What is the difference between a sawmill and a lumber mill?

The difference between a sawmill and a lumber mill mainly lies in the scope of operations:

Sawmill

• Definition: A facility where logs are cut into rough lumber (basic boards and beams).

• Focus: Initial stage of wood processing.

• Key Activities:

• Debarking logs

• Sawing logs into boards or beams

• Basic sorting

• Output: Rough, unfinished wood.

Lumber Mill

• Definition: A broader term that may include a sawmill but also involves further processing of wood.

• Focus: Producing finished or ready-to-use lumber.

• Key Activities:

• May start with rough-cut lumber from a sawmill

• Planing for smooth surfaces

• Drying (kiln or air drying)

• Grading and treating

• Custom cutting or shaping

• Output: Finished lumber ready for construction or retail.