Ellis Planing Mill

The Ellis Planing Mill, a cornerstone of Ogden, Utah's history, is a family-owned and operated enterprise with a legacy spanning five generations. Our story began in 1904 with John G. Ellis, a craftsman driven by a passion for woodworking. Initially situated on the bustling lower 24th Street, our early operations relied on an innovative power source - an electric streetcar motor utilizing direct current electricity. This unique setup drove leather belts connected to each machine, a testament to the ingenuity of the time as alternating current electricity was still unavailable. A steam engine powered secondary equipment housed in an adjacent building, showcasing the diverse technological landscape of the era.

Tragedy struck in 1912 with a fire at the neighboring Oregon Lumber Company. This devastating event prompted the relocation of the Ellis Planing Mill to its present location on Wall Avenue. This strategic move proved fortuitous, as the land had been a part of the Ellis family since 1856, ensuring a stable foundation for the mill's future growth.

Since our inception, we have been dedicated to producing a wide range of woodworking products, catering to the evolving needs of our community. From cabinets and mantles to sash, doors, moldings, flooring, and other finishing items, our creations have adorned many of Ogden's most iconic buildings. We take pride in being a primary source for high-quality woodwork, filling a gap in the market at a time when lumber yards lacked the capacity for such specialized craftsmanship.

A Legacy of Expertise

Today, the Ellis Planing Mill is proudly owned and operated by Ralph Ellis and his sons, Tyler and Michael. While our core offerings remain true to our origins, we have modernized our practices and incorporated cutting-edge technology. We continue to be one of the few local mills capable of replicating the exquisite craftsmanship of the past, including traditional window sash and mortise and tenon joinery, often utilizing original machinery to maintain the integrity of time-honored techniques.

Simultaneously, we boast state-of-the-art equipment, a testament to our commitment to embracing progress. Our advanced moulder and profile knife grinding technology empowers us to tackle the most demanding large-scale projects with precision and efficiency. This harmonious blend of tradition and innovation allows us to meet a wide range of customer needs, from restoring historical elements to creating bespoke designs for contemporary projects.

Unwavering Quality and Versatility

The Ellis Planing Mill embraces both large and small projects, offering a comprehensive selection of services:

• Mouldings:

We specialize in a vast array of moldings, encompassing hundreds of existing patterns. Customers can also request custom modifications or exact pattern duplication for unique architectural details. Our expertise extends to doors, windows, and jambs, including jamb kits, pre-hung doors, exterior and interior jambs in any size, door stops, brickmoulds, astragals, mullion posts, window jambs, and window sash. Additionally, we offer tongue and groove profiles in various thicknesses and widths, as well as butt-joint, V-joint, and bead-joint options for flooring, wainscoting, shiplap, board & gap siding, and more.

• Rough Lumber: We provide a wide selection of rough lumber in various species, ensuring the perfect material for every project.
• Lathe Turning:

We excel in lathe turning, capable of handling long lengths and large diameters. From balusters and newel posts to porch posts, finials, and fluting, we can recreate existing designs or bring your custom visions to life.

• Custom Cabinetry:

We are dedicated to crafting custom cabinetry that seamlessly integrates with your space and functional needs.

• Architectural Millwork: Our expertise extends to creating intricate architectural millwork, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to any design.

• General Millwork:

We specialize in square stock cutting, joinery, facing, planing, sanding, sawing, angle ripping, edge shaping, and other essential millwork procedures.

• Firewood & Shavings: As a valuable byproduct of our operations, we offer firewood and shavings free of charge.

At the Ellis Planing Mill, we uphold our family's tradition of craftsmanship, quality, and customer satisfaction. We believe that personalized service and a dedication to excellence are the cornerstones of a lasting relationship. We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with you on your next woodworking project, no matter the scale or complexity.