IL, WI, Where to get SYP: (Southern Yellow Pine)

[tkarlmann]

I cannot seem to find a supply of SYP in my area. All we seem to get is White Pine. I would like something a little more substantial, but don't need hardwood. I trust douglas fir is out.

How far do I need to drive to get some? (Ok, don't say Texas, or like, real far. I'm in Chicago)

Nope, cannot use reclaimed wood -- can't afford the $100 for the metal detector gizmo.

Thoughts?

Worst case: (This is for a workbench) I could use WP, then cover it with ply or hardboard or malamine, or some other stuff.

[crokett]

Around here the dimensional lumber at Lowes/HD is SYP. I just got done reading Chris Schwartz's workbench book and he recommends going to Lowes/HD and getting the 2x10s or 2x12s as they are SYP.

[cabinetman]

The big box stores around here sell it as well as most lumberyards.
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[jon_ramp]

I too read Chris Schwartz's workbench book indicting it could be had at the big box stores. I think that depends on where you live (I think he is near Cincinnati). I've checked Menards, Lowes and HD; none have SYP in dimensional lumber in the Chicago area. It's all HemFir. I had someone at Lowes tell me they could have it special ordered; however, I didn't pursue the up charge for that yet. I checked with the Hardwood Connection in Sycamore (near DeKalb). They said they could get it but the cost would be nearly the same as maple they currently stock.

[crokett]

I would have to back and check his book but I think he says that Hem/Fir is an ok substitute if you can't find SYP.

[cabinetman]

Hem-fir will likely not look like select SYP, but is considered a structural wood. Another good choice which may be easy to find would be Douglas Fir.
.

[cgallery]

I tried finding doug fir or SYP here in Milwaukee a few years ago when I built my bench. Could only find hem fir.

Resorted to LVL.

But I was recently at Menards and looked at their current LVL stock and it all had some sort of yellowish coating on the outside. Absolutely different looking from the previous stuff I sourced there. The yellow stuff had a tacky feel to it, I think it would absolutely interfere w/ paint (which is how I finished my bench).

[drillman88]

Wall lumber could probably ship you what you want. If you are dead set on it.

Http://www.walllumber.com/products.asp

I have heard good things about them, but never used them.

We have yellow pine t&g flooring avalible at the local HD, you would need to laminate the pieces for thickness but it would work if available in your area.


I have used douglas fir for other projects and it isnt quite as hard or heavy as syp, but is should make a descent work bench.

[natausch]

Chicago area is a painful area to acquire wood. It's either downright overpriced or being horded.

Owl Hardwood is your best chance for commercially available SYP in Chicago area, but call first since their stock does rotate. A point though is that their prices are about two hundred yards that side of outrageous.

They have locations is Lombard, Des Plaines, and Oak Lawn
http://www.owlhardwood.com/

Kirkland Mill does stock it, but since it's not local their price is actually $.10 to $.20 higher than their hard maple, about $3.30 - $3.50 per board foot.

84 Lumber may have some, call ahead, etc.
They have Chicago locations in Naperville and Gurnee
http://www.84lumber.com/

Ron Meyers may also have some. Doesn't maintain a website, but you can get his number off this site. He's finicky and can be difficult to pin down. His prices are right though, around $2 for pine, maybe $3 for Maple.
http://www.sawdustcorners.com/Map_Meyers.pdf

I'd talk to Menards, typically they don't upcharge for special orders, and their delivery rates are low.

[tkarlmann]

Around here the dimensional lumber at Lowes/HD is SYP. I just got done reading Chris Schwartz's workbench book and he recommends going to Lowes/HD and getting the 2x10s or 2x12s as they are SYP.

I have checked Lowes' website. For my area the stuff is not available. THey have no way to search for where it IS available.

[tkarlmann]

I too read Chris Schwartz's workbench book indicting it could be had at the big box stores. I think that depends on where you live (I think he is near Cincinnati). I've checked Menards, Lowes and HD; none have SYP in dimensional lumber in the Chicago area. It's all HemFir. I had someone at Lowes tell me they could have it special ordered; however, I didn't pursue the up charge for that yet. I checked with the Hardwood Connection in Sycamore (near DeKalb). They said they could get it but the cost would be nearly the same as maple they currently stock.

What is "Hemfir"? Is that the same as White Pine? If not, where do I get it?

[tkarlmann]

Hem-fir will likely not look like select SYP, but is considered a structural wood. Another good choice which may be easy to find would be Douglas Fir.
.

Fine! Where do I get either?

[tkarlmann]

I tried finding doug fir or SYP here in Milwaukee a few years ago when I built my bench. Could only find hem fir.

Resorted to LVL.

But I was recently at Menards and looked at their current LVL stock and it all had some sort of yellowish coating on the outside. Absolutely different looking from the previous stuff I sourced there. The yellow stuff had a tacky feel to it, I think it would absolutely interfere w/ paint (which is how I finished my bench).

Where did you get your "hem-fir"? What is LVL?

[tkarlmann]

Well, might work!

Chicago area is a painful area to acquire wood. It's either downright overpriced or being horded.

Owl Hardwood is your best chance for commercially available SYP in Chicago area, but call first since their stock does rotate. A point though is that their prices are about two hundred yards that side of outrageous.

They have locations is Lombard, Des Plaines, and Oak Lawn
http://www.owlhardwood.com/

Kirkland Mill does stock it, but since it's not local their price is actually $.10 to $.20 higher than their hard maple, about $3.30 - $3.50 per board foot.

81 Lumber may have some, call ahead, etc.
They have Chicago locations in Naperville and Gurnee
http://www.84lumber.com/

Ron Meyers may also have some. Doesn't maintain a website, but you can get his number off this site. He's finicky and can be difficult to pin down. His prices are right though, around $2 for pine, maybe $3 for Maple.
http://www.sawdustcorners.com/Map_Meyers.pdf

I'd talk to Menards, typically they don't upcharge for special orders, and their delivery rates are low.

Thanks for all the resources!!!!!!!!
Hooray, sort of. I had thought all 84 Lumber's were gone as some close to me have closed. Called one, they have lots of stuff they classify as "SPF". When I asked what this was he said: "Well. it could be Spruce, could be Pine or could be Fir". Then, after asking if it could be SYP, he said "probably not".

Then he said he had some "hemfir" in 2x10x8' for $6.56 and 2x12x8' for $7.84 -- fairly nominal, I thought. (Grumble -- now I need to go find out what "hemfir" actually is.) With all the cockamamy books I've got here -- you'd hope one of them talks about it -- I've got Landis too. Ok, I think I'll just get some & figger it out. (Was going to modify & build John White's New-Fangled Workbench ---> Screws into end grain on the stretcher? John, really!)

The 84-guy added that he has some dougfir, (up to 32' long (!)) but it was green. No, I don't have and can't afford the @#$% moisture meter either.

See, and you guys basking in the sun all day in Florida thought all we had in Chicago was ice, snow, and no SYP -- you were right! Oh, and Al Capone too.

[tkarlmann]

I would have to back and check his book but I think he says that Hem/Fir is an ok substitute if you can't find SYP.

The only workbench book I have is Landis. Landis like the history aspects of the 'bench, and seems to forego some practical issues -- like where I get the wood and what wood to use. Its either that or his index, as many, is sorely lacking.

Please chack if you can, my references check came up with zilch.