Pennsylvania Flitch-Cut Slabs, Boules, Lumber, and More

It all begins with the log.

We understand its language, and we listen to what it tells us.

Moving logs in the log yard

Overview

It all begins with the log.  Each selection is analyzed before it is opened to determine where the secrets are hiding. We decide what type of wood product the log is best suited for: hardwood flitches and boules, lumber, or something completely unique…. Sometimes the needs of the customer direct those decisions. Usually we let the wood speak for itself. The important thing is that we understand its language, and we listen to what it tells us.

Boules and flitches

Horizon’s sawmill was designed and installed with the production of boules as a primary focus. So, what is a boule? Consider the log as a loaf of bread. Instead of making traditional slices across the loaf, it is cut longitudinally “through-and-through” the entire length of the log. Each of these individual log-length pieces is called a flitch. A flitch of significant thickness and width may be considered a slab. 

Horizon’s flitch cut wood is tracked and labeled. They can be stacked in a way to reconstruct the log. The sliced and re-built log is called a boule. Each flitch in the boule shares a common lineage with all others from the log. Like a family, the entire boule carries the same qualities and character throughout. Perfect matching for any woodworker making a spectacular project. Browse our selection of flitches, boules, and slabs in Pennsylvania!

Lumber

Horizon’s skills were honed making boules. From that beginning, delving into square-edged lumber was a breeze. While we do produce small amounts of standard lumber, we actually find it to be a sort of ho-hum routine. BUT, the majority of our non-sequenced production is preceded by words like, “Prime,” “Extra-Wide,” “Insanely-Uniform,” or “I can’t find this anywhere else.” Far from standard lumber, this kind of production is pretty exciting stuff.

Log intact lumber

The product is the same great Horizon quality, but the proof is in the packaging. Material is carefully tracked throughout production. When Log Intact Lumber is stacked, it is kept separated and sorted by log and by flitch. Perfect color matching and sequencing becomes a snap because every piece is located beside its brother. Just another way Horizon takes that extra step to provide unsurpassed service to our great customers.

Specialty items

We start all production with good logs, and we recognize great logs when we see them. Our specialty inventory is a treasure trove of curled, quilted, fiddlebacked, and bird’s-eyed pieces, unique crotch patterns, and exceptional widths and thicknesses. Sets can easily be browsed on our website, but that’s just a portion of what we have in stock. For a special project, we can help you find the log that will make your project shine.

Browse our website for specialty wood flitches, boules, slabs and lumber. Our selection online is just a sampling of what we have available; if you’re interested in something special contact us. We will help you find the perfect log to make your project shine.

Species

Horizon is nestled in the heart of the Allegheny National Forest, the premier source of American Black Cherry. However, we source our material from a wide network of reputable log buyers we have been developing since the 70′s. We produce a wide variety of American hardwoods, including cherry, walnut, hard and soft maple, red and white oak, ash, elm, sap gum, butternut, sassafras, cottonwood, and more. 

Learn more below about the American hardwood species Horizon uses to create our premium wood products in Pennsylvania. All of the varieties listed pass through our saw regularly, but of course some are easier to procure than others. Want to know more? Contact us. We understand the unique personality of our woods and are happy to share our knowledge.