Wood Milling Excellence in Emmett, Idaho: A Full-Cycle Woodmill Enterprise

Comprehensive Services: From Tree to Finished Product

Unlike many in the wood business, Barry Lasko provides a full range of services. He starts by sourcing local trees, often working with arborists who contact him when unique opportunities arise. “I get onesies like that walnut tree, where an arborist found me on Marketplace and offered it before it was cut for firewood,” Lasko explains. Local sourcing is key, and once the trees are acquired, his team processes them in-house.

Lasko’s operation includes everything needed for high-quality milling. With specialized equipment like kilns and large slabs flatteners, he can transform raw timber into usable, functional lumber or even finished products like custom countertops and tabletops. His team handles it all: “We don’t limit ourselves; we take the tree from the ground, mill it, dry it, and can either sell it as raw material or create a finished product.”

Local and Sustainable Sourcing

One of the distinguishing factors of the operation is his commitment to sourcing wood locally. His relationships with arborists and his ability to purchase directly from tree removal jobs allow him to offer unique, high-quality timber. His approach ensures sustainability and keeps his carbon footprint low.

“We work with local arborists, and sometimes we buy full truckloads of logs,” he says. This local approach not only supports the community but also guarantees the availability of custom pieces that are hard to find at larger retailers.

Custom Lumber for Builders and Contractors

The woodmill has built a reputation among builders and contractors who are looking for unique, custom-cut lumber. “I work with builders who need custom pieces, whether it’s for a bar top, mantle, or even full-dimension rough-cut lumber for cabins,” Lasko says. The demand for custom-sized lumber has been growing, and his ability to produce these unique cuts keeps clients coming back.

Even though large retailers like Home Depot or Franklin Building Supply dominate the market for standard lumber, they can’t match the precision and quality of his custom offerings. “Big box stores can sell it cheaper, but the quality is different. My lumber is dried properly, cut to exact specifications, and stays straighter,” he notes. In fact, many builders turn to Lasko when larger suppliers can’t meet their specific needs.

The Art of Fair Deals and Transparent Pricing

Working with local arborists and homeowners often leads to creative arrangements. Lasko describes the various ways he structures deals: “Sometimes I buy the tree, and other times we trade services. In some cases, I’ll mill the wood and give the owner a portion back in slab form.” With a clear understanding of industry standards, Lasko ensures fair pricing based on the board feet of the wood he processes.

His transparency and straightforward business model have earned him a reputation for fairness, whether he’s buying raw logs or providing custom-milled products to builders and individual customers.

Specialty Wood Products and the Importance of Availability

One key advantage of Lasko’s mill is the availability of specialty wood products that are difficult to find elsewhere. Builders and hobbyists alike often struggle to locate specific types of wood in the sizes they need, and his extensive stock of custom-milled lumber fills that gap. “I had a guy building a canoe who couldn’t find 16-foot pieces of Douglas fir anywhere. I had it in my yard,” he recounts.

In addition to his large stock, his drying process and attention to detail ensure that his lumber is straighter and less prone to twisting, making it more reliable than mass-produced options.

Conclusion

Lasko’s woodmill enterprise in Emmett, Idaho, offers more than just milling services. With a commitment to quality, customization, and local sourcing, he has created a business that provides high-end wood products for builders, contractors, and individual customers. Whether it’s a custom mantle, a bar top, or raw slabs for construction, Lasko’s full-cycle operation ensures that his clients get the best possible product, tailored to their specific needs. His unique approach, combined with a passion for sustainable, local wood sourcing, makes him a standout in the industry. Visit Laskowoodcraft.com.