Kirkham Hardwoods

About Kirkham Hardwoods — Hardwood Lumber in Terre Haute

Kirkham Hardwoods operates as a dedicated saw mill providing premium hardwood lumber to furniture makers, cabinetmakers, contractors, and woodworking enthusiasts throughout Terre Haute and the greater Indiana region. Our mill specializes in processing both domestic and exotic hardwood species into boards sold by the board foot.

We offer hardwood boards in multiple formats including rough sawn, S2S (surfaced two sides), and S4S (surfaced four sides) lumber. Our inventory spans popular domestic species like oak, maple, walnut, and cherry, alongside select exotic woods. All lumber is properly graded using industry standards including FAS (Firsts and Seconds), Select, and #1 Common grades.

Buying from a local saw mill like Kirkham Hardwoods means accessing lumber that’s been properly kiln-dried and stored, unlike the limited selection and questionable moisture content often found at big box retailers. We understand wood grain patterns, can discuss figure and character, and provide the custom milling services that serious woodworkers require for their projects.

Terre Haute’s location in west-central Indiana places us at the heart of hardwood country, with access to premium Midwest timber resources. This regional advantage allows us to source quality logs and maintain competitive board foot pricing while supporting the local woodworking community that relies on consistent lumber supplies.

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Location & Directions

What to Expect When You Visit

Visiting Kirkham Hardwoods means stepping into a working saw mill environment where you can see lumber in various stages of processing. You’ll find stacks of air-drying boards, kiln-dried inventory sorted by species and grade, and the distinctive aroma of fresh-cut hardwood that tells you this is where serious lumber sourcing happens.

Expect to spend time hand-selecting boards, discussing moisture content and grain orientation with knowledgeable staff, and potentially arranging custom milling services for specific project requirements. This is a hands-on lumber buying experience where board foot calculations, wood movement considerations, and project planning discussions are part of the normal process.

Products & Materials

Our hardwood lumber inventory focuses on premium domestic species including red and white oak, hard and soft maple, black walnut, cherry, hickory, and ash. Each species is available in multiple grades from FAS premium boards down to #1 Common for more budget-conscious projects, with most lumber kiln-dried to optimal moisture content for furniture and cabinetmaking.

Board dimensions typically range from 4/4 (1 inch) through 8/4 (2 inch) thickness, with select thicker material available by special order. We maintain inventory in rough sawn condition for customers who prefer to do their own surfacing, plus S2S and S4S options for those needing ready-to-use lumber.

Custom milling capabilities include ripping to width, planing to specific thickness, and edge gluing services. We can also source exotic species like mahogany, teak, or figured woods on request, though our core strength remains in premium domestic hardwoods from regional timber sources.

Who Shops Here

Our customer base includes professional furniture makers building custom pieces, cabinetmakers sourcing materials for kitchen and built-in projects, hobbyist woodworkers pursuing weekend projects, and contractors needing quality hardwood for trim and millwork applications. We also serve woodturners looking for bowl blanks, woodcarvers seeking specific grain patterns, and restoration specialists matching period lumber for historic projects.

Serving the Terre Haute, Indiana Area

Terre Haute’s woodworking community benefits from Indiana’s position in America’s hardwood belt, with local craftsmen having access to some of the finest domestic lumber species. The city’s industrial heritage and proximity to both urban markets and rural timber resources creates an environment where quality mills like Kirkham Hardwoods can thrive while serving both professional woodworkers and dedicated hobbyists throughout west-central Indiana.

Tips for First-Time Buyers

• Bring a moisture meter to verify lumber moisture content, especially for critical furniture projects requiring 6-8% MC
• Plan to hand-select boards rather than accepting random picks – grain pattern and defect placement matter significantly
• Calculate your board foot requirements before arriving, but buy 15-20% extra to account for waste and matching needs
• Ask about air-dried versus kiln-dried options if you have specific project timeline or stability requirements
• Inquire about custom milling services during your visit rather than assuming standard dimensions will work for your project
• Discuss wood movement and grain orientation with staff, especially if mixing species or working with wider panels

Woodworking Clubs & Resources near Terre Haute, Indiana

The Wabash Valley Woodturners, a local chapter of the American Association of Woodturners, serves the Terre Haute area with regular meetings and demonstrations for turning enthusiasts. Ivy Tech Community College in Terre Haute offers woodworking and cabinet making programs through their skilled trades division, providing both hobbyists and those seeking career training with hands-on instruction. For supplies and classes, woodworkers in the region often visit the Woodcraft store in Indianapolis, about 70 miles northeast, which offers workshops and a full selection of tools and materials.

Find a local woodworking guild →  ·  Find an AAW chapter →

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