CHOOSING WOOD SHOULDN'T FEEL OVERWHELMING.
With decades of hardwood expertise under our belt, we’ve distilled what matters most into a practical guide. Whether you’re an architect specifying for a commercial install, a designer curating a residential palette, or a homeowner navigating your first renovation, this page will help you understand the material and make confident decisions.
KNOW YOUR SPECIES
Each species of hardwood has distinct characteristics in grain, color, hardness, and workability. Here are the species we mill most frequently:
White Oak
The most versatile American hardwood. Tight, linear grain with warm golden-brown tones. Excellent dimensional stability. Takes stain beautifully. Works in virtually any design style from farmhouse to ultra-modern. Janka Hardness: 1,360 lbf
Red Oak
Slightly more pronounced grain pattern with pink-to-reddish undertones. More cost effective than White Oak with comparable durability. A classic American flooring species. Janka Hardness: 1,290 lbf
Walnut
Rich chocolate-brown tones with dramatic grain variation. A statement wood that brings instant warmth and luxury. Softer than oak, best suited for lower-traffic areas or wall applications. Janka Hardness: 1,010 lbf
Hickory
The hardest domestic species we mill. Dramatic color variation from creamy white to deep brown within a single plank. Rustic, high-contrast character. Ideal for high-traffic residential and commercial applications. Janka Hardness: 1,820 lbf
Heart Pine (Reclaimed)
Old-growth longleaf pine salvaged from industrial-era structures. Exceptionally dense, rich amber color, tight grain. Available only as reclaimed. A true legacy material. Janka Hardness: 1,225 lbf
American Chestnut (Reclaimed)
Functionally extinct since the early 1900s blight. Available only through reclamation. Warm honey tones, distinctive “wormy” character from historic insect trails. A rare, finite treasure. Janka Hardness: 540 lbf
GRADES AREN'T ABOUT QUALITY. THEY'RE ABOUT CHARACTER.
All Mountain Lumber products are structurally sound regardless of grade. Grading describes the visual character of the wood: how much variation, how many knots, how much mineral streaking is present.
Select / Clear Grade
At least 95% of each board is clear and free of knots, with no knots exceeding 1″ and minimal sapwood (under 10%).
Natural / #1 Common
A balanced mix of clear sections and natural character marks (small knots, minor mineral streaking). The sweet spot for most residential projects.
Character Grade
80% of each board is clear and free of knots, with no knots exceeding 3″ and minimal sapwood (under 10%).
Reclaimed
Unique to our reclaimed lines. Includes original nail holes, saw marks, checking, and weathered patina. Graded for structural integrity, celebrated for visual history.
WIDER PLANKS.
LONGER BOARDS.
FEWER SEAMS.
Mass-produced flooring is chopped into short segments to fit shipping pallets. Mountain Lumber mills entirely to order, maximizing plank length for a sweeping, cohesive surface.
- Widths available: 3″ to 12″+ (wider planks create a more dramatic, open visual)
- Lengths: Random lengths up to 12′, with an emphasis on long planks
- Thickness: 5/8″ engineered or 3/4″ solid, with custom options available for specific applications
Wider and longer boards reduce visible seams and create the sense of expanse that distinguishes custom hardwood from off-the-shelf product.
FINISH OPTIONS
Pre-Finished (UV-Cured)
We pre-finish for faster installation and immediate use. Ideal for commercial projects, residential projects, and tight timelines. Available in a range of sheens and tones.
Custom Stain & Finish
Work directly with our team to develop a proprietary color and sheen. We can match existing millwork, furniture, or any design reference you provide.
Unfinished (Site-Finished)
Shipped raw for on-site sanding and finishing. Allows your installer to achieve a perfectly seamless, custom-toned result in your space’s natural light.
HOLD IT IN YOUR HANDS.
Photos can only tell part of the story. Order samples to feel the grain, see the color in your own light, and experience the difference that sourcing and craftsmanship make.
