Rough-sawn lumber is lumber in the state it should be in immediately after milling: full thickness, not surfaced, and not finished. That is not a limitation. It is a practical decision that protects the material and gives the end user control over the next stage.
Freshly sawn boards still carry moisture and stress. As they dry, they will move. That movement is normal. Surfacing too early can remove thickness that you may need later to true and flatten the board after drying and acclimation.
Rough-sawn output preserves dimension and preserves options. It allows the builder to choose the drying schedule, the acclimation environment, and the final milling plan. This is especially important in old timber, where density and internal stress can vary from board to board.
Old Growth Mill provides rough-sawn material so final sizing happens at the correct time: after the wood stabilizes in its intended environment.
If you are used to surfaced lumber from retail systems, rough-sawn boards may look unfamiliar. The right way to view rough-sawn output is as the correct starting point for high-quality work.
Practical takeaway: rough-sawn lumber supports correct drying and gives you control over final surfacing after the wood stabilizes.
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