A total of 230 logs from two species, red oak (Quercus rubra) and yellow poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), were measured in five typical hardwood sawmills across West Virginia to evaluate log sawing practices and lumber recovery. Log characteristics such as length, diameter, sweep, taper, and ellipticality were measured in sawmills, while log scale and grade were determined by using the US Department of Agriculture Forest Service grading rules. The characteristics of sawing equipment, such as headrig type, headrig kerf width, and sawing thickness variation, were recorded during the measurement process. A general linear model was used to statistically analyze the relationship between lumber recovery and characteristics of logs and sawing practices. Results indicated that factors such as log grade, log diameter, species, log sweep, log length, and some two-factor interactions significantly affected lumber value and volume recovery.