Forest Stewardship Council

Frequently Asked Questions
  1. What is unique about Aitkin Hardwoods?
    Aitkin Hardwoods manufactures lumber into wall paneling, custom hardwood flooring and kiln dried lumber for other uses such as cabinets, furniture, and crafts. We emphasize those woods that contain the natural features of color variation, knots, swirled grain and other characteristics that enhance the natural beauty of the woods. The common length is 8 feet with some shorter lengths of 4, 5, 6, & 7 foot included. We specialize in Black Ash, but we offer all domestic species in custom and standard specifications including special industrial requirements.

  2. How is your product graded?
    Our products are manufactured from the standard lumber grades of the leading hardwood lumber grading association. Again, our emphasis is character in our wood products, but clear products are available upon request.

  3. Are there minimum sized orders?
    There are no minimums to the size of the orders. We will ship the exact amount required for your job.

  4. How do shipments get to me?
    Our products can be picked up at our manufacturing facilities, or we can ship on common carrier all over the US. Expect one to four days for delivery to most states. Delivery to warehouse or jobsite can be arranged, or picked up at our facility in Aitkin, MN.

  5. How do I buy from Aitkin Hardwoods?
    Just give us a call. One of our trained sales personnel will assist you. Consultation will be provided to assist you in determining the products that best suit your needs, the amount required and any other questions you may have regards installation and finishing.

  6. What about credit and payment?
    Payment is required at time of shipment or when product is received. Custom or non-stocked items require a deposit prior to beginning a project.

  7. Why should I buy from Aitkin Hardwoods?
    High quality time after time, straight material, easy fit, square ends, consistent sizing, and the best total value in today's wood market place!

  8. What are Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified Products?
    These wood products are certified as coming from forests managed for sustained production. As an FSC certified manufacturer, Aitkin Hardwoods can assist you in securing FSC products both locally and nationally.

    Aitkin Hardwoods is committed to the protection of the environment. Our strongest efforts have been in the promotion of woods and other forest based products that are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).The FSC is the largest worldwide environmental certifying agency.

  9. Why are products from Aitkin Hardwoods superior to items purchased at large discount stores?
    There are many benefits to ordering from Aitkin Hardwoods:
    •Our items are Properly Dried. Proper drying of wood is critical to the manufacturing process and the performance of the end product. Wood dried to the required moisture content eliminates the shrinkage problem as well as providing excellent finish after the wood is milled.
    •Straight-Line Ripped. At Aitkin Hardwoods, all of the lumber is straightened prior to milling. In the dry kiln, all lumber gets crooked to some extent. We have a special saw that can feed a crooked board in a straight line, allowing the saw blade to put a straight edge on the board. This means no more trying to straighten crooked lumber on the wall. No more allowances for crook or sweep. Less waste and less labor.
    •Excellent Machining. Consistent milling is extremely important so as that the product can be purchased with confidence knowing it will always fit together.High quality milling means a better finish, ease of application, and savings in labor.
    •Consistent Sizing. This feature gains in importance with each added profile and product. When making mouldings, they must be of the same size and shape every time. Our sizing is the same every time. The paneling products and mouldings always fit together saving time, frustration, and labor costs.
    •Solid Woods. Aitkin Hardwoods provides "solid woods - solid quality". In this day of composite manufacturing, what you see is not necessarily what you get. The products we manufacture are intended to provide you with the same old-fashioned quality found in the majestic homes over two centuries old and still providing high quality living space. Oftentimes this quality can be enjoyed for less cost than the composite or synthetic product and for a much longer time.
    •Large Volumes in Stock. Our paneling is stocked in semi-load quantities.Immediate availability. Moulding profiles available in companion species.

  10. What else should I know about Aitkin Hardwoods?
    You will often need mouldings and other trim for your projects. Give us a call for casing, base, cap rails, jamb extensions or other custom milling requirements.