Custom Cutting

Custom Cutting

A Legacy of Precision and Innovation

TRAPA Custom Cutting Division

At TRAPA, custom cutting is more than a process—it’s a craft. Since 1963, we have been at the forefront of custom cutting, pioneering a sawmilling approach that maximizes value from coastal softwood species. Unlike conventional milling, custom cutting involves sourcing open-market logs, designing cutting specifications tailored to market demand, and utilizing fee-for-service sawmills to produce high-value lumber.

In our early years, we primarily cut Yellow Cedar, Douglas Fir, and Sitka Spruce, focusing on grade log sorts at S&R Sawmills and, as the industry expanded, at additional sawmills along the Fraser River. The vast majority of this production was exported to Japan, a key market for our premium lumber products.

Today, TRAPA continues its custom cutting legacy, with a primary focus on Coastal Douglas Fir and Western Red Cedar. Our custom-cuts are tailored to meet the demands of structural, industrial, and appearance-grade applications. Our expertise in precision cutting and grading ensures consistent quality, reliability, and performance for a wide range of markets. We operate at three sawmills on Vancouver Island and four in the Vancouver area, ensuring efficiency and flexibility in our production. With evolving logging policies and an increased emphasis on second-growth harvesting, our production now includes both structural and appearance-grade products, catering to a diverse range of markets.

Our Custom Cut Products

Product Types

Douglas Fir – Structural Excellence

We focus primarily on structural products, known for their strength, durability, and versatility.

Lengths: Up to 40 feet
Beams & Timbers – All sizes
Cross Arms & Transmission Arms
Industrial Clear & Shop
Shop & Better
Standard & Better – 1” and 2”

Western Red Cedar – Premium Appearance-Grade Lumber

Renowned for its natural beauty, stability, and resistance to decay, our Western Red Cedar products are ideal for architectural and specialty applications.

Lengths: Up to 40 feet
Appearance Beams, Timbers & Boards – All sizes
Industrial Clear & Shop – Available in vertical grain and mixed grain, with a variety of thicknesses and widths
Standard & Better – 1” and 2

Additional Services

To further enhance product quality, compliance, and market readiness, we offer a range of value-added services:

Dressing & Planing – Custom surfacing to meet precise specifications.
Custom Re-Sawing – Tailored cuts for specialty applications.
Kiln Drying – Controlled drying for improved stability and performance.
Heat Treating – Compliance with international standards for wood exports.
Phytosanitary Certificates – Ensuring compliance with global trade regulations.
PEFC Sustainability Certification – Supporting responsible forest management and sustainable sourcing.

At TRAPA, our commitment to quality, sustainability, and precision allows us to provide custom solutions that meet the needs of customers worldwide. Whether you require structural durability, premium aesthetics, or specialized processing, TRAPA’s Custom Cutting Division delivers.