Hey everyone! I'm new to woodworking and I'm really struggling to find affordable hardwood for my projects. It seems like I have to choose between paying a lot of money for premium walnut and cherry at local lumberyards or settling for non-dried rough slabs from mills. Does anyone have advice on how I can find better sources for reasonably priced hardwood? Is this just how the market is?
3 Answers
If you're looking for mid-grade wood, check out where trim carpenters buy theirs. You might be able to snag slightly damaged pieces for a better deal. For higher-end stuff, ask furniture makers or specialty wood shops about their scrap—just remember, you don't need all your wood in one big piece for a cutting board, which can get super pricey!
If you’re in the US, definitely search Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace for local sawyers selling hardwood species like oak or ash. You can often get rough lumber for about half the price of specialty shops! Just a heads up, some of it might not be fully dried, but you can find great deals!
Yeah, just be careful with the quality. It can be a mixed bag sometimes.
One trick is to keep your eyes peeled for solid wood furniture at thrift stores or garage sales. I’ve taken apart old cabinets to make new stuff, and you might find someone looking to offload some lumber too—networking with woodworkers in your area can help! I even made a fantastic end grain cutting board from leftover cabinet door scraps!
Great idea! I’ll give that a shot. I really want to explore local options.