, like tables or desks.

Rounds

Round slabs are milled at three to five inches thick, creating a stocky finish. They have live edges on the perimeter of the slab.

Customization Options

The most obvious customizations regard the size and shape of the wood you choose as well as the species of tree. Some popular choices include:

Various finishing treatments will help bring the wood to life and enhance its durability.

Custom Slab Installation Tips

Before your customers can enjoy the benefits of their gorgeous live edge slab installation, the wood must undergo a few important phases. These are the steps involved:

Preparing the Slab for Use

After milling, wood must rest before it’s put to use in construction projects. Air-dried wood is placed outdoors in a place with good airflow, while kiln-dried wood is kept in a heated environment for up to 6 weeks.

Kiln-dried wood is always preferable for contractors. It looks great and has a low moisture content. When ordering a custom slab, you must keep this preparation time in mind when planning your project.

Slab flattening turns rough-cut lumber into attractive, functional pieces ready for use. It removes imperfections and creates a smooth surface for furniture pieces.

There are three ways to flatten a live edge slab. You can use a:

  • Router sled
  • Drum planer
  • Planer and jointer combination

Depending on the scope of your project, you may need to join one or more live edge slabs to create the desired look. There are three ways to do this:

  • Bookmatched slabs join two successive cuts from the same tree for a symmetrical appearance
  • Hexo slabs combine multiple small panels to create a large slab
  • River slabs feature a gap between two panels filled with epoxy resin

Joints add interest and appeal to unique wood slab furniture and work surfaces.

Finishing Live Edge Slabs

It’s imperative to seal a wood slab before you work with it. You can do this using a spray gun, roller, or brush to apply an oil finish, 2K urethane finish, or polyurethane.

Do’s and Don’ts When Working With Custom Wood Slabs

Never store untreated wood in an unconditioned space. Fluctuating moisture and temperature can cause cupping. If you can’t maintain stable conditions, covering your slab in plastic wrap will keep it safe from condensation.

Don’t block airflow on one side of the slab by placing it flat on a surface. Place risers under the piece so air can flow beneath it.

Avoid storing the wood for a long time before installing it. Get to work as soon as possible after acquiring your perfect live edge slab.

Design Ideas for Custom Wood Slabs

Your imagination is the only limit to the things you can do with live edge wood slabs. They’re perfectly suited to many commercial and residential settings.

Common applications of these slabs include:

  • Tables, i.e., dining tables, coffee tables, end tables, and hanging tables
  • Countertops, bartops, and bathroom vanities
  • Floating shelves and custom bookcases
  • Decorative elements like art pieces and light fittings
  • Benches and seating
  • Headboards
  • Cutting boards
  • Fireplace mantels

Sourcing Premium Live Edge Wood Slabs in the City of Trees

Custom wood slabs suit a wide range of applications and can add beauty and flair to any space. They’re durable, sustainable, versatile, and suited to many construction and design projects.

Are you ready to wow your customers with the beauty of natural wood? Les Bois Milling is a place where high-quality lumber fulfills its potential in the hands of talented craftsmen.

We provide a vital link between innovative contractors and satisfied customers.

Our team is committed to bringing the beauty of our valley’s amazing trees into homes and businesses across the country. Talk to us about your ideas, and we’ll help you bring them to life.

Why Choose Local Wood Mills for Your Woodworking Needs?

Are you looking for high-quality, sustainable wood for your next woodworking project? The answer is to choose local wood mills.

For the handy-at-hand, woodworking is more than a hobby-it’s a craft that requires the best materials available. Whether you’re building furniture, crafting intricate carvings, or starting a home renovation, the source of your wood is crucial to the outcome of your work. By opting for local wood mills, not only do you ensure the sustainability and quality of your materials, but you also contribute to supporting local businesses.

Ready to discover why your choice of wood supplier matters more than you think? Keep reading to uncover the benefits of going local for your woodworking needs.

The Importance of Sustainable Wood Sourcing

Sustainable wood sourcing means obtaining wood in a way that keeps forests healthy. It ensures trees are cut down at a rate that allows the forest to regrow, helping protect wildlife and keeping the air and water clean. Thus, we can enjoy beautiful wood products without harming the environment.

Local wood mills play a significant role in sustainability. They use nearby trees, which reduces fuel needed for transport, naturally reducing pollution.

