How To Buy Lumber & Plywood At A Hardwood Dealer

[@l.rod2827]

🤯 That was a lot of information, I hope I remember at least 1/4 of it when I visit my local hardwood lumber store. Thank you.

[@HarshathJR]

“Try to pick up after yourself and not leave a mess for the workers, or for the next guy” - life etiquette, not just lumber yard etiquette :)

[@shannonc.4257]

Like starting with the shopping carts!

[@kevinweaver4265]

AMEN!

[@csneigoski13]

I’m a lumber yard manager, and I couldn’t agree more

[@saramulry]

Just found this video and honestly, thank you so much. I've gotten used to being a woman walking into hardware stores over the years, but as I'm now getting into woodworking having an idea of what I'm walking into will make it all the easier and less demoralizing. Heavy applause!

[@buuddaahh]

Been a hardwood sawyer for the past five years, hard work but a kick ass job, especially when you cut a big piece of 16/4 off a huge red oak cant! Nice video.

[@barrykery1175]

WOW ! Did I learn a lot ! I'm use to the big box stores where they just stock 3 types of junk lumber, if you're lucky. I'll have to watch this video a few more times to digest all of the great information. Now the hard part......finding a hardwood dealer in this area. That's the hardest part of woodworking for me. Thanks for the great informative video. ......the hunt is on ! Barry

[@mpeek8209]

I have passed by Johnson’s many many times going to Greenville Michigan and back home to Kentucky. I’ll have to stop next time.

[@brentsonworrell3325]

Well done. Super informative. So many times, KZbin videos are more about the presenter than the subject matter. What a refreshing change!

[@joseaiartonsoaresdearaujoj4110]

I bought this for my friend for his birthday as we just moved into a new house and he finally has room for a workshop. The bench was very easy to set up kzbin.infoUgkxyFZUPFEey-PuqsPMxqaykBhgA1LWxFHh They center support is a little difficult to snap in and out of place at first but at least then we know the bench is secure. It was a pleasant surprise when we saw it came with clamps. I apparently missed that in the description. My friend loves the versatility of the bench. Great starter bench for his workshop and easily transportable all over our property. I wish the bench was a little taller but the other features of the bench more than make up for that.

[@colby4390]

I’m having trouble finding your print out. Great video. Finally I know how to ask the right questions!

[@tomlagatol4448]

Best vid I’ve seen on lumber yard info on KZbin... Great Job, Thanks!

[@edpawliw5308]

Best lumber and plywood explanation crammed into 15 minutes

[@markfletcher4605]

This is an excellent video. I highly recommend it to beginning woodworkers. A few more tips if you have previously been purchasing lumber and especially plywood at big box stores: 1). While big box stores sell half or quarter sheets of "fine" plywood, often at hardwood stores you have to by full sheets. Unless you have a pick-up truck or a trailer, you might want to bring a battery-powered circular saw, measuring device, and marking device to break down the sheets into smaller sizes if the store does not have cutting service (my local store has great selection of many different fine hardwoods, but does not have cutting services). This also applies to the long boards. Consider also bringing a battery-powered vacuum so as not to leave a mess for the lumber company to clean. You can call ahead to ask if the fine lumber yard has cutting services. 2). Know your minimum cut length, especially if you will have to break down the wood to smaller sizes on-site. There is nothing worst than getting home only to realize that you cut something too short while reducing the size. 3). Do not underestimate the weight of some wood and plywood. For example, true high quality Baltic birch 3/4" sheet of plywood is sold in 5' x 5' size and needs two people to handle it due to the weight. Some fine lumber yards will help you load the wood into your vehicle, but others do not for liability reasons. Consider bringing a friend to help load or unload the wood and plywood. 4). If you have a budget to work around for a project, do not be afraid to state that to the person at the fine lumber yard. This is often important when you do not know the prices ahead of time, but have a project. The fine lumber yard personnel can recommend different woods to fit your budget.

[@dcmsr5141]

Thoroughly enjoyed your content, as a 59 year old newbie I am looking forward to seeing more content, oh yeah I subbed!

[@Killerator80]

I live 30 mins away from Charlotte, and have been absolutely clueless as to this places existence... and they mill, which is something else I had no idea about. Too bad I can't hit the like button more than once.

[@brettzeigerbacher2314]

There you go, I hit it again for you.

[@paulmood308]

Me too

[@jgclarke0352]

And another

[@zombiefreak7718]

Haha I'm trying to find one on the other side of the state. They seem so hard to find that do as much as this one!

[@jillmduff]

Very informative and in plain layman's terms!

[@sdsaz1976]

Thank you. This video is extremely helpful as I'm a beginning woodworker.

[@sulblazer]

Wow! I'm planning on visiting my local Ganahl Lumber in the coming week and I can't believe this video popped up. I'm so glad I watched this. Thanks for the info Chris!

[@wimchen]

quite useful stuff, thank you... kind of lost in all these terminology when I went to my local lumber yard.

[@christopherross9398]

So glad I came across this video. It showed up in my suggested videos. I was surprised when you mentioned South Bend because that's the one I go to. They're awesome. I used to go to Owel Hardwoods when I lived in Chicago and was super excited to find a place like Johnson's when I moved back home to South Bend.

[@danielbarnhizer676]

Johnson's Workbench is absolutely the best hardwood dealer and woodworking dealer I've ever been in. Great people, super helpful every time I've been in there. Great video!

[@uoohoo99]

You have given the most & best info I've been able to find. Thanks!

[@maximedore3761]

Thanks for adding the etiquette part! Real appreciate it as a noob

[@makingcrapwithscrap5701]

I so needed this. Just now graduating from the big box stores and I'm lost. This video was great. Thanks.

[@rhinogames9856]

Fellow Michigan Man Gaylord Just found your channel excellent info. Excellent Thankyou

[@WayneBarroncffcs]

With the projects, I am fixing to take on. Watching this video, sure shined a light on the types of wood I need to look into getting and where to get it from. Thanks a million.

[@friscoray2]

Wow 😬 wish I took woodworking in high school.

[@thomasclarke8220]

I did take woodworking in high school (3 years worth) and it's the only course I look back on with good memories. These days I don't think shop courses are offered.

[@BigmoRivera]

Thanks For Your Expertise And Knowledge Of Wood Species... Wish We Have The Same Box Store Out Here On The East Coast Of New England

[@michaelmelnick9137]

I am a newer woodworker from Jackson. It's definitely kept me sane during the Covid Quarentine! Excited to hear about Johnson's and can't wait to check them out next weekend. ...now I just need to watch this video like ten more times to absorb all of the info...

[@CogentConsult]

Your execution and delivery of the information was astounding. Brief and to the point; just the way I like it!

[@rjoyce06]

I feel like I learned a lot, but also have so many questions at the same time haha. As a guy brand new to woodworking I appreciate all the information.

[@Kakamage]

I've never visited a real lumber yard and boy am I glad I saw your video first. I would have been flabbergasted at the jargon and amount of choices. So, I am incredibly grateful for your detailed video, which will help arm me with at least a rudimentary understanding. Seriously, I loved the attention to detail, layman's terms, thoughtful explanations, and illustrations! I am going to get a hold of that document you mentioned and study up on it. I also saved this video so I can reference it again and again. Thanks again!

[@ryanwakefield7201]

Glad to find this especially being in MI myself. Also great to know they're as helpful as they are. I'm a noob so wont be there anytime soon. But when I do it's relieving to know I wont feel stupid asking questions.

[@VanHold]

Man, this was one of the more useful videos i have ever watched on KZbin, thank you very much mate! :)

[@LukeMornings]

Who in the world would dislike this much great information. Thank you so much for all the info!

[@cameronhamill610]

I knew I recognized that accent from somewhere, I myself live in Mason, Michigan and work in holt. Such a small world! I’ve been watching your videos for a while now and they are always trust worthy and reliable!

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

Haha I live in holt too

[@dufreebell]

Ton of useful info. Lot to digest at one shot. Saved to watch again. Thanks for doing this video.

[@handyhomebrewnetwork2142]

