Mining Timbers: The Backbone of Shaft Safety
Historical Use of Timbers in Western Mines
For more than a century, mining in the American West has depended on timber cribbing and support structures to keep shafts stable. Early miners quickly learned that timber-lined tunnels were essential for preventing cave-ins, supporting heavy loads, and protecting crews working deep underground.
Even today, in an industry shaped by new technology, timber remains an irreplaceable material for underground operations. Its strength, availability, and adaptability make it the preferred choice for reinforcing shafts across Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, Arizona, and Montana.
Types of Mining Timbers (Caps, Wedges, Custom Sizes)
At Dark Horse Timber, we provide a range of specialized mining timbers designed for underground safety and load-bearing applications:
Caps – Heavy timbers placed horizontally to distribute weight and stabilize cribbing structures.
Wedges – Cut to lock timbers in place, securing underground supports and preventing movement under stress.
Cribbing Timbers – Stacked to form sturdy retaining walls or column-like supports inside shafts.
Custom Sizes – Milled to exact specifications, whether for oversized beams, shorter blocking cuts, or project-specific requirements.
Our mining lumber is cut rough for maximum strength and durability, ensuring it stands up to the toughest underground conditions.
Why Strength and Custom Cuts Matter
In underground environments, there is no room for error. Weak or improperly sized timbers can result in:
Shaft collapse
Unsafe working conditions
Delays and costly downtime
That’s why contractors and mine operators turn to rough cut, full-dimension timbers. A true 8x8 beam from Dark Horse Timber provides more load capacity than a planed, dimensional cut. When every inch of strength counts, our custom milling ensures the right fit for every application.
Serving Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, and Beyond
Dark Horse Timber is proud to be a regional supplier of mining timbers across the Intermountain West. From the mines of Utah’s Uintah Basin to operations in Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, Arizona, and Montana, we deliver:
Fast lead times (most orders ready within 2 hours)
Bulk pallet options for consistent supply
Custom milling for specialized mining needs
Reliable quality from a trusted local supplier
Our mission is simple: to provide the durable timbers that keep operations safe underground.
Order Mining Timbers from Dark Horse Timber
Looking for cribbing, caps, wedges, or custom-cut timbers for your mining operation? Dark Horse Timber provides bulk supply, competitive pricing, and rapid delivery to mining companies across the Intermountain West.