Got Wood?

Quality wood is obviously an important part of wooden boat construction (and restoration).  You will not find what you need at Home Depot, Lowe's or your local lumberyard.  You need marine-grade wood that has been properly selected, sawed (plain sawn, quarter sawn?), dried and stored.  Ideally, you'll take the time to learn exactly what you need (not all mahogany is created equal) and go pick it out yourself. If not, you might consider buying wood from Chesapeake Light Craft or Aircraft Spruce (listed on my Marine Supplies page). I've had good experience with both.

Buy your wood well in advance and store it with your project in the place where you are going to do your work.  This will help equalize the moisture content in the wood and acclimate it to your surroundings.

Also know that shipping wood is not cheap.  That's why I can only be of so much help to anyone outside the Northeast.  One link you might want to check out: http://www.glen-l.com/resources/lumber-suppliers.html.   It's a state-by-state list of wood suppliers around the country.

Here are some of my other go-to options.

Bell Forest Products    Michigan

Downs and Reader    Massachusetts

Exotic Lumber   In the Annapolis area.  I've found the drive down there and back worth it.

Hearne Hardwoods   A great place, though known to be a bit chippy with customers interested in small quantities.  Near Philadelphia.

Lenoble Lumber   Supplies the film industry with wood for sets.  Long Island City.  Super friendly. Gave me a modest discount when I told them I was working on a boat.

Newport Nautical Timbers   Founded by former students at IYRS.  In Newport. Specific focus on supplying wood for boat builders and fine furniture makers.

New England Naval Timbers  Haven't ordered from this place yet, but I know that Mystic Seaport Museum goes here for White Oak.

Owl   For Chicagoans.  I go here when I am in town.

Roberts Plywood  On Long Island.  Good selection of marine ply.

Thinwoods   North Carolina

A few others:

World Panel Products Inc. - Marine Plywood, Aircraft Plywood, Veneers, Lumber, Decking Products. Same Day Shipping available. Riviera Beach, FL

Global Veneer - A veneer and hardwood supplier in High Point, NC

Maine Built Boats- Specializing in Idaho white pine veneers. Post Falls, ID


Finally, just for fun, check this one out.