Source for Western Red Cedar

[peterwoody]

I plan to build a strip built kayak this winter. I am only able to obtain clear pine locally and will be travelling north (I95) from Beaufort SC to Middletown NJ early in December. Can anyone recommend a good source for WRC along the way. Thanks. Peter

[Red88chevy]

PW,

Probably not the best price but all the HD and Lowes I've been to in Texas carry Western Red Cedar, would guess they do in SC also. They use it for fence pickets here, seems to be brittle. How about using Cypress?

[jlm]

I'd do a search on http://woodfinder.com, then call around to see what different places have in stock. Since you're building a kayak, you'll probably need longer pieces than the standard 8-10' lengths most places stock, so you might need to order ahead of time to ensure they'll have it, or order from a boat specialty supplier.

You might also check the listings at http://www.wcha.org/buildsupply, and see if there's anyone near you or on the way who builds canoes and kayaks, then call them to inquire who their suppliers are.

[ryanps]

Peter,
Check-out the following link: http://www.wrcla.org/purchasing_cedar/default.htm

You can enter any zip-code and it will come up with the nearest distributor.
When I built my canoe I purchased 16 foot boards. Unfortunately they were riddled with knots so the long length really didn't help much.

The guy where I purchased the wood from said you could order knot-free boards. Of course, you pay an arm and a leg. In hindsight I think the extra cost for knot-free boards would have been worth it. Best of luck.

Regards,
Ryan

[Jeffrey Schronce]

Clear Heart is the highest quality of Western Red Cedar available. It includes only pieces with heartwood on the exposed faces. Most pieces are completely clear and free of imperfections. The grade allows only minor imperfections that do not detract from their overall fine appearance. Most manufacturers will offer this grade with 100% vertical grain.

[peterwoody]

Source for Western Red Cedar

Thanks for the responses guys. Lowes and HD carry cedar suitable for fences but not much else. Lowes had some cedar (aromatic?) which had so many knots that cutting strips would not be possible. One of the other supply houses (Builders First Source) has ordered some 8 feet lengths for me which I will scarf to get the required length (14 feet +).
Peter