BEYOND THE Grain

For more than 30 years, the Witt family has strived to be the growing model of excellence, ethical sourcing and business practices in the wood industry.

- AMY WITT

In the heart of California's D Central Valley, where the giant sequoia stands guard from the ridgeline, are thriving groves of Bastogne walnut, blue and live oaks, and another lesser-known species of tree native to California, Aesculus californica, the California buckeye. Nestled in this valley, a family-run enterprise, Witt Hardwoods has stood out as a leading global premium burl and lumber supplier for over 20 years.

Their commitment to ethical sourcing and respectful harvesting, while providing top-notch materials has earned them a reputation amongst renowned artisans, brands and woodworkers worldwide.

ROOTED IN QUALITY

Witt Hardwoods was established in 1992 by husband-and-wife Cliff and Lori Witt. Initially, Cliff worked with long-time friend and cattle rancher Bill Shannon, harvesting walnut burl for the automotive veneer market. When the market declined, Shannon returned to ranching, while the Witts chose to grow their business and family.

As they pursued premium walnut burls and logs for gunstocks and wholesale consumption, they also raised three children: Amy, Wyatt and Zeb. These children have been integral to their journey over the years, helping in all aspects of the business, from harvesting and milling to marketing and selling.

“I have been around mills since I was young and logging timber with my protégé, Bill Emerson since I was 16,” Cliff Witt says. “My dad, Lloyd, bought a shingle mill from Emerson around 1963 to cut the redwood shingles for the house my parents built. Logging, chainsaws, and trees just kind of came natural to me. But Emerson taught me everything about a burl, from finding it in the ground to grading and trimming it correctly.”