Where to buy wood for cabinet projects

[LYU370]

Like Chris mentioned, OWL Hardwood is pretty good. That's where I've been getting my wood. I also ran across the Hardwood Connection in Sycamore 815-895-8733 Haven't been out there but their prices seem comparable to OWL.

[SHADOWFOX]

quote:Originally posted by LYU370

Like Chris mentioned, OWL Hardwood is pretty good. That's where I've been getting my wood. I also ran across the Hardwood Connection in Sycamore 815-895-8733 Haven't been out there but their prices seem comparable to OWL.

Andy, I used to live in Streamwood, IL before we bought our first home we were renting a unit at Victorian Park by Schaumburg and Park Blvd. You, me, and Chris D. should get together one of these days and take a trip to get a nice haul of lumber

[vaking]

I found a small millwork shop near me, knocked on the door and asked the owner if he would be willing to sell lumber or share the source. He shared, the source turned out to be a large millwork place an hour away but with good selection of hardwoods. Now, anybody here tried any Internet sources?

[Bruce Cohen]

Chris,

Check these guys out. I'm not a big fan of mail order wood, you don't get to match up boards, but if you can't find what you want/need, they're more than likely better than nothing.

Also, avoid HD and Lowe's at all costs, the stuff they sell stinks, I know, I work there.

Bruce

[Rob Mitchell]

Chris,

I haven't tried these guys yet but they carry red oak, white oak, cherry, walnut and maple:

G.C. Mill
17221 Rt. 14
Woodstock, IL 60098
1-815-334-8174

Rob

[Dean_Orvis]

Shadow,

I am probably a bigger noob than you, but there is a small mill off Barrington Av. in Dundee by the bike path. I have not been there but have passed by so I can't say what for sure they offer. What part of C'ville are you in? I used to live there before moving to Crystal Lake. A planned trip to Owl would be great.

Dean

[SHADOWFOX]

Hi Dean,

Welcome to this forum! This is a great forum, learned a lot of stuff from here. Yes, a trip to Owl Hardwoods would be great! One thing, I am new to woodworking and another disability that I have is I do not have a truck or an SUV, I drive a Honda Accord Coupe so that is one of the challenges I have right now. Hopefully this Christmas I can buy myself a brand new Honda Pilot SUV. My wife won't say yes to a pick-up truck. I live right off of Miller rd. (the miller rd. that starts off of RT. 31) then runs into Huntley Rd. and Randall Rd.
West Side of Carpentersville which is a developing area and it looks like it will soon look like Schaumburg.

[Dean_Orvis]

SHADOWFOX,

I know exactly where that is. I am straight north of you off the other Miller Rd. in Crystal Lake/LITH. I remember when that whole area was considered the boonies and now everyone is out there.

Dean

[EMB]

Here in the Tampa area I have found that most wholesale cabinet supply and also the laminate and countertop supply houses have cabinet grade ply in various veneers. My Son in Law is a general contractor so he can buy there but I have gone in myself and done a cash deals with no tax exemption. They ask who it is for and I say me and they write the order.

If you find they won't let you buy, talk to a your local cabinet shop unless your in direct competition with him most will pick up a sheet or two of stock if you give them the money up front.

Some of these wholesalers also have solid stock in oak, cherry, walnut or know where to get it. The thing I like best is everything is kept inside a warehouse and reasonable care is used in the handling. Rare is there a damaged sheet. However I always scope out the blemish pile.

[EMB]

I forgot one other great source. If you build a relationship with a local tool store instead of buying everything from a big box, they will begin to give you great deals and they usually have great sources for local wood they are willing to share with their customers.
Also I know more than once the tool store we deal with has asked my Son in Law to pick up some stock that is only sold wholesale for another customer. He will usually do it unless it violates tax laws or manufacture's restrictions. Some countertop material can only be bought by people certified by the manufacture to install it, therefore he wouldn't buy it for them.