Kendor Wood, Inc.:
Kendor Wood, Inc.: constantly improving to keep the customer happy Since it is situated on 13 acres, Kendor Wood, Inc. has plenty of room to expand if future plans dictate. By Deborah Wilbrink Mayfield, KY— Kendor Wood, Inc. transforms North American Hardwoods into cabinet doors with optional wainscoting and beaded panels, arches, and angles – whatever it takes to match design desires. Co-founder Danny Upton said, “We work with the cabinet maker or the homebuilder or individual to get them what they want. Every day I see something new we are working on for a customer. We want to help them to create the kitchen they want, even if it’s a design we'll never do again, even if it’s a rare (From left) Ash Upton, Dan Upton III, Juanita Upton, Danny Upton, Cheryl Holt and Jeff Holt help run the Kendor Wood family business, located in Mayfield, KY. 18 JUNE 2020 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE
equest like Butternut wood! That particular job may not be profitable, but we’re quite proud of our added value for loyal customers.” The main species for Kendor Wood customers are Hard and Soft Maple, Alder, Birch, Cherry, Poplar, Mahogany, Western cedar, and Sapele. Red and White Oak are stocked in the normal plain sawn, as well as quarter sawn and rift cut. Mahogany, Western cedar, Sapele, Teak, and the hard-to-source Red Grandis Eucalyptus are in stock; once a customer requests a wood, Kendor Wood keeps it on hand. The list also includes the softwoods knotty pine, clear pine, and cypress, which are bought in smaller quantities. In total, over 600,000 board feet of lumber (No. 1 Common, FAS, Select) in 15/16 thickness arrives at Kendor Wood. Co-owner Jeff Holt purchases directly from sawmills for the bulk of the lumber and small amounts from lumber distributors. Hardwoods from the Northern region, particularly Michigan, are a favorite because of the more uniform color. Demand is strong for Soft Maple. The door makers easily discern trends. Along with the traditional square window panes, customers are requesting curved, angled, or X-patterned mullions. “That’s one of the million little things we do for our customers and have done over the years,” said Upton. “We’re also seeing an increase in orders for beading.” Bead board on a solid panel runs along with the grain. Bead may be on the door frame, too. The company manufactures some specialty items, like arched panels and angled pieces for a stove valence or stairway. Kitchen island panels Please turn to page 32 “I enjoy the hands-on, day-to-day work. You feel good about the product and proud of what you’ve done.” – Jeff Holt, co-owner, Kendor Wood, Inc. This new DMC sander has eliminated a great deal of hand sanding at Kendor Wood, Inc. JUNE 2020 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 19
