Where I like to buy my wood
for woodworking projects!
You can buy your project wood from Home Depot or Lowes but choosing to buy wood from a specialty store or lumber mill for your woodworking projects can offer several advantages and a much wider selection.
Here are some reasons why going to a specialty store or lumber mill is important:
Expertise and Advice: Specialty stores often employ staff with knowledge and expertise in woodworking and wood types. They can provide valuable advice on selecting the right wood for your specific project, taking into consideration factors like durability, grain patterns, and suitability for the intended use.
Wider Wood Selection: Specialty stores and mills typically have a broader selection of wood species, including both domestic and exotic hardwoods. This allows you to choose wood that meets your aesthetic preferences and functional requirements for the project.
Higher Quality Wood: Specialty stores often source their wood from reputable suppliers, ensuring higher quality compared to some mass-market options. You may have access to premium-grade lumber with fewer defects, providing a better foundation for your woodworking projects.
Customization and Specialty Cuts: Some specialty stores and mills may offer custom cutting services. This allows you to get the specific dimensions and cuts you need for your project, reducing waste and making the woodworking process more efficient.
Unique and Exotic Wood Options: If you’re looking for unique or exotic wood species that may not be readily available at general home improvement stores, specialty stores and mills are more likely to have a diverse range of options.
Local and Sustainable Sourcing: Many specialty stores and mills prioritize sustainable and locally sourced wood. This can be important for those who are environmentally conscious and want to support responsible forestry practices.
Community and Networking: Visiting specialty stores or local mills can provide opportunities to connect with other woodworkers, share experiences, and gather insights. These interactions can be valuable for expanding your knowledge and skills in woodworking.
Supporting Local Businesses: Choosing to buy from local specialty stores or mills supports local businesses and contributes to the growth of the woodworking community in your area.
While specialty stores offer these benefits, it’s essential to consider your specific needs and project requirements. In some cases, general home improvement stores may carry suitable wood for simpler projects, but for more intricate or specialized work, a dedicated woodworking supplier is often the better choice.
Here Are Places I Like To Buy Wood In Order Of Proximity To Me:
Why I Love Concept Thirteen
This shop is a great resource for any woodworker or DIY enthusiast. Located on the other side of the airport (from me that is) they have a great selection of local hardwood and slabs. They specialize in epoxy work, and have all the fixings including a large selection of HDPE epoxy forms for all your resin and epoxy needs.
What sets Concept Thirteen apart from anyone else in the GTA
1) They know their stuff! Everyone I have ever spoken to there has hands-on experience with woodworking projects.
2) Their prices can’t be beat. I’ve purchased epoxy, live edge slabs, cookies, etc. all have been of amazing quality and at prices that are not only fair but in most cases, I can’t find what they have anywhere else for less.
If you live in Toronto, this is one of those hidden gems that’s worth checking out.
Why I Love Exotic Woods
Greatest selection of domestic, hardwood and exotics from around the world. They carry rough lumber, live edge slabs, turning blanks, plywood, veneers and the list goes on and on. They also carry glues, epoxies, finishes, table and bench legs, and fastening hardware as well as a full-service milling shop for all your custom needs. This is the only wood store I have seen that has a guitar shop for your luthier needs.
What sets these Exotic Woods apart from anyone else in the GTA
Their selection of exotic wood and live edge slabs. They have many slabs in their retail store BUT if you want to be blown away ask to see the warehouse that is filled to the rafters with live edge species and raw lumber from around the world. This is something that is not to be missed if you are ever looking for that special something – something! It’s best to call ahead and make an appointment to see the warehouse.
Why I Love The Wood Shed
In my opinion, this shop, or shed, is the “Mac Daddy” of lumber stores near the GTA. It’s a bit of a trek from Toronto, but as they say, it’s worth the drive to St. Catharines. Located in farm country, The Wood Shed has it ALL!!!
What sets The Wood Shed apart from anyone else in the GTA
The sheer size and collection of materials is staggering. Their front-end retail store has a great selection of slabs and exotics. I love buying Olive Wood from them. In the back are rows and rows of rough-sawn domestic and exotic lumber as well as a great selection of dressed and plywood products.
Ready for a real treat, head up to the loft for ends of line and semi-finished products such as cutting board, chairs, stools, table legs, spindles, whiskey barrels or whatever the deal of the day they can find in the heart of Mennonite country.
Looking to educate yourself on great wood sources in the (or close to) The GTA? You need to add The Wood Shop to your shopping list.
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