Our Product...

Approximately 60% of Gilkey's raw material comes from local timber contracts. The company employees three foresters who look only for timberland that will meet the company's high standards. Gilkey also has its own timberland holdings, helping us to provide a steady, sustained supply of lumber at all times. What sets Gilkey apart from many other producers is the quality of logs we saw. As Mike Parton explains, "Our goal is not to be a high production mill, but to saw higher grade logs so that we produce better lumber." The company sells lower grade logs and keeps the best logs for production. "Because we start with better logs and cut only one board at a time," Fred Hardin commented, "Our average lengths and widths are better than many mills." One example of the excellent specifications offered by Gilkey is our 8/4 (51mm) Poplar, which has an average width of 10 inches (25.4cm)

Annual production exceeds 15 million board feet (35378m3), of which approximately 1.5 million board feet (3538m3) is exported each year. Yellow Poplar (Tulipwood) is produced in 4/4 (26mm) through 10/4 (64mm) and has good white color with very little green. Red Oak and White Oak are sawn in the 4/4 through 8/4 thicknesses. The company also manufactures 4/4 through 8/4 Eastern White Pine and 4/4 Soft Maple and Ash. The Ash produced in this part of the Appalachian region is prized for its light color. In addition, a limited amount of White Oak, Walnut and Poplar logs are exported.

At Gilkey, all lumber is inspected for grade and quality by NHLA certified inspectors before and after kiln drying. Green lumber is coated with an end wax to control moisture loss and maintain quality during the drying process. Lumber is then put on sticks and air-dried under covered sheds on concrete foundations to assure flatness and bright color. The company has taken the additional step of installing forced-air fans in the shed roofs to increase airflow so that stain and mold does not occur. In addition to rough lumber, Gilkey also has the ability to provide lumber surfaced-two-sides (S2S) and straight-line-ripped on one edge (SLRIE).

Gilkey Lumber exports hardwoods and Eastern White Pine to customers throughout Asia and Europe. Shipments are made direct and t through agents from the ports of Charleston, SC, Wilmington, NC, Savannah, GA, and Norfolk, VA.