I live near Sacramento and want to buy some clear straight grained fir in 6/4 and 8/4 thicknesses. I haven’t any idea where to get it, even here where the fir comes from. The hardwood suppliers turn up their noses and say that they don’t carry softwoods. The lumber yards point me to the 2x4s. Or, they can “order” it. I’ve been burned bad in ordering wood before. I’d like to paw through the pile and select wood that I can use, not burn. Anyone know of a yard with stacks of this stuff? (KD of course). Thanks
I’m going to make an exterior door and side windows assembly. I think that I can make a beautiful fir door and windows for about the cost of an ugly vinyl home despot door. About $800. This one is easy to finish because it never sees rain and never sees sun. I’m planning to spray exterior water based urethane.
Replies
Have you checked with any of the cabinet shops near you? They may be able to steer you to a good hardwood supplier.
If you don't mind traveling a little, you could try MacBeath Hardwood (in San Francisco and Berkeley), and Aura Hardwood (in San Jose and Santa Cruz).
Other possible sources would be a demolition contractor or salvage yard. VG fir was once used extensively in home construction and is often salvaged instead of being dumped.
Remember that there is more than one kind of fir so if you want Doug Fir, ask for it. Other wise you might get white fir, Fraser fir, etc. They are not all the same
In San Francisco, Van Arsdale Lumber specializes in furniture-quality softwoods. http://www.vanarsdalelumber.com/ However, the last time I bought this quality of doug fir, I found that it cost as much as inexpensive hardwoods like ash.
Hi Jamie ,
We have all noticed the price increases in prime grades of soft woods has gone sky high . Clear Pine , Redwood , Cedar and CVG Fir mostly all from the pacific NW . I'm told with less logging the supply and demand dictates price , you know the game .
The old growth is all but gone "those were the day's
regards dusty
You ain't just whistlin' Dixie. Couple weeks back, I checked into clear pine stock for window extension jambs...it was actually more expensive than red oak! Guess what I bought? : )
Jason
New Home Building Supply
5310 Franklin Bl Sacto 916.455.3057
I got a 16' 2x6 select straight grain dried board. I have to rebuild a door that a bear opened this winter at Lake Tahoe. It was a matched set that could not be replaced. It was referred too as structural fir. A fine looking tight grain board.
They charged about five times what a green board cost in the same yard.
Jackel Enterprises in Watsonville, CA . Definitely worth the drive, but call first.
( 831 ) 768-3880
Paul
Up here in West Washington, my sawyer saws Doug Fir along with cedar and hardwoods. If I were you I'd check around the area and find a smaller sawyer, I'm sure they'll get you some premium Fir and you might even be surprised at the price. I don't want to give away too much so that's all I'll say on that. Check around!! Here's a website that you'll find of use for this...
http://www.woodweb.com/
There's a lot here on this site, including a list of sawyers in your area (if there are any and I'd be shocked if there wasn't). Spend some time here, you'll find this to be a very useful resource site for wood in general and woodworking from any perspective...
Also, don't forget Woodfinder: http://www.woodfinder.com/
This site/tool is where/how I found MY sawyer....good luck.
Jeff
Take a look at plywood lumber and sales in oakland. They have a good selection at times.
Troy
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled