Lumber in the Twin Cities

[supimeister]

Hello,

I am a young gun (25), and I am quite new to this whole woodworking gig (but have done quite a bit of research and tool purchasing already, trust me haha).  I was wondering if any of you had any insights on the best places to get lumber in the Twin Cities.  I am looking for a place where someone would generally be excited to walk with me around their place and help coach me through picking out wood.  Also, it would be an added bonus if you knew of places that had chunks of wood for some basic carving that I am wanting to started with as well (ideally basswood).

Thanks!

PS - I would rather go to a true lumberyard than Woodcraft/Rockler... I think. 

 

[Integrity_Construction]

Hi,

1. Metro Hardwoods - my preferred vendor

2. Renerberg Hardwoods

3. Industrial Plywood & Lumber

4. Youngblood Lumber - great selection of exotics...but pricey. Although you can hand select    unlike the suppliers listed above.

Hope this helps

Dave

 

[Tom the Remodeler]

I haven't had a chance to try #1-3, but I've had great luck with Youngblood. As Dave said, they're not inexpensive, but they have good service and great quality products. Depending on how many board feet your order, they can perform some of the milling for you. Best of luck to you!

 

[wow]

Youngblood is probably the best for what you want. I purchase some stuff from IL&P, but they only deal with businesses and I think they have a minimum purchase of $200, but I could be wrong about that.

BTW, what species of lumber are you looking for?

 

[supimeister]

Youngblood is probably the best for what you want. I purchase some stuff from IL&P, but they only deal with businesses and I think they have a minimum purchase of $200, but I could be wrong about that.

BTW, what species of lumber are you looking for?

This is super helpful guys - thank you!
I am thinking about making a simple jewelry box for my wife to start out, so I don’t think I will need that much, but I do see the value in buying in bulk if it saves me money.  Any recommendations on a wood that I could use on a few of these small boxes and then perhaps something like a shoe rack and then a boot rack as well?

Again, I am far too well equipped with tools and wholly ignorant on wood species and beyond...

 

[wow]

Youngblood is probably the best for what you want. I purchase some stuff from IL&P, but they only deal with businesses and I think they have a minimum purchase of $200, but I could be wrong about that.

BTW, what species of lumber are you looking for?

This is super helpful guys - thank you!
I am thinking about making a simple jewelry box for my wife to start out, so I don’t think I will need that much, but I do see the value in buying in bulk if it saves me money.  Any recommendations on a wood that I could use on a few of these small boxes and then perhaps something like a shoe rack and then a boot rack as well?

Again, I am far too well equipped with tools and wholly ignorant on wood species and beyond...

If you want some place to cruise around and BS, try either Woodcraft in Bloomington or Rockler in Burnsville. There are people at both stores who LOVE to chat, and they have a small but significant breadth of woods that you can look at and discuss. Be sure to let them know that you are 'loaded' with tools but need to learn about wood. And try not to go on Friday or Saturday if you want individual attention as those are their busiest times.

Both of them also offer demos and classes that might interest you. I took a turning class at Woodcraft years ago and it was excellent.

 

[johnleve]

I have not been to all the options but I have been happy with Youngblood for years.  If you join the Minnesota Woodworkers Guild you get a nice discount.  I am not sure of the percent but basically you get the wholesale price as the guild is treated as a single customer and all the volume is assumed to be one account.

Not the same type of customer service you might find at Woodcraft or Rockler but the guys in the yard are all nice enough and happy to joke around and chat.  I have always gone on Saturday mornings when I think they do more retail sales and as long as you treat the product you are not buying well and put things back as you should they will be plenty helpful.  I don't think they know as much about woodworking as the Woodcraft or Rockler guys but I might be wrong.

 

[FOGNewbie]

Hello,

I am a young gun (25), and I am quite new to this whole woodworking gig (but have done quite a bit of research and tool purchasing already, trust me haha).  I was wondering if any of you had any insights on the best places to get lumber in the Twin Cities.  I am looking for a place where someone would generally be excited to walk with me around their place and help coach me through picking out wood.  Also, it would be an added bonus if you knew of places that had chunks of wood for some basic carving that I am wanting to started with as well (ideally basswood).

Thanks!

PS - I would rather go to a true lumberyard than Woodcraft/Rockler... I think.

Just saw this. +1 on Youngblood Lumber. I'd also suggest Forest Products Supply. Forest Products Supply There staff is also very helpful Many cool live edge slabs as well. From what I have seen, those two have the best selection of domestic and exotic hardwoods.

Haven't been to Ottertail lumber, but I have heard some good things about them. Ottertail Lumber Think I might visit them soon to see what they have first hand.

Outside of Thick boards/ pieces, You could consider the following: If you are going off of the deep end with sheet goods, try Navy Island. Call ahead as it is typically special order that they deal with. Navy Island Another route is Hiawatha Lumber. Hiawatha Lumber IIRC correctly, they still carry Oak, Maple, Cherry, and Cedar(Western(?)). Hiawatha isn't cheap nor is there a massive selection, but the staff is helpful and if you don't have a jointer, or planer, most of there boards are S4S.

BTW I know the WoodCraft(Bloomington, Mn.) staff and anyone of them would be a good source for learning more about wood and woodworking. IIRC Ralph T. has taken Festool Training course(s), so he would be helpful with that as well. Pay attention to their flyers, sometimes they have very good sales on boards or turning/ carving stock.

I have only been to Rockler Maplewood in recent years, but I didn't find them as helpful. They have recently cleaned house personnel wise and moved to a new location, so maybe they have improved. I wasn't very happy with the old crew because of a couple of lumber purchases after I bought my Kapex from them. Had to turn to Woodcraft and Seven Corners Hardware(man I miss them) for any assistance that couldn't wait for a call to Festool or better yet my local Festool Rep.! Danny Mack Hale is awesome!!!

Not sure if this is true, but I think Rockler no longer carries Festool.

 

[Integrity_Construction]

On a side note, for guys in the metro area, I have a abundance of lumber at my shop, and am pretty much bringing it in constantly as a family member is a sawyer.

Walnut, cherry, maple, ash, red and white oak etc etc....so if you need something in particular just shoot me a message.

Dave

 

[FOGNewbie]

I have not been to all the options but I have been happy with Youngblood for years.  If you join the Minnesota Woodworkers Guild you get a nice discount. I am not sure of the percent but basically you get the wholesale price as the guild is treated as a single customer and all the volume is assumed to be one account.

Not the same type of customer service you might find at Woodcraft or Rockler but the guys in the yard are all nice enough and happy to joke around and chat.  I have always gone on Saturday mornings when I think they do more retail sales and as long as you treat the product you are not buying well and put things back as you should they will be plenty helpful.  I don't think they know as much about woodworking as the Woodcraft or Rockler guys but I might be wrong.

10%. BTW Thanks for reminding me that I have to renew my membership.

 

[Jeffonebuck]

Google custom made jewelry box "images" and find  a basic shape or design that you like and go from there. You will also see different wood species and finishes to lead you

 

[getyourbone]

If you get to Western WI or live on the east side of the Cities,  You could give Schmitt Timber in/outside of Spring Valley WI a try.  If you run into the owner, I am sure he would be more than happy to walk you around his operation.  A number of years ago, I received the grand tour one day when I was picking up some slab wood for winter.  He has a large contract making staves for wine and/or whisky barrels and was very proud of it. 

It isn't a large mill but still very cool to see.

Update:  After posting, It got me thinking about the place.  I now live in Phoenix, AZ so wasn't so sure they were still around?

Here's a link to a story about them:

http://www.rivertowns.net/content/tenacity-innovation-fuel-growth-spring-valleys-schmitt-timber-corp

 

[remdds]

Another really cool place is Siwek's.  They are pretty close (geographically) to Youngblood.  It is far more hit or miss what their inventory is but the prices are tough to beat.  You can really do some sorting and they are generous with a tape measure if a board has a questionable spot.  I typically start there first.