Replies

1. 
   jasalomon | Feb 03, 2021 01:11pm | #1

   Watching this thread to see what others come up with. I've purchased from Aura Hardwood in San Jose and Macbeath in Berkeley. I like both of them. As somebody who moved here a few years ago after living in the Boston area for 30 years, definitely feeling like a hardwood lumber desert in general. I believe Aura just got bought by a bigger Southern CA based company so not sure what that will mean for their existing locations.

2. 
   ggdevine | Feb 03, 2021 02:07pm | #2

   MacBeath Lumber Company is a first-rate retailer. I drive 110 miles round-trip (from Santa Rosa, CA) to buy my lumber there. Selection is good, prices are competitive, and service is excellent. They also are affiliated with the Woodworkers Source in Arizona, where you can order online. Their prices are also competitive, and they will occasionally ship for free if the order exceeds $100 (depending of c0urse on what you're buying).

3. 
   user-7274013 | Feb 03, 2021 02:25pm | #3

   Mount Storm in Windsor Ca is a great source for wood. Outstanding service.

1. 
   ggdevine | Feb 03, 2021 02:58pm | #4

   Thanks, user-7274013. I've heard that as well. Mount Storm's website says they're "wholesale only" but you can put in an order through their will-call process. I last checked with them in May 2020. The fellow I spoke with said will-call wasn't happening at that time due to COVID-19 restrictions. Sonoma County's guidelines are presently in flux, so a call to them ahead of time would be warranted.

1. 
   user-7274013 | Feb 03, 2021 05:14pm | #6

   Hi ggdevine,

   I have picked up lumber several times over the summer and fall so they are allowing will call.

1. 
   ggdevine | Feb 10, 2021 01:37pm | #11

   Thanks, friend!

2. 
   jeffs | Feb 10, 2021 10:18pm | #14

   I also picked up a bunch of walnut and maple from Mt Storm will call over the summer. I would have to say some of the boards would not have been my choice. One 4/4 10 ft x 8” maple board has many internal checks, severely limiting its usefulness. The walnut was mostly good

4. 
   richeytgr | Feb 03, 2021 03:11pm | #5

   I never had much of a problem buying lumber when I lived in Ohio and North
   Carolina. When I moved to Utah I purchased from the McBeath where the services was excellent. Now that I live in the central valley of CA I found a few places in Sacramento that are friendly and affordable but the selection not so much. In nine months I'll retire my day job and head down to Berkley.

1. 
   samtraina | Feb 10, 2021 01:20pm | #10

   McBeath is also in Stockton

5. 
   smanou | Feb 06, 2021 11:57pm | #7

   Check out Global Wood Source in Campbell. I really enjoy buying walnut at The Walnut Place in Woodland, a bit of a drive from the Bay Area, but worth it. Almost all of Robert's lumber is quarter sawn, and is 4/4 is actually thicker than an inch, and his 8/4 is thicker than two inches.

6. 
   joeleonetti | Feb 09, 2021 02:39pm | #8

   McBeth hardwood in either San Francisco or Berkeley is a good choice. I also find Reikert Lumber in Pleasanton (an Ace hardware store as well) has a good selection of S4S of about dozen different hardwoods. Woodcraft in San Carlos and Rockler in Concord/Pleasant Hill also have a decent selection. When I am up in Humboldt County, I like to stop by Almquist Lumber.

1. 
   jeffs | Feb 11, 2021 01:31am | #17

   Macbeath in SF closed. Berkeley is a much smaller operation but may be expanding because of the closure of the SF facility

7. 
   user-6822278 | Feb 09, 2021 08:53pm | #9

   Moore Newton in San Leandro. It’s huge, but without a doubt the best selection. Employees bring stacks of lumber with forklifts to you to go through. Macbeath is great to grab a few boards or sheets of ply.

8. 
   Jimbo_S | Feb 10, 2021 09:26pm | #12

   While not technically the Bay Area, I frequent Jackel Lumber in Watsonville. Great selection for traditional species. They also have reclaimed/urban lumber.

1. 
   jeffs | Feb 10, 2021 10:13pm | #13

   I’ve heard good things about Jackel. Do you pick through bins there?

9. 
   raynewman | Feb 10, 2021 11:50pm | #15

   I lived in Castro Valley (Alameda Co.) 1970-2001. At the time, my go-to hardwood dealer was White Bros. on Tidewater, Oakland, down by the Coliseum.

10. 
    skidgel | Feb 11, 2021 12:19am | #16

    +1 to Macbeath and Moore Newton. Lumber Baron in Albany/Richmond is a great for reclaimed lumber or old-growth redwood (growth rings so small you squint your eyes!).