Contract Milling

For a contract milling enquiry, start with the timber you have and the pieces you want. Include the site location, species if known, quantity, measured log lengths and diameters, and any visible defects or suspected metal.

Also describe access, available handling equipment and where the sawn pieces could be stacked. Photographs can help an operator assess the enquiry, although they cannot confirm every hidden defect or predict the final output.

Then agree the cutting brief, who moves the logs and boards, and how the job will be priced. Ask what the quote includes, such as travel, setup and handling. Confirm arrangements directly with the operator before work begins.

Contract milling produces sawn pieces. Depending on the intended use, drying, grading or machining may still be needed. Therefore, compare the whole processing route with alternatives before committing to the job.

Our guides cover planning the log handover and assessing a log before milling. The Forestry Commission’s harvesting guidance also explains how log quality and product choices affect processing routes.