Business Details
40 Years
experience
Premium Hardwoods for Every Project
Founded in 1986, Kettle Moraine Hardwoods has been a trusted provider of premium hardwood products in Southeastern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. Our company was established by Wally and Bob Wesp, who recognized the demand for quality hardwoods through direct customer interaction at their sawmill location. Over decades, we've expanded our offerings while maintaining a commitment to personalized service and product excellence. Our team includes experienced professionals with decades of combined expertise in sawmilling, drying, and wood selection. We operate a state-of-the-art facility in Hartford, Wisconsin, featuring advanced kiln-drying technology and extensive inventory management systems. Our business philosophy centers on customer education, allowing clients to personally select wood from our bins while we provide immediate processing services.We maintain strong relationships with local suppliers and continuously invest in equipment upgrades to ensure product quality and operational efficiency. Our employees, many with over 20 years of tenure, contribute significantly to our reputation for knowledgeable service and product expertise. We offer both retail and wholesale options, accommodating orders from single boards to large industrial quantities. Our website showcases real-time inventory of specialty products like log mantels and live edge slabs, reflecting our commitment to transparency and customer convenience.
Services
Kiln-dried lumber
Log mantels
Live edge slabs
Industrial lumber
Sawing services
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- We've specialized in hardwood processing since 1986 with three generations of family leadership.
- Our inventory includes over 500 unique wood products available for immediate purchase.
- Knowledgeable staff with average tenure exceeding 20 years assists with material selection.
- We offer custom sawing, planing, and sanding services while you wait.
- Our online inventory system provides real-time availability of specialty products.
Services
Kiln-dried lumber
Our kiln-dried lumber undergoes extensive drying processes to ensure stability and quality. We maintain precise moisture control for optimal woodworking performance. This product line includes both domestic and imported species for furniture making, cabinetry, and specialty projects.
Log mantels
Handcrafted log mantels feature natural wood characteristics and multiple finish options. Each piece undergoes careful drying and surface preparation. We offer various wood species and styles including natural, bark, and carved face options.
Live edge slabs
Live edge slabs preserve natural wood features for unique furniture applications. Available in various thicknesses and dimensions, these slabs work well for tables, countertops, and artistic projects. We offer both small craft pieces and large architectural elements.
Industrial lumber
Our industrial lumber line includes hardwood blocking and White Oak planks for commercial applications. These products meet demanding construction requirements for trailer decks, fencing, and structural components. Available in standard and custom dimensions.
Sawing services
We provide professional sawing services for custom wood requirements. Our equipment handles various wood types and thicknesses while maintaining precise dimensional accuracy. This service supports both small woodworking projects and large industrial orders.
People
Wally Wesp
Co-founder
Co-founder of Kettle Moraine Hardwoods with over 30 years of telecommunications experience. Instrumental in developing the company's website and operational systems until his passing in 2009.
Bob Wesp
Co-founder
Co-founder managing sawmill operations and equipment maintenance. Continues to oversee production processes and technical aspects of the business operations in Hartford, Wisconsin.
Jim Wesp
Office Manager
Joined the business in 1989 after selling his previous company. Manages office operations, sales, and advertising while transitioning responsibilities to senior staff as he prepares for retirement.
Questions
What types of wood do you offer?
We carry domestic and imported hardwoods including oak, walnut, cherry, and specialty species for various woodworking applications.
Can I get custom-sized lumber?
Yes, we offer custom sawing services and maintain inventory of both standard and specialty lumber dimensions.
Do you sell wood finishing products?
We provide raw lumber products only; we recommend applying finishes during installation for best results.
Are your log mantels pre-finished?
Mantels are sanded but unfinished to allow matching with existing woodwork during installation.
What are your store hours?
We're open Monday-Wednesday 8 AM-7 PM, Tuesday-Friday 8 AM-5 PM, and Saturday 8 AM-3 PM.
Do you ship products?
Small items available in our store can be shipped; large slabs require local pickup due to size constraints.
