Our Story

From Generations of Craftsmen & Woodworkers.

The family association with the art and craft of woodworking goes back much further than the pictures shown here and the pride in their day-to-day work has always translated into quality and service. It’s a shaving that doesn’t fall far from the tree. It is a tradition that embodies a dedication to high-quality craftsmanship. This passion for wood continues to thrive.

West Wind Hardwood is located in Sidney (Vancouver Island), BC Canada and was established in 1978 as a father (Ove Nielsen) and son (Jan Nielsen) partnership under the name West Wind Woodwork. It is a culmination of generations of old-world woodworkers and craftsmen.

Through the decades as economic climates waxed and waned, like most businesses West Wind continued to grow and develop to meet the demands of their clientele. From custom renovations and furniture through marine products and boats, West Wind Wood Work evolved into West Wind Hardwood Inc. sourcing and stocking fine domestic and exotic wood species, and Ove’s youngest son, Lars joined the company.

Meet the Team

WEST WIND HARDWOOD INC.

OUR HISTORY

Important Dates and Milestones

1978

West Wind was established by Father Ove Nielsen and son Jan Nielsen as a partnership under the name West Wind Woodwork.

1988

By this time West Wind relocated out of Ove’s home shop into dedicated business premises on Bowerbank Road, Sidney. This is the year West Wind was incorporated as West Wind Hardwood Inc.

1994

West Wind moved into ‘owned’ premises on McDonald Park Road, Sidney and began to accumulate the first of our ‘big boy’ machines, the Weinig Moulder.

2006

West Wind opened its Flooring Gallery with Joel Radford as Flooring Manager. Now managed by Lars, we have since added end-matching and CNC routing to our value-added services. We are continuing to grow our flooring and specialty milling departments while serving North America’s unique wood needs.

Our Mission

1. Promote our passion for wood through our products; lumber, floors and value-added wood products

We work with many small mills; keeping in constant contact. Although we are not a high-volume player in the field of lumber commodities, we are more selective and prefer to offer our customers a higher-end product. YOU cannot be everywhere but WE can ensure you have access to quality lumber. We can ship anywhere and we DO!

2. Foster appreciation of fine woodworking skills, from novice to master craftsman

We offer a combined 200+ years of custom woodworking, boat building and appreciation of wood. Our accumulated knowledge is invaluable and should be shared; with our customers AND our employees. Danny Schaftlein, Milling Manager completed his Joinery Apprenticeship in November 2014. Joel and Tyler have since followed in his footsteps. We take pride in our passion for wood!

3. Support ecologically sound forestry practices

West Wind Hardwood has long-standing relationships with reputable lumber suppliers and we guarantee that all our wood is carefully sourced and selected, and we certify that our products conform to the standards represented by Canadian Lumber Standards regarding species, moisture content, quality and grade. We are continually educating ourselves in the evolving eco-conscious lumber industry practices.

4. Outstanding Customer Satisfaction

We are committed to listening to the customer; ensuring there is mutual satisfaction. No minimum/maximum purchases are expected. All projects are important whether you are a professional or a hobbyist.

WORK WITH US

WE’RE ALWAYS HAPPY TO HELP