Driftless Hardwoods

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. 🇺🇸

Our appreciation for this day has always been personal. Our father, Joseph, served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Germany, where he taught vehicle maintenance to soldiers preparing for service. We are thankful he made it home to his family, while so many others never had that opportunity.

Today, we remember those sacrifices and the families forever changed because of them.

From all of us at Driftless Hardwoods, we thank those who gave everything for the freedoms we enjoy every day.

05/24/2026

“Hey Tim… what’s all that black speckling on that aspen log?”

“Well Brother Tom… that’s what can happen UNDER the bark when aspen sits too long with moisture trapped against the log.” 😅

This aspen log was cut less than two weeks ago, and even in the cool spring weather, mold had already started forming underneath the bark before we got it onto the mill.

Aspen can be especially prone to molding and staining because it holds moisture so readily. Once the bark loosens or traps humidity against the log, mold can begin developing quickly — and if left unchecked into the warmer summer months, that staining can pe*****te into the boards themselves.

That’s why getting logs milled promptly, then properly stickered and stacked for airflow, is so important.

Early on at Driftless Hardwoods, this was a hard lesson learned. We had several beautiful aspen logs mold so severely that the lumber simply wasn’t saleable.

What makes aspen especially challenging is that it often requires MORE care and urgency than some of our higher-value species like walnut or white oak. The handling, milling, stickering, stacking, and labor are virtually the same whether we’re cutting premium walnut or low-cost aspen… but the financial return certainly isn’t. 😅

Still, when processed correctly, aspen can be an incredibly useful and affordable hardwood for projects and school woodworking programs.

Now we know:
✔️ Mill it quickly
✔️ Sticker it immediately
✔️ Let that moisture flash off
✔️ Keep airflow moving

Every species teaches you something… and aspen taught us this one the hard way.

Built by nature. Crafted by hand.

05/23/2026

05/21/2026

“Hey Tim!”
“Hey what?” 😆

At Driftless Hardwoods, Brother Tim just finished clearing nearly 3 acres of old Scotch pine that was planted on this property roughly 50 years ago. Unfortunately, Scotch pine never really thrived in this part of Wisconsin and over time many of the trees became stressed, dead, or diseased.

Before anyone asks… no, this wood isn’t headed to the sawmill. Most of these pines were small in diameter and better suited for firewood than lumber. And while pine isn’t exactly considered premium firewood, it’ll still serve an important purpose around here — helping fuel the kiln this winter instead of simply going to waste. 🔥

But the really cool part? 🌾

Now that the pines are gone, Tim and Luann are beginning the process of turning this land back into native prairie using seeds they’ve harvested right from the property over the years. A lot of work today… for something beautiful tomorrow.

From kiln fuel to prairie restoration — that’s retirement, Driftless style. 😅