Have a tree that came down in a storm, or a family tree you’d like to preserve? At Twin Oak Sawmill, you can bring your logs to our yard in Independence and we’ll saw them into lumber, slabs or timbers to your cut list. Here’s what to expect, from the first photo to loading up your lumber.
Please note: we no longer offer mobile sawmill service. All of our custom milling happens at our yard at 3101 N Lentz Rd, Independence, MO.
Step 1: Send us photos of your logs
Text pictures of your logs to 913-617-6954 with rough lengths and diameters, or call 913-565-7885. We’ll let you know whether they’re suitable for milling and help you plan your cuts.
Step 2: Make sure your logs will fit
- Beams and long logs: up to 30 ft long and 28″ wide
- Big slabs: up to 58″ wide, from logs up to 18 ft long
- Smallest logs: at least 4 ft long, and ideally 10″ or more in diameter
- Ends cut straight and limbs trimmed flush
Fresher is better. Bring logs in as soon as you can after the tree comes down, and coat the ends with end grain sealer to keep them from cracking. We’re also happy to seal your log ends at no charge.
Watch for metal. Yard trees often contain nails, wire or other hardware. Please let us know if you suspect metal. Hitting metal ruins a blade, and each blade used is billed at $50.
Step 3: Schedule your milling and bring in your logs
We’re open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 AM to 4 PM. Bring your logs at your scheduled time. When you arrive:
- Pull in through the gate, then call or text us. We’ll show you where to unload.
- Please do not park in or block the spaces in front of the house. It is our partners’ private residence.
- Closed-toe shoes are required, and smoking is not permitted anywhere on the property.
Step 4: Give us your cut list
Tell us what you want: boards, slabs or timbers, and the thicknesses you need. Every log is different, and a small log can’t give you wide boards, so we’ll help you get the most from each one.
Step 5: We mill your logs
Smaller jobs of a log or two can often be milled while you wait. For larger loads, drop off your logs and we’ll mill them as soon as possible. Ask about our current wait time when you schedule.
What it costs
Milling is $200 per hour plus $50 per blade, with a 1-hour minimum. The same rate applies to all of our mills, whether you need lumber, wide slabs, or beams and long timbers up to 30 ft.
The blade charge covers each blade used on your logs, whether it dulls from normal sawing or hits hidden metal. Clean logs are easier on blades and keep your cost down.
Why hourly? Sawing 4/4 boards takes far more cuts than 8/4, and every log is different. Hourly pricing means you pay for the time your logs actually take, cut the way you want them. During your milling time your logs get our undivided attention, and we stop the clock any time the mill is shut down.
Step 6: Take your lumber home
Load up the same day, or for drop-offs, we’ll call you when it’s ready.
What about drying?
Fresh-cut lumber holds a lot of moisture and needs to dry before most furniture or cabinet work. Most lumber can be air dried at home with proper stacking and spacing. It takes time, typically several months to over a year depending on the species and thickness.
Kiln drying for customer lumber is paused for now while our kiln is full of our own stock. It will be back in a few months, once our Nyle L200 kiln is set up and running at the new yard. Need dry wood sooner? Our own kiln-dried lumber and slabs are available at the yard.
Ready to bring your logs in?
Text photos of your logs to 913-617-6954 or call 913-565-7885. You can find all the details on our custom milling page.