Where to get wood in central Ohio?

[bradley_osu]

I'm living in Columbus, OH at the moment and am looking for some advice from other members living in the area. So far to date my projects have used oak from Lowes or they've been small so I had no problem buying small amounts of wood from Woodcraft. But now I'm looking for a fair amount of maple and cherry for a couple of projects I have planned. I don't feel like paying Woodcraft's marked up prices, I checked woodfinder and aside from woodcraft the only nearest places were 45 miles or so away. While I don't mind driving, Columbus is a fair sized city and I find it hard to believe that there is no good lumber yards here.

I googled and found several options but there was limited information available so I thought I'd take advantage of this excellent resource and see if any members have any favorites or ones to stay away from. Any info would be appreciated.

[Uncle Cracker]

You might try calling a couple of local cabinet shops. Most can give you good advice on lumber sources (as long as they know that you are not "the enemy").

[LCHIEN]

I'm living in Columbus, OH at the moment and am looking for some advice from other members living in the area. So far to date my projects have used oak from Lowes or they've been small so I had no problem buying small amounts of wood from Woodcraft. But now I'm looking for a fair amount of maple and cherry for a couple of projects I have planned. I don't feel like paying Woodcraft's marked up prices, I checked woodfinder and aside from woodcraft the only nearest places were 45 miles or so away. While I don't mind driving, Columbus is a fair sized city and I find it hard to believe that there is no good lumber yards here.

I googled and found several options but there was limited information available so I thought I'd take advantage of this excellent resource and see if any members have any favorites or ones to stay away from. Any info would be appreciated.

Did you try your local yellow pages under lumber yards... look for the key words "hardwoods" in their ads.
Trouble with my area is that all are open only M-F, 9-5 and Sat 9-12. Since I work weekdays and have committments every Saturday morning its almost impossible to get there as its too far and time-consuming for a lunch trip.

[rcp612]

Not real close by but, I'm happy with them. Try http://www.brennemanlumber.com/
They are just starting to sell retail, been in wholesale for ever.

[final_t]

Depending on what you need and what you can actually use, there are only three places in central ohio that I am aware of that will actually deal with the hobby-level folks like us.

WoodWerks on Claycraft road will sell you S4S/S2S, either by the board foot or in bundles. Big selection of species. Maple is $4.34 and up a bdft. Pricelist is online at WoodWerks.com

Blacklick Hardwoods (not far from WoodWerks on Taylor Station road) is run more as a side-business for a man who does a lot of import/export. I dunno if he's even still in business - you have to call way ahead and schedule a time. I bought some really good Hickory from him for $2.00/bdft. Rough sawn, you'll need a jointer, planer, etc.

My fav:
Almendinger Sawmill in Johnstown. Cash only business, rough-sawn so you'll need a jointer, planer, etc. Pick and load yourself. Maple and Hickory $2.00/bdft. Open 6 days a week. Price list is online at almendingersawmill.com

Mailorder:
Getting lumber shipped in is not a bad deal, esp. if you don't have a vehicle that can carry an 8' or longer board. I recommend niagaralumber.com - they price their bdft based on shipping distance, so for OSU zip code, Maple is $4.35/bdft and Hickory is $4.05. S2S.

Throw the dice:
Craigslist, under Materials. Sometimes you'll find someone getting rid of a bunch of stuff.
Woodweb.com has a lumber for sale area, but I've seen very few Ohio listings over the years.
Also, local estate/farm auctions can sometimes have lumber.

I do NOT recommend woodcraft for lumber, they are priced out of the sane range.

If you find any others in your quest, please share them.

[gad5264]

Bradley,
I have been able to get some lumber for my projects from Zeyer Lumber in Pickerington. Doug has been milling lumber in Eastern, Ohio and often brings stuff back to Pickerington with him. If he does not have it in Pickerington he will bring it back with him if you just ask him. Below is his contact information from his business card.

Zeyer Lumber
Doug Zeyer
2095 State Route 250
Adena, OH 43901
614-848-6230/740-546-3471
DougZeyer@hotmail.com

[bradley_osu]

Thanks a bunch guys!

[Lee4847]

Take a look at this one

I haven't been there yet but their prices seem decent. It looks like it is near Columbus.

http://www.almendingersawmill.com/html/main.html

Lee