The Forest 2 Home Process

We do it all: forest management, harvesting, milling, kiln drying, and more

Forest 2 Home is rooted in responsible forest stewardship and creating climate change-resilient forests

As forestry experts, we understand that high quality hardwood and environmental sustainability go hand in hand. Our goal is to create a greener future by practicing responsible forestry management programs on our company land as well as for individual forest landowners. This practice enables natural forest regeneration and creates climate change-resilient forests. Naturally regenerating forests are known to be more resilient, which is determined by the forests biological and ecological resources, including the diversity of native plants, animals, and fungi. To help us reach our goal, Gutchess Lumber, our parent company, employs a team of qualified foresters, all of whom champion and oversee responsible forestry management practices.

Our commitment to environmental stewardship begins in the forest and supports the flow of carbon that is sequestered in the timber to the hardwood lumber products we produce. Hardwood products can store carbon for decades, centuries, or indefinitely in some cases. By using hardwood products, you can help to mitigate climate change. Scientists also forecast unhealthy forest composition changes due to insects and disease over the next 100 years, which active forest management can help to reduce.

Buying Forest 2 Home hardwood lumber products means supporting environmental sustainability and together, we will create a greener future for our customers, for our families, and for our planet. Learn more about each step of our manufacturing process below.

Sourcing

All of our hardwood is sourced in the northeast USA. We work with private land-owners to create sustainable forest management plans and help them meet their short-term and long-term growth objectives. We also own 30,000 acres of our own timberland in upstate New York and Pennsylvania where we practice sustainable forestry in everything we do.

Harvesting

We sustainably harvest our lands in 15 and 30 year cycles to ensure a steady and continuous supply of healthy, quality hardwood. Not only is this practice good for the environment, but it is also means job security for many.

By growing these forests and harvesting the wood, we are helping to take CO2 out of the air and store it in our wood, helping to limit climate change caused by greenhouse gases.

Milling

We have five sawmills that incorporate strict quality control processes. We kiln dry our hardwood to ensure it dries uniformly and can be finished to a smooth surface. Each board is inspected a minimum of four times by a trained lumber inspector before final approval. Each of the boards that leave our door are some of the best on the market.