Plus, local wood mills often know how to manage forests wisely, helping ensure future generations will have plenty of trees. Here are some more benefits of sustainable wood sourcing:

  • Protects forests: Sustainable sourcing keeps forests alive and growing
  • Supports local economy: Buying from local wood mills keeps money in the community and creates jobs
  • Reduces carbon footprint: Less transportation means less fuel used, helping fight climate change
  • Ensures high quality: Sustainable wood is often better quality because it’s harvested carefully
  • Promotes biodiversity: Healthy forests support a wide range of plant and animal life

Quality Wood Materials from Local Wood Mills

Local wood mills offer a rich variety of quality wood materials for woodworking projects. These mills provide local woodworking supplies that ensure craftsmanship with character and sustainability. Let’s explore the unique wood types available at Les Bois Milling.

Ash

Ash wood is strong and flexible, making it perfect for making furniture and sports equipment. Many people love its light color and classic look. Because it absorbs shock well, it’s often used for tool handles and baseball bats.

Silver Maple

Silver maple is lightweight and easy to work with, making it a favorite among woodworkers. It has a beautiful grain that enhances home décor items and fine furniture. This wood stains well and is often chosen for cabinets, flooring, and musical instruments.

Black Walnut

Black walnut is known for its rich, dark color and natural beauty. Due to its durability and elegant grain, it’s a favorite for luxury furniture and musical instruments. Its deep brown tones add warmth and sophistication to any woodworking project.

Russian Olive

Russian olive has a unique, fine grain that makes each piece unique. It’s an excellent choice for small decorative pieces, carvings, and custom furniture. Its color ranges from light tan to rich brown, often with striking natural patterns.

Oak

Oak is a classic choice for those who need both durability and versatility. It’s widely used in furniture, flooring, and cabinetry due to its strength. Its strong grain pattern adds character to any item, making it a top pick for both traditional and modern designs.

Elm

Elm is valued for its interlocking grain, which resists splitting. This makes it ideal for long-lasting furniture. Elm is often used for veneers, rustic tables, and curved furniture. Its warm tones and distinct grain pattern give it a unique, natural appeal.

Spruce

Spruce is lightweight yet strong, and its bright color complements many styles. It’s commonly used for musical instruments, construction, and fine woodworking. Its straight grain and smooth texture make it easy to cut and shape.

Sequoia

Sequoia wood‘s majestic reddish hue sets it apart from other woods. It’s perfect for large-scale projects like outdoor structures, sculptures, and custom furniture, and its natural resistance to decay makes it an excellent choice for long-lasting builds.

Les Bois Milling provides local woodworking supplies and expert wood mill services to meet your needs. Whether you’re crafting furniture, cabinets, or custom woodwork, we have the right materials for the job.

Wood Mill Services Offered at Les Bois Milling

Local wood mills offer essential services to prepare and refine raw lumber. These include drying, cutting, and finishing wood to ensure it’s strong, stable, and ready for use. We specialize in kiln drying, live edge slabs, and slab flattening at Les Bois Milling.

Kiln-Dried Wood

Kiln drying removes moisture from the wood, preventing warping, cracking, and shrinking. This process makes the wood stable and long-lasting, perfect for furniture, flooring, and cabinetry. Properly dried wood also reduces the risk of mold and insect infestations, ensuring higher-quality results.

Live Edge Wood Slabs

Live-edge slabs preserve the tree’s natural shape, creating unique pieces full of character.These slabs work well for tables, countertops, and shelves, adding rustic charm to any space. Every slab showcases the tree’s original beauty, making each project unique.

Slab Flattening

Slab flattening ensures a smooth, even surface for woodworking projects, making it easier to assemble and finish. Our precision tools remove imperfections, guaranteeing a level foundation for furniture and other custom designs. This process enhances the final product’s durability and professional appearance.

Les Bois Milling is committed to delivering top-quality materials and expert wood mill services to support your next project.

From Tree to Timber: Making Your Mill Choice Count

Choosing local wood mills benefits both your woodworking projects and the environment. By prioritizing sustainable sourcing, you ensure the longevity of our forests and support the local economy. When you choose local, you’re not just buying wood but investing in quality, sustainability, and community.

Discover the beauty of sustainability with Les Bois Milling’s premium kiln-dried wood slabs sourced from local Idaho trees. Elevate your projects with materials that embody quality and champion environmental responsibility.

Our wood tells a story of second chances and mindful craftsmanship. Contact us today to learn how to transform your woodworking with eco-friendly materials that honor the earth and your craft.

Top Reasons Ash Wood Slab is a Favorite Among Woodworkers

Ash WoodTop Reasons Ash Wood Slab is a Favorite Among Woodworkers

 

As an easily accessible natural resource, humans have been using wood for an incredibly long time, with evidence of structural use dating back as far as 476,000 years, according to Nature Portfolio.

