Where should I

buy hardwood in the

New York area?

The answer is not as clear cut as it may seem.

Read more for insider information about where to find the best prices, deals, and quality woods.

If you are a beginner woodworker or general craft enthusiast, you might be wondering where to source the best wood for your projects. We would like to answer some common questions we receive about buying hardwood and give some recommendations about where to purchase wood. These tips will help you navigate the lumber industry.

Are big companies like Lowe’s good to buy from?

Generally, it is better to trust a lumber yard that sources wood locally than a big company if you are interested in high quality wood. Lowe’s is one such big brand lumber and hardware company with competitive prices and questionable quality. There have been times when we’ve had to repair damaged boards that customers originally bought from Lowe’s. Tabletops that large companies make are often created with efficiency in mind as opposed to quality. Furthermore, when shipped these items are not packaged with padding that protects it from getting banged up and scratched.

In our opinion, it is more wise to invest in a beautiful and high quality wood/products that will last you a long time as opposed to mass produced items from places like Lowe’s.

How can I tell if my hardwood is of a good quality?

There are a couple of things that you need to look out for when buying a plank of wood. First and foremost, it is worth scanning the board for cracks and knots. Cracks, depending on how deep and long they run, can compromise both the structural security of the board and the aesthetic of a project that you are working on. Knots are not as problematic as cracks, but this too depends on their scale. A big knot can be full of dead and rotten wood which will need to be carved out, and for many people it matters aesthetically wether or not there is a knot in their tabletop or shelf.

Something else to keep in mind is warpage. Wood is an organic material, so it is not necessarily straight and flat (nor will it stay so, even after milling it). As such, you should never assume that you are buying a flat board. When buying a board, hold it up sideways to you sight line to determine if it is especially curvy. Another technique that helps you determine the flatness of a board involves lying it down on the ground and rocking it from side to see if it is bowed or cupped. In general, you should always compare a couple of boards for their quality to try and get the best one you can. This process can be tedious, but it will prove worthwhile in the long run. Working with a subpar piece of wood can be laborious, and in a worst case scenario, totally compromise your project.

How do I figure out how many board feet I’m buying?

We have a handy board foot calculator that can help you gauge how many board feet you’re buying, as well as give you a general price for how much it might cost.