56 | TIMBER Loburn Sawmill A niche market for small sawmill Richard Loader Specialising in minor species of timber and having the ability to custom cut to size has been a key point of difference for Loburn Sawmill Ltd since it started operations just seven years ago. Loburn Sawmill is quietly nestled at the end of Fletchers Road just a few short kilometres from the North Canterbury township of Rangiora and is owned by fourth generation sawmiller Matt Stuart. Because the mill specialises in macrocapa, larch and Douglas fir, the catchment area for logs is broad, ranging from Nelson to Timaru and includes the McKenzie Country. “Supply can be a feast or famine at times” says Matt. “There are not a lot of timber mills around these days and we are quite unique in what we specialise in. Our daily cut is around eight cube a day on average — which is very little compared to many other mills. “That’s why we specialise in those minor species. We like supplying the products that you can’t get off the shelf, which in turn applies a personal touch to each client’s home.” We have been buying timber from Matt and Jess at Loburn Sawmills for quite some time. They are extremely honest, reliable and a very friendly team, that go above and beyond for their clients. We have a great admiration for this young couple and wish them all the very best. Noel from NF Preen Contractors Ltd “There are not a lot of timber mills around these days and we are quite unique in what we specialise in. Our daily cut is around eight cube a day on average – which is very little compared to many other mills.” Matt and his team cut the logs into a range of products including framing timbers, cladding and exposed beams. “Currently we are sending a fair bit of product including long beams and internal framing down south for hay sheds, as they have taken off in a big way. “We are also doing a lot of larch cladding currently due to a shortage of imported timbers in the market. “We supply into many merchants around the South Island and also deal directly with local builders, landscapers and homeowners who are discovering we are here. We produce macrocarpa and larch decking timber and also macrocarpa sleepers to add a landscaping aspect to the business. Through the summer months the macrocarpa and larch decking would be one of our biggest sellers followed by posts and beams for pergolas.” While Matt never thought he would be in the firewood industry he says it does complement the sawmill very well through the winter months. “We buy logs for the firewood business and do everything from pine, bluegum, macrocarpa, larch, Oregon and poplar to ensure the warmest of fires over the winter months.” Another very popular arm to Loburn sawmill’s business is creating beautifully crafted, portable solid timber cabins. “The cabins started with no internal fit out and have progressed to being fitted out with toilets, showers and kitchenettes to cater for our clients’ different and diverse requirements.” With classic ebony black Coloursteel monopitch roofing with matching aluminium joinery, cosy with wool insulation, LED lighting along with larch tongue and groove flooring and walls, the cabins deliver a stunning complement to any home requiring an additional bedroom or office space or just some more personal space for art studios or a drawing room. The cabins have been built to be easily moveable and delivery is available around the South Island via small hiab. Proud of his fourth generation saw milling heritage, which started with his great-grandfather in Tapanui — a large mill that remains in the Stuart family — Matt accepts that sawdust runs deeply within his veins. “I did think I may have wanted to get out of sawmilling at one stage however I do love it. I enjoy the hard physical work of it. It is still quite an old school mill here in a lot of respects. Everything is still manual and I enjoy that about it. I enjoy being hands on and still working in the sawmill with our great team. Our team have played an essential part of the success of Loburn Sawmill Ltd“.
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