Replies

1. 
   cwalvoord | Jan 26, 2007 10:46pm | #1

   These are definitely more around than in Chicago but I have been to both Badger Hardwoods and Kettle Moraine Hardwoods and both have nice rough sawn stuff.
   http://www.badgerwood.com
   http://www.kmhardwoods.com

   About the only place in the city I have found with any hardwood selection is Hardwood Resource
   http://www.hardwoodresource.com
   but I don't believe they sell any rough sawn.

   Hope that helps.
   Chris

2. 
   wellis | Jan 27, 2007 06:37pm | #2

   I buy most of my wood from Kettle Moraine.  They are located just north of the Seven Mile Fair (about 7? miles south of Milwaukee.  There is a small mill in Russell, Illinois at the state line but I haven't been there yet.  Check http://woodfinder.com/ for other possibilities.

   Bill

3. 
   JeffHeath | Jan 27, 2007 07:34pm | #3

   What species are you looking for?  There are many little mills around that sell at a discount compared to some of the larger retail outfits mentioned, especially Kettle-Moraine.  Paying $6 per bf for 4/4 cherry that is 20% or more sapwood is no bargain.

   Jeff in Crystal Lake, Illinois

1. 
   user-119870 | Jan 29, 2007 09:40pm | #4

   Thanks to everyone for the tips.  I'd say cherry and maple are on the top of my list, but I just haven't located a good source in general.  Thanks for you help!

4. 
   yotonyb | Jan 30, 2007 03:35am | #5

   Are you looking for hardwood sources in the Chicago area...or do you want someone to mill a log or fallen tree for you?

   Heidler Hardwoods near 26th and Damen will deliver material rough.  They're primarily a bulk dealer, but I've purchased less than 100 bf at a time from them.

   Meyer in West Chicago, Hardwood Connection in Sycamore, and there's a guy in Kirkland (Kirkland Lumber?) who will mill and dry/season rough lumber.  I also recall a guy on Rt. 14 just outside Crystal Lake (or maybe Woodstock) on the way to Wisconsin with a mill and an assortment of lumber.  And if you're on 14 on the way to Lake Geneva, keep going to Badger Hardwoods outside of Walworth, Wisconsin.

   Owl Hardwoods is a very good, though pricey, retailer.  However, some of the best quarter-sawn oak I've ever encountered comes from Owl and is worth the premium I paid, though it also takes several trips to pick through the inventory as they move bf through the building.  I presume Owl will deliver rough-sawn material on request.  But they have racks and racks of S2S which makes it difficult for me to pass up!

   tony b. 

   
   

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   Edited 1/29/2007 7:38 pm ET by yotonyb

1. 
   user-119870 | Jan 30, 2007 07:21pm | #6

   Thanks for the info, I better start shopping!