The Byrne Milling way
At Byrne Milling, craftsmanship begins long before a board reaches the workshop. Our dedication to quality starts in the forest, where every tree is intentionally selected to become a one-of-a-kind finished product.
Tree selection
We begin by selecting individual mature trees as part of our Forest Management Plan. Some have been shaped by nature—struck by lightning, affected by disease, or grown with unique curves. These natural features create exceptional grain patterns that make each piece truly distinctive.
Our Eastern Ontario forest includes maple, oak, black walnut, beech, butternut, spruce, tamarack, and pine. Trees are cut by chainsaw into 8–16 foot lengths, up to 30 inches in diameter, and are left outdoors to rest until ready for milling.
Each log is carefully inspected to determine whether it is best suited for milling or for firewood. Beyond assessing structural quality, we look for logs that showcase the natural beauty of the forest. Unlike mass-production mills, we do not seek perfectly straight logs—we seek character.
Whenever possible, we mill every usable portion of a log, reserving only the smallest or most unsuitable pieces for firewood.
Milling and preparation
Logs are milled on-site using our Norwood LM30 sawmill. We cut boards in a range of thicknesses with specific products in mind. After milling, boards are stacked with wooden stickers placed between each layer to ensure proper airflow and even drying. Hardwoods typically require one year of air-drying per inch of thickness. Or until the ideal amount of moisture remains—typically 8–12%, depending on climate. This approach helps prevent cracking, warping, and other imperfections, resulting in stable, long-lasting lumber.
Once dried, boards are brought into the workshop for final inspection and acclimatization. We sort each piece by species, thickness, and quality, and determine its best use.
We offer select slabs for sale to other woodworkers who wish to make their own creations.
Final products
Crafting Finished Products
Once a project is selected, we begin by stripping bark from live-edge planks and planing them flat. Boards are cut to length and prepared for finishing based on the intended product.
Charcuterie Boards
- Natural imperfections are cleaned and filled with epoxy where needed.
- Sanding progresses from 50 to 220 grit. We then lightly mist the surface to raise the grain before the final sanding, ensuring an exceptionally smooth finish.
- Boards can be fitted with metal handles and rubber feet upon request—both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
- Each board is treated with food-safe, non-toxic oil and wax. The finish is absorbed naturally, enhancing durability and deepening the wood’s natural colour and grain.
Furniture Pieces (benches, shelves, tables, and more)
- We design each piece to complement the natural grain and shape of the wood.
- Boards are cut to size and grain-matched while minimizing waste.
- Natural voids or cracks are filled with epoxy if required.
- Wood components are glued with high-performance wood glue for a secure bond.
- Sanding follows the same meticulous process used for boards: 50 to 220 grit, with grain-raising between stages.
- Each piece is then stained and finished with the customer’s preferred protective coating, enhancing both beauty and longevity.
