Grooved Stock (Banding Groove Lumber)
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Precision-Cut, Purpose-Built, Ready to Ship
When it comes to securing your loads safely and efficiently, Troymill’s Grooved Stock delivers. Also known as Banding Groove Lumber, this specialized dunnage is cut to accommodate steel or plastic strapping, keeping your cargo in place without damaging products or compromising structural integrity.
With one of the largest grooved stock operations in the Midwest, Troymill manufactures high-quality banding groove and notched lumber, with heat treatment options for export-ready compliance.
What Is Banding Groove Lumber?
Banding groove lumber is dunnage designed with a precise cut or groove to cradle strapping materials during transit. This helps stabilize cargo while providing space for forklift access, with or without pallets or inside crates, reducing movement and preventing strap damage to your product.
Hardwood vs. Pine Grooved Stock at a Glance
Not every shipment calls for hardwood density. When you need lighter dunnage that still nests steel, polyester, or plastic banding, Troymill cuts Southern Yellow Pine grooved stock to the exact tight tolerances as our hardwood line, ordering both species from one source lets you match board strength to the job while keeping paperwork and logistics simple.
Feature | Hardwood Grooved Stock | Pine Grooved Stock |
Typical Use | Heavy coils, machinery blocks, export crates | Agricultural boxes, general freight, military loads |
Standard Thickness | 3/4″, 1″, 1 1/4″ | 3/4″, 1″, 1 1/4″ |
Groove Styles | Lengthwise grooves, crosswise notches | Lengthwise grooves, crosswise notches |
Lead Time | About 10 business days (5-day expedited) | About 10 business days (5-day expedited) |
Heat Treatment | Available on request for ISPM 15 | Available on request for ISPM 15 |
When Hardwood Makes a Better Fit
- Very Heavy or Point-Load Cargo – Oak and maple grooves resist crushing under massive coils, press tooling, and equipment skids.
- High-Reuse Dunnage Programs – Dense hardwood stands up to multiple load cycles without groove deformation.
- Maximum Stability on Rough Routes – Extra weight and hardness reduce vibration and shifting in overseas or rail transit.
When Pine Makes the Better Fit
- Weight-Sensitive Loads – Lighter pine reduces overall freight weight while still supporting strap tension.
- Hand-Loaded Warehouses – Workers handle 8-foot pine boards faster and with less fatigue than hardwood equivalents.
- Medium-Duty Export Crates – Pine meets ISPM 15 requirements when heat-treated, keeping the cost per crate low.
Groove Types
- Banding Grooves: Cut lengthwise along the board to nest strapping
- Banding Notches: Cut crosswise across the width of the board
These grooves and notches ensure straps sit flush with the lumber and remain in place, keeping loads secure and protecting sensitive surfaces from pressure or abrasion.
Product Options & Specs
Product Feature | Details |
Lumber Species | Hardwood and Softwood, depending on the load |
Groove Orientation | Lengthwise (grooves) or Crosswise (notches) |
Heat Treatment | Available to ALSC standard for ISPM 15 export compliance |
Strap Compatibility | Works with plastic, polyester, or steel strapping |
Order Quantities | Available by unit or full truckload |
Finish | Bark Free Upon Request |
Why Choose Grooved Lumber Over Steel or Plastic Alone?
Grooved Lumber vs. Steel
- Safer for workers to handle, with no sharp edges or recoil hazards
- Lighter and easier to position than bulky metal hardware
- More adaptable, cut to spec for your exact shipment
Grooved Lumber vs. Plastic
- Provides stronger structural support for large, heavy loads
- Prevents slippage or shifting that plastic alone cannot control
- Ideal for industries requiring durability and precision
When Should You Use Grooved Stock?
Grooved stock is the smart choice when your cargo requires:
- Added stability and protection
- Custom-sized dunnage to match your load
- Materials that meet international shipping regulations
This makes it especially useful in:
- Manufacturing
- Heavy equipment shipping
- Military logistics
- Agricultural transport
- Export-ready packaging
How to Choose the Right Strapping and Lumber Combination
Choosing the right combination of strapping and grooved lumber depends on several factors:
Things to Consider
- Load size and weight. Heavier loads may require hardwood and steel banding
- Strap width and gauge. Troymill cuts to match your strap specs
- Value of shipped goods. Cost-effective for both high and low-value loads
- Export needs. Heat treatment available for ISPM 15 compliance
- Safety and handling. Lighter and safer than steel-only options
If you are unsure, our experts will walk you through your options and help you build the most efficient, affordable, and secure strapping system.
FAQs – Hardwood and Pine Grooved Stock
Choose hardwood for maximum crush resistance under very heavy loads, and pine when weight savings matter but stability is still required.
We custom-cut channel width and depth to match standard steel, polyester, or plastic straps from 1/2" to 1 1/2". Supply your band spec when requesting a quote.
Grooved stock ships in about 10 business days after order approval. An expedited 5-day build is possible when capacity allows.
Yes. We can bundle lengthwise grooves, crosswise notches, and plain dunnage in one unit so your dock crew receives everything together.
Heat treatment is optional. Request it only when your shipment requires ISPM 15 compliance.
Ready To Get Started?
Whether you are banding crates for export or securing thousands of units for domestic freight, Troymill has the grooved stock solution for you.
Contact us today to speak with our team!
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Troymill pride means integrity, hard work and exceptional service each and every day, for each and every customer.
Above all else is our concern for quality and care taken in everything we do. Every member of the Troymill team, from management and foremen to our Amish craftsmen, takes their performance to heart and seeks new ways to better serve our customers.
Only by taking immense pride in every aspect of our work can we build and maintain strong, long-lasting relationships with our customers, suppliers, and employees.
