How to choose the right woodworking supplier
Reliable wood sourcing begins with understanding what makes a supplier exceptional. Look for businesses that stock kiln-dried lumber, maintain climate-controlled warehouses, and offer transparent grading. Local sawmills and boutique yards often provide slabs and logs that big box retailers cannot match.
Questions to ask before you buy
- Do you offer moisture readings or kiln-dry certifications for hardwoods?
- What are the lead times for custom milling, surfacing, or straight-line ripping?
- Can you provide sustainably harvested or FSC-certified material on request?
- How do you handle deliveries for large orders or long-distance shipping?
By evaluating these criteria, your workshop can maintain consistent quality and keep projects on schedule. Remember to build relationships with more than one supplier—regional weather and market demand can impact availability for premium species.