📷 Hays Planing Mill marks 130 years of craftsmanship

By ALIN HETT
Hays Post

Few businesses can say they have been operating since the 19th century, but Hays Planing Mill is celebrating 130 years of handcrafted work in Hays.

Established in 1896, the business has evolved alongside the community while continuing to manufacture custom woodwork for homes and businesses.

“There's not many places that are still open since 1896,” Dennis Braun, Hays Planing Mill owner, said.

Dennis and his wife, Yvonne Braun, purchased the business in 1993 from Wilbert Pfeifer. Dennis began working at the mill in 1976, giving him 50 years of experience with the company.

“You know, there’s a lot of hard work that went into this place,” Dennis said.

A display at Hays Planing Mill traces the business’s ownership from its founding in 1896 to the present.<br> — A display at Hays Planing Mill traces the business’s ownership from its founding in 1896 to the present.

The company previously produced church pews and other materials for churches, but much of its work has shifted toward residential projects. Custom kitchens now make up a significant portion of the business.

Unlike factory-made cabinets, each project is designed and built from scratch for the customer’s home.

A finished fireplace display at Hays Planing Mill showcases the woodwork, hardware, mantel, and other elements used in a custom design.<br> — A finished fireplace display at Hays Planing Mill showcases the woodwork, hardware, mantel, and other elements used in a custom design.

Crystal Hoffert, Hays Planing Mill designer, has worked at the business for about 14 years. She begins the process by meeting with customers and creating computer drawings that show how the finished project will look.

A 3D rendering model created by Crystal Hoffert shows  a completed kitchen design could look before she gives the plans to Dennis and Dustin. Photo courtesy of Hays Planing Mill. <br> — A 3D rendering model created by Crystal Hoffert shows a completed kitchen design could look before she gives the plans to Dennis and Dustin. Photo courtesy of Hays Planing Mill.

The plans then move to Dennis and his son, Dustin Braun, who lay out the project before construction begins. Dustin, who has also worked at the mill for about 14 years, builds the cabinets and other pieces in the shop.

A new custom kitchen generally takes about six weeks to complete, depending on the size and complexity of the project.

Dennis Braun smooths a piece of wood with a sanding block inside the Hays Planing Mill workshop.<br> — Dennis Braun smooths a piece of wood with a sanding block inside the Hays Planing Mill workshop.

Woodworking equipment, including a table saw and band saw, fills the Hays Planing Mill workshop.<br> — Woodworking equipment, including a table saw and band saw, fills the Hays Planing Mill workshop.

The mill can provide granite, quartz, wood, laminate and onyx countertops. It also creates wood slabs and butcher-block surfaces, including live-edge and solid-wood designs.

A display at Hays Planing Mill features quartz samples in a variety of colors and patterns.<br> — A display at Hays Planing Mill features quartz samples in a variety of colors and patterns.

Its work extends beyond kitchens.

“Anything custom cabinetry-wise—kitchens, vanities, built-ins, any sort of interior millwork,” Hoffert said. “Your casing around your doors, your windows, your interior house doors, any of your baseboards—really anything to make the inside look nice and pretty.”

The company has completed interior work in custom homes across Hays, including several houses near Smoky Hill Country Club. It also accepts projects outside the community.

“If somebody needs a custom kitchen, that’s where we go,” Dennis said.

The shop combines new technology with equipment and tools tied to the mill’s long history. Computer programs are used to design modern kitchens, while molding machines help produce the trim and woodwork that finish a home’s interior.

Lumber rests atop one of the woodworking machines inside the Hays Planing Mill workshop.<br> — Lumber rests atop one of the woodworking machines inside the Hays Planing Mill workshop.

A specialized woodworking machine connected to a dust-collection system sits inside the Hays Planing Mill workshop.<br> — A specialized woodworking machine connected to a dust-collection system sits inside the Hays Planing Mill workshop.

Old hand tools and molding planes offer reminders of how the same work was completed generations ago. Dennis has collected many of those tools, including some believed to date to the company’s early years.

One of the oldest pieces of machinery at Hays Planing Mill reflects the shop’s long history of woodworking.<br> — One of the oldest pieces of machinery at Hays Planing Mill reflects the shop’s long history of woodworking.

The business also creates individual pieces such as fireplaces and custom tables. Dustin said completing a project and finally seeing the finished product remains one of the most rewarding parts of the work.

“It’s just nice to finish something and sit down and look at it,” he said.

a collection of antique hand planes used to shape and smooth wood.<br> — a collection of antique hand planes used to shape and smooth wood.

Molding cutter knives in various profiles used to create decorative shapes and edges in wood.<br> — Molding cutter knives in various profiles used to create decorative shapes and edges in wood.

After 130 years, the tools, products and projects have changed, but the business continues to rely on the craftsmanship that has carried it since 1896.

Flyer courtesy from Hays Planing Mill, celebrating 130 years in business and 50 years of dedicated service.