By Michelle Keller
Bethel, Connecticut–Kellogg Hardwoods Inc. (dba Kellogg Hardwood Lumber), based here, is a hardwood distribution yard that also manufactures custom wide plank hardwood flooring and mouldings. The company purchases approximately 400,000 board feet annually of all domestic hardwood lumber (FAS, No. 1, 2 and 3 Common). Kellogg also purchases some imported wood species including Sassafras, Brazilian Cherry and Santos Mahogany.
Founded in 1993 by Allen G. Kellogg and Allen A. Kellogg, the company’s goal has historically been to maintain high quality production and exceptional customer service. Today Kellogg Hardwoods Inc. is headed up by President Allen A. Kellogg, who said, “Our goal is to provide the best hardwoods available to the consumer. We buy, sell and utilize all species of furniture grade lumber from reputable mills to assure dryness, stability and the best all-around product for our customers.”
Allen explained some of the extra steps the operation takes to assure this quality. “We let the walk-in customers choose their own lumber directly from the units we have in stock. This process is time consuming and labor intensive, but the result is clear from our satisfied customers.”
In an era where competition is tough, Allen said what sets the operation apart from others in the industry is a fast turnaround time, quality production and personalized hands-on customer service. He continued, “Custom milling materials to order rather than big production runs keeps our quality at its best and moisture content at its lowest. Long length flooring in 6-foot to 16-foot lengths keeps us in the market with customers that are seeking authentic turn of the century wide plank flooring.”
Kellogg Hardwoods supplies hardwood lumber, including cabinet grade lumber, and custom wide plank flooring not only to its clients in Fairfield County, CT, but also to customers in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and beyond. Allen explained, “We will also arrange shipment of wide plank flooring to any destination in the United States.
“Custom wide plank flooring is created in a variety of species, providing the timeless, rustic look of plank floors to complement any house or room décor. Solid, wide plank floors, from quarter-sawn Oak floors to antique, old-growth eastern Pine flooring, carry on a tradition of rustic flooring dating back to the 17th century.”
Kellogg Hardwood Lumber is no stranger to special requests and, according to Allen, is happy to customize wide plank flooring to meet exacting needs and specifications. “We aim to help customers achieve the timeless, historical look of antique flooring, whether it is for one room or an entire house,” he explained.
The firm’s facilities have the latest in state-of-theart equipment to meet today’s hardwood needs. Allen noted, “If you’re looking for wide plank flooring, moulding, cabinet grade lumber, hardwood floors, or other hardwood material for your project, our raw lumber comes from lumber mills that follow national manufacturing standards for grading and kiln drying.”
The people at Kellogg Hardwood Lumber are committed to providing products from responsibly managed forests. “All of our wood comes from sustainable forest products,” he explained. “Our raw lumber is graded and kiln-dried to the national standards based on grading and kiln rules set forth by the National Hardwood Lumber Association. All of our wood is milled to order from rough sawn kiln-dried lumber with a moisture content between 6 and 8 percent. Grading is performed according to regulations. In other words, our product is second-to-none, yet our prices are among the lowest in the industry.”
Aside from lumber, flooring and mouldings, Allen said the company specializes in providing wood for boat construction. “The art of wooden boat construction today enjoys a renaissance among craftsmen and first-time boat-builders,” he explained. “Although the advent of fiberglass and composite materials nearly took boat-building out of the hands of the individual craftsman, wood is revitalizing boat-building as the best core material for innovative construction techniques. The use of epoxy resins enables mating any type of wood and proves strong, flexible, and durable.”
He continued, “From lofting to woodworking to finishing, whether using stitch-and-glue or clenched nails, you can build your dream – from a kayak to a dory to a yacht – using any wood from Okoume to Spanish Cedar to the finest Malaysian Teak. The marine lumber from Kellogg Hardwoods includes time-tested species milled to the highest quality of smoothness and uniformity. Our consultants can provide practical and aesthetic advice gained from more than 40 years of wooden-boat building and hardwood experience. Their hands-on expertise provides the edge in making woodworking and construction efficient, easy and gratifying. When you launch a boat made from our products, you will enjoy the woodworker’s pride and the sailor’s admiration for a beautiful nautical craft.”
Kellogg Hardwoods Inc. is a member of the National Wood Flooring Association.
For more information visit www.kellogghardwoods.com.