To this day, wood remains an incredibly popular material. However, it’s important to know that different types of wood offer various properties. Whether you’re using Silver Maple, Scots Pine, Russian Olive, or something else, you should consider the wood’s properties to choose the best option for your project.

Ash wood slab is a popular choice for a range of applications. But what makes it such a good choice? Keep reading to find out.

What Is Ash Wood?

Ash wood comes from Ash trees, which are typically found in subtropical forests. The trees are stronger than most, leading to wide industrial use of Ash wood, particularly as interior items.

In addition to the strength of Ash wood, it’s highly elastic and lightweight, making it easy to shape into various items that will have a long lifespan. The light weight means it’s also often a popular choice for furniture designed to be portable.

Ash wood is recognizable for its beige to light brown hue and primarily straight grains. It will occasionally have swirls in the grain.

Ash grows in various places across the planet and is found natively in Europe, Asia, Africa, and even the Arctic Circle. As such, it has long been a staple choice for various uses throughout history.

Benefits of Ash Wood Slab

While one of the main advantages of Ash wood is its abundance, that doesn’t necessarily make it a good choice for furniture or anything else. However, several Ash wood slab benefits are important to note, as they make this wood type ideal for mutliple applications.

Sturdiness

One of the main benefits of choosing Ash wood slabs is that they’re sturdy. The Janka Hardness Scale serves as a measurement for this, and Ash generally has a hardness rating between 850 and 1480. This is a wide range due to the different types of Ash available.

For comparison, Oak is typically rated between about 1200 and 1400, while some woods are much softer, such as American Chestnut, which is rated at about 540.

The density of Ash makes it ideal for tables. It’s strong enough for everyday use in homes, which is one of the reasons it has become so popular for furniture.

Durability

Ash is also very durable. Furniture is often subject to everyday use, so items like tables need to be able to stand up to general wear and tear. Many people want furniture that will last, so Ash is often a great choice.

It’s important to note that Ash (like other woods) requires proper maintenance. If it’s not looked after, it will degrade faster. However, with proper care, it can easily last and maintain a new appearance for years.

Affordability

One of the main reasons for the wide use of Ash is its availability. It’s one of the most abundant hardwood trees in the world, making Ash one of the most affordable options. Other woods, such as Black Walnut, can serve similar purposes but are far more expensive.

This is beneficial for both manufacturers and customers. You can source Ash easily and produce quality products from it. The lower cost means more people can afford it, allowing them to own high-quality furniture without spending a fortune.

Shock-Resistance

One of the more unique properties of Ash wood is its shock resistance. Heavy use can damage furniture, and some woods may be far more susceptible than others.

Ash wood, on the other hand, can stand up to heavy weight and bumps that are likely to come from daily use. As such, it’s more likely to last longer without suffering major damage.

Appearance

One of the main considerations when buying wooden products is appearance. The aesthetics of different woods can vary vastly, and people place a lot of value on furniture that looks good.

Live edge slabs, in particular, are a type of product that people want to look as good as possible. The beautiful natural finish of Ash wood makes it perfect here.

The grain features unique patterns, and it’s lighter than many other types of wood. This makes it work well with other furniture, so it’s suitable for most homes. You can also easily stain it to change its appearance depending on what you’re after.

Versatility

Versatility is another key factor to consider when dealing with different woods. Woodwork with Ash slab is ideal as it works well for processes like kiln drying and slab flattening.

This is very beneficial for woodworkers as it makes it easier for them to produce quality pieces that meet the specifications they’re after. It also means you can use Ash to create varied pieces.

Common Uses of Ash Wood Slab

Ash is one of the best woods to work with, but it’s particularly well-suited to the following applications.

Live edge tables offer a timeless rustic design that just about anyone would love in their home. The grains and colors of Ash wood make it the perfect choice here. On top of this, its durability and sturdiness make it a great practical solution.

Dining tables are essential in just about every home. They serve as a centerpiece and get a lot of use. A strong, aesthetically pleasing wood like Ash is ideal for this.

Coffee tables can be a great addition to a living room, and Ash wood is the perfect material. It allows for unique coffee tables that can work well in just about any home.

Ash Wood From Les Bois Milling

Ash wood slab can serve as a great choice for woodworkers. If you’re looking for a strong, long-lasting, and aesthetically pleasing wood, Ash is one of the best available.

