Hey everyone! I'm looking for some insights on Southern Yellow Pine (SYP) availability in California. I've been hearing a lot from woodworkers in the eastern and southern states about this kind of wood, but I've yet to see it at my local Home Depot in the greater Sacramento area. When I go there, I can't even tell what species of lumber they're stocking for larger sizes like 2x12's and 4x8's. I have a hunch it might be Douglas Fir, but it doesn't quite feel the same as the old-growth or salvaged Douglas Fir I've used before. Can anyone help me out?
3 Answers
Honestly, you’re right about big box stores. They usually sell younger, wetter lumber, which is why it might not feel like the old-growth stuff you’re used to. Just check the lumber stamps or tags when you’re there. For instance, at the Home Depot on Folsom Blvd, they mainly have #2 grade Fir instead of SYP in those sizes, so you might get stuck with more Douglas Fir than you'd like.
If you want Southern Yellow Pine, I’d recommend checking out a lumber yard instead of a big box store. I know they can be hit or miss, but that's usually where you find better quality wood.
Yeah, it’s likely Douglas Fir and it doesn’t matter as much as you think. There seems to be a hype around SYP lately due to Chris Schwarz and his book on workbenches. Honestly, it's just dimensional lumber - cheap and heavy. You can make a workbench just fine with Doug Fir or whatever they have at the store. I think the recent SYP craze has even driven prices up, so some places have switched back to Fir.
What’s the deal with that "anarchist’s workbench" book? I felt like I couldn't escape the ads for it a while back. Is there something special about it, or is it just basic stuff with a catchy name?
Yeah, but the lumber yards around here are not that great. I'd rather just go through Home Depot's stock. For hardwoods, though, no debate—I hit up the hardwood dealers.