Frequently Asked Questions About Ordering Wood Slices

Why can't wood be shipped internationally?

There are import/export rules in place.  Each country has their own set of rules, but in general they prohibit the importation of raw wood, especially if it has bark on it.  They classify it as a "plant-like" material, and may contain bugs, beetles, worms or something else that they do not want imported into their country.  Most also prohibit the use of wood shipping pallets for the same reason.  Since it is virtually impossible for us to find out the exact rules and regulations for each individual country, we decided not to ship internationally at all.  All international orders for wood will be immediately refunded.  The only items we can ship internationally are the finished wood products that have been treated and varnished, and, of course, our E-Z Log Tenon Cutter Tools.

Shipping Costs?

To find out what the cost of shipping will be, simply add a few items to your shopping cart, enter in your zip code, and chose a shipping method.  The wood slices are pre-weighed. The shopping cart will automatically calculate shipping costs based on the total weight of the product and your zip code.  We do not ship wood outside of the USA.   All international wood orders will be cancelled and refunded.
For custom orders, it is impossible for me to estimate shipping costs to your zip code before cutting the wood.  Species of wood, condition (new vs. old), or whether it is treated all affect the weight of the wood. Options like  priority and parcel shipping also affect the cost.

How much lead time do you require?

Orders are cut FCFS. If I already have dry logs to cut to your specifications, it shouldn't take long at all to slice up your order, depending on size, quantity, and orders I have to fulfill first.   Additional drying time may be necessary prior to shipping depending on moisture content.  Longer times for sanding, drilling, and/or extra requirements.

What is spalt?

Spalt is a battle amongst fungi living in the wood during the decay process.  It can be absolutely beautiful if you catch it in time, and depending upon what type of fungi is battling for their territory.  Spalt can yield beautiful colors of pink, blues, but mostly are black or gray lines.  Those black lines are barriers that the fungi build to keep the other fungi out of their territory.  Anyone who is a school teacher, or wants to learn more, let me know and I'll send you some for the kids.  I will help teachers to help teach kids about wood.  Growth rings, spalt, bark, etc.

Wood Slice Diameters?

I suppose it would be ideal to find perfectly straight logs and branches, no blemishes, no knots, so that customers could order perfect wood slices in exact diameters.  Nature doesn't work that way.  We will normally list the diameter range, for example 2" to 2-1/2".  If the log is not round, more of an oval shape, we list both the long and short measurements, for example 8" the long way, and 6" the short way.  We always post photos of the exact product for sale, and not a generic photo.  All product photos are click-able to allow the customer to see a larger version of the photo. 

How to apply the thin wall slices?

The wall slices are thin, but are still cross-cut sections of logs, so you can easily arrange them to look like a cord-wood wall, or a stack of logs.  They can be glued on.  It is best to use at least one brad nail to hold in place while the glue is drying to act like a "clamp" while gluing wood.  Before installing the slices, figure out what will be the best wall color underneath.  Usually black, or a dark brown or dark green depending on your style.  There will be more information soon on how to prepare your walls  before applying the thin log veneers. 

Square footage for wall applications?

Recently I received a quote request for wood slices to cover a 45 Sq. Ft. wall.   The arrangement of the slices can be tight or lose, and dramatically change the number of slices required to fill a certain area.   Filler slices may or may not be required, depending on the look you are trying to achieve.   You can also take the same slices, turn them around a little, and have too many or not enough slices.

Where do we get our wood?

Just when ya think ya heard it all, one customer said she wouldn't buy my wood slices if I killed the tree.  Don't worry, I hug 'em first! 

We harvest trees that have recently been blown down in a storm, or had to be removed due to overhead electrical wires.  We also check Craigs List from time to time to see if there is someone needing tree removal from their property. 

Wood found on the ground is usually highly spalted, full of bugs and worms, and the side that is laying on the ground stays wet and starts to rot quickly.  Most of the time the wet side will lose its bark quickly, and generally is not suitable for slicing up.  If caught in time, we may use that fallen tree to make lumber instead.

Do you use a kiln?

Nope.  Most wood species, when sliced cross-grain, need to dry slowly to prevent cracking.  I air dry my logs and my slices.

Custom Orders?

What I have ready to ship is posted for sale on this website.
I will gladly cut a custom wood order for you if I have the product (wood) in stock, dry, and ready to cut up, in the species and diameter that you are looking for.  Please see the lead-time paragraph above.