Wood Prices

Eric, I am about 4 hours away in Kentucky but lumber prices should not be too drastically different. In looking at Northwest’s prices they are ok for a retail outlet but just a shade on the high side. For instance here I can get cherry for $5.00 a bf and their price is $5.98 from a retail supplier that I will use on occasion. But I get nearly all of my lumber from a supplier who deals on a wholesale level. I can get select kiln dried cherry from him for $2.40 a bf. Maple runs $3.00 a bf whereas Northwest sells it for $5.75.

If you can find a sawmill in your area that would be the best bet with regards to price. Another option is to check on Craigslist. Here is a listing for hardwood lumber that is being offered in the Indianapolis region.

Another option is to try “Woodfinder.com:http://www.woodfinder.com/.

These prices are for rough lumber. If you want finished lumber then the price will necessarily be higher and some suppliers may not furnish this service.

-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.

Thanks for checking it out for me Scott. I appreciate the help. I’ve been looking around Indianapolis for a sawmill but so far have only checked “hardwood lumber”. I’ll google for sawmill instead in Indianapolis. Thanks for the suggestions with craigslist and woodfinder too. I’m not looking to buy in wholesale bulk level though since I don’t have the room for it. I’ll probably buy on a project by project basis for the time being.

hi eric their is a sawmill i have been to near you ,new castle sawmill in new castle ind wonderfull people and good prices i got a peice of walnut their that was about 10 ft long by 18 in on one end and a 26 in croch on the other and about 1 3/4in thick for@ $ 33.00 you can see that peice on my web site its the top board on the horse bed most stuf is @ $1.75 bf air dried brian gaegwestern.com

-- gagewestern

One of the best places I’ve found is Craigslist, expecially if you are looking for common domestic woods like Maple, Oak, Cherry or Walnut.

-- If you can't fix it with a hammer, you have an electrical problem. Roanoke, VA

The more you buy the better the price. If you buy it rough and plane it yourself the cheaper the price. I always buy at least a 100 Bd Ft or more evertime I buy solid stock because I know I will use it on another project. I pay around $4.00 a Bd Ft for 4/4 Cherry Sel & Btr. and around $2.00 a Bd Ft for 4/4 Red Oak Sel & Btr.

-- Mc Bridge Cabinets, Iowa

I would agree with Scott – the walnut looks about normal – cherry seems a little high.
I have bought from Frank Miller in Union City, when taking some classes at Marc Adams School just south of Indy. I like the service, but have no reason to think that the guys at Northwest wouldn’t take good care of you.

http://www.frankmiller.com/default.asp?ID=216&SubID=57

-- Its never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

I’ve been to Northwest a few times. I’ve always gotten good service and their prices are as good as any I’ve seen around Indy. There’s a mill out by Cincinnati where the prices are a bit cheaper, so if you’re buying in bulk it might be worth the trip. Otherwise I think you’d do fine at Northwest, I’m a fan…

Try Wal Lumber web site wallumber.com

I’ve had good luck with Wall Lumber as well. I was initially put off by a 4 or 5 word response to an email I sent them. As I was buying blind over the phone, I inquired if the boards would be coming from the same tree or at least one that matches. I got a less than adequate response but still went for it and was very happy. Craigslist has been good as well as others mentioned. You’ll find a lot of rough lumber or reclaimed boards there.

-- Jeff, South Carolina

Eric,

I am south of Indy near the Columbus area…I can’t seem to find hardly any lumber in this area. If you come across anything south of the city I would be interested in hearing what you find. Also I have not been able to find any woodworking clubs in my area either.

-- James - What's your excuse this time??

I buy all of my lumber at a sawmill. Try contacting woodmizer and as for a list of sawers in your area.

-- What happens in the workshop stays in the workshop. No wait that doesn't sound right. Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †

Scott, what part of KY are you in? I buy all my domestic from harry White in Morehead. Cherry and Walnut run 2.20-2.30, Oak runs about 1.80

-- Dan-- Info for all @ http://www.hoistman.com