At Les Bois Milling, we use locally sourced trees to ensure the best quality Ash, Oak, Black Walnut, and more. No matter what your latest project is, we have the wood and expert services you need to make it a success.

Take a look at our services page to find out more.

Les Bois Milling sees the (urban) forest for the trees – Idaho Press, Nov 21, 2024

Les Bois Milling

 


BOISE — As he takes a load of milled wood — oak and elm — out of the kiln where it had been drying for a month and a half, Zane Everman stops to reflect on where it all came from.

“The oak came from a house in Star that had an insurance adjuster come by… they said, ‘that tree’s got a crack in it, it needs to come out,’” the owner of Les Bois Milling relayed. “It’s like the insurance adjuster had X-ray vision, ‘cause it had a huge crack running down through the middle of it, and it was just a matter of time before it crushed their house.”

Everman is a lifelong woodcarver and craftsman. You may have seen his designs at places like Barbarian Brewing, where he made the bar and all the furniture. His latest endeavor was launching Les Bois Milling in the spring, and its goal — in collaboration with partners like the Urban Forestry Products furniture maker and the Treasure Valley Canopy Network — is to turn locally harvested wood into unique creations that customers can know the story behind.

Emphasis on “local” — the farthest away from home base of Boise that a Les Bois tree has come from is Nampa.

“[The best part is] being able to tell a customer that this tree came from a certain area and being able to share with them pictures of the tree standing,” Tom Charters, the owner of Urban Forestry Products, said. “Giving them a story to what each piece of furniture is, which you don’t get when you walk into a big box store.”

Charters typically puts out between 15 and 20 items per year, but now that he is buying already-milled wood from Les Bois, he estimates that he’ll be able to do between 25 and 30 annually in the years to come.

“Woodworkers are definitely my biggest customers, but I’m really trying to find the creative people that want to build their own stuff. The great part about this shop is I cut it, dry it, and I can flatten it here,” Everman said.

Many people might see the woodworking and lumber industries as opposed to conservation, but the Treasure Valley Canopy Network’s executive director, Lance Davisson, stressed that this isn’t the case.

“Trees don’t live forever. Our forests are, in a lot of cases, overstocked with trees. We need to be able to take some trees down to keep the forest healthy. Sometimes a tree is unhealthy and needs to come down,” Davisson said. “We definitely are focused on tree preservation where it makes sense, but when trees must come out, we’d rather they didn’t go to the landfill.”

He urged people who are thinking about removing a tree on their property to consider recycling it by giving it a “second life” through a shop like Les Bois.

“Imagine sitting down to Thanksgiving dinner at a table that’s crafted from a tree that had to come down in your yard,” he said.

While Everman usually sells wood to artisans like Charters, he has hardly abandoned his own creative streak since opening Les Bois. Recently, he completed a table cut from a Russian olive tree, bearing an image of a golf course. Its sand traps, green space and river are made from a mixture of salt and epoxy.

“This table’s going down to a customer in Palm Springs. They’re big golf fans. They didn’t know about it until today, so the cat’s out of the bag,” he said, before revealing that the recipients were his own in-laws.

Photo Credit: A stack of milled wood stands outside Les Bois Milling in Boise, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. Brian Myrick / Idaho Press

Read at the Idaho Press

 

Why Kiln-Dried Wood is a Contractor’s Best Friend

The Science Behind Kiln Drying: Why It’s Crucial for Woodwork

Explore the science behind kiln drying and why it’s crucial for woodworking. Discover its importance and click to learn more!

Kiln Drying

On a sweltering summer day, a seasoned contractor stands on a newly built deck, frowning at the warped boards beneath his feet. It’s a scene all too familiar in the construction industry, where wood’s natural tendency to absorb and release moisture can wreak havoc on even the most meticulously planned projects.

But there’s a solution that’s revolutionizing the way smart builders work, saving time, money, and reputation in the process. Enter kiln-dried wood: the unsung hero of modern construction and a contractor’s most reliable ally.

Read on to learn why kiln drying is important for contractors.

Stable and Durable

One of the key benefits of kiln drying for contractors is its unmatched stability and durability. The controlled kiln-drying process reduces the wood’s moisture content to an optimal level, typically between 6-8%. This process minimizes the risks of:

  • Warping
  • Cracking
  • Twisting

This is crucial in construction. Dimensional stability ensures the wood maintains its shape and size long after installation.

Contractors can count on kiln-dried wood to perform consistently, reducing the likelihood of needing repairs or adjustments down the line.

Ready To Use

Unlike air-dried wood, which can take months to reach an appropriate moisture level, kiln-dried wood is ready for installation as soon as it arrives on-site.

The controlled drying process makes sure wood moisture control is managed quickly and efficiently, eliminating the need for additional drying time.

So, contractors can start working on their projects right away, saving time and accelerating project timelines.

Less Risk of Mold and Decay with Wood Moisture Control

As experts perform wood drying techniques, the moisture content in the wood is significantly reduced, often reaching a level that makes it inhospitable for mold, mildew, and fungi to thrive.

This is especially important for contractors working in areas with high humidity or damp conditions. In these areas, untreated or improperly dried wood is more prone to rot and decay over time.

Better Finishing

Kiln-dried wood offers superior finishing results compared to air-dried or freshly cut lumber, and it’s less prone to issues once installed. This stability allows for cleaner cuts and more precise joinery, which results in smoother edges and fewer gaps during construction.

In addition to structural benefits, kiln-dried wood also absorbs paint, stain, and sealants more evenly, ensuring a consistent and professional-looking finish. Contractors working on high-end projects, where appearance and durability are essential, find kiln-dried wood an ideal material, whether it’s for:

  • Cabinetry
  • Flooring
  • Fine trim work

The reduced moisture content also means that less time is spent preparing the wood surface, speeding up the project timeline without sacrificing quality.

Reduced Weight

Wood becomes significantly lighter after kiln drying. The process makes it easier to handle and transport. For contractors, this means less physical strain when moving materials on the job site, faster installation, and potentially lower shipping costs.

Reduced weight can also improve overall project efficiency, as lighter materials are simpler to lift and position, especially in tasks like:

  • Framing
  • Roofing
  • Constructing larger structures

This benefit becomes especially apparent in projects where large volumes of wood are required.

Versatile for Indoor and Outdoor Use

This wood is more resistant to warping, splitting, or swelling, making it highly stable for interior uses. Contractors appreciate this reliability, as it ensures long-lasting installations with minimal maintenance.

For outdoor projects, kiln-dried wood stands up better to the elements compared to green wood. Its lower moisture content reduces the risk of fungal growth, decay, and insect infestations, which are common problems with untreated or air-dried wood.

Whether it’s for decking, fences, or exterior siding, kiln-dried wood ensures a solid, long-lasting structure that can withstand environmental stresses.

Positive Client Feedback

Contractors who prioritize this material find that its stability, durability, and aesthetic appeal resonate well with clients.

Contractors who use kiln-dried wood can often point to their satisfied customers as proof of their commitment to quality, resulting in repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals. Positive client feedback not only builds the contractor’s reputation but also sets them apart in a competitive market.

Better Sound Insulation

Kiln-dried wood is denser and more stable than green wood, which enhances its ability to absorb and dampen sound. This is especially valuable in residential and commercial buildings where reducing noise between rooms or floors is essential for comfort and privacy.

In applications like framing, flooring, or wall construction, kiln-dried wood creates a more effective barrier against sound transmission, providing quieter living and working environments.

Contractors working on multi-family housing, office spaces, or even high-end homes can benefit from using kiln-dried wood to meet noise reduction requirements.

Sustainability and Long-Term Performance

The kiln drying process maximizes the efficiency of the wood, reducing waste and ensuring the material used is durable and long-lasting.

This longevity means fewer replacements or repairs over time, reducing the need for additional resources and helping to minimize the environmental footprint of a project.

In terms of sustainability, contractors who choose kiln-dried wood can highlight this environmentally responsible choice to eco-conscious clients.

Many kiln-dried wood products come from responsibly managed forests, where reforestation and sustainable logging practices are prioritized.

Easier to Work with Power Tools

Kiln-dried wood produces less friction, meaning blades and bits stay sharper for longer periods. Tools such as circular saws and miter saws produce cleaner cuts with fewer splinters, reducing the need for additional touch-ups or rework.

Contractors can also appreciate fewer blade clogs or jams, which are common issues when cutting through high-moisture wood. This translates into less downtime for tool maintenance and more efficient use of time on-site.

Kiln-dried wood generates less dust when used with power tools, which is another benefit for contractors. Less dust not only means a cleaner work environment but also contributes to better air quality and reduced health risks for workers, especially on long-term projects where dust control is a concern.

Kiln Drying: Decide Today

There are a lot of reasons why choosing kiln drying can make a huge difference for contractors. If any of these appeal to you, it’s time to explore your options.

Are you ready to reap the benefits of kiln drying? Les Bois Milling uses our relationships, tools, and knowledge to get contractors like you the best possible product.

Reach out to us today.