Lumber Resawing

Custom Sawmilling LLC provides lumber resawing services for homeowners, woodworkers, builders, contractors, and specialty-lumber customers throughout Georgia and select areas of North Florida. Based in Rentz, Georgia, The Custom Sawyer can help turn thicker boards, slabs, and suitable lumber into thinner material for a specific project.

Resawing is the process of cutting a board through its thickness to create thinner boards. It is useful when you have lumber that is thicker than your project requires, want to create matching material from an existing board, or need to make better use of valuable hardwood, live-edge material, or specialty lumber.

Every piece of lumber is different. Species, board dimensions, moisture level, grain, condition, and the desired finished thickness all affect whether material is suitable for resawing. Contact us before bringing lumber in so we can discuss your project and review the material.

What Is Lumber Resawing?

Lumber resawing is a specialized cutting process that divides a thick board into two or more thinner boards. For example, a thick hardwood board may be resawn into thinner material for cabinet parts, drawer sides, paneling, trim, furniture components, or decorative woodworking.

Resawing can be a practical option when you need a specific thickness that is not readily available from standard lumber suppliers. It may also help customers make more use of a board with unique grain, color, figure, or sentimental value.

Because the cut removes material, the final thickness of each board will be less than the original board. The lumber may also need planing or sanding after resawing to reach the desired finished thickness and surface quality.

Why Resaw Lumber?

Resawing gives you more flexibility with the lumber you already have. It can be useful for:

Creating thinner boards from thick rough-sawn lumber
Preparing material for furniture, cabinetry, shelving, or trim
Producing matching boards from a single piece of lumber
Making panels, wall boards, decorative pieces, or specialty parts
Getting more usable material from wide boards or hardwood stock
Preparing lumber for planing, profiling, or other follow-on work

For customers working with live-edge slabs, figured hardwoods, or lumber milled from a meaningful tree, resawing can help preserve the character of the original material while adapting it to the needs of a project.

FAQs

What is the difference between resawing and planing?

Resawing cuts a board through its thickness to create thinner boards. Planing removes smaller amounts of material from the face of a board to create a smoother surface and more consistent thickness.

Can you resaw lumber milled somewhere else?

In many cases, yes. We can review lumber milled elsewhere if it is suitable for the process. Contact us with the species, dimensions, quantity, condition, and desired finished thickness.

How thin can lumber be resawn?

The practical finished thickness depends on the species, starting dimensions, board condition, grain, and project requirements. Contact us with your desired dimensions so we can discuss the material.

Can live-edge slabs be resawn?

Some live-edge slabs and wide boards may be suitable for resawing. Photos and measurements are helpful so we can review the material and discuss the best approach.

Does lumber need to be dry before resawing?

Dry, stable lumber is generally easier to evaluate and prepare for final dimensions. The right approach depends on the species, condition, and intended use of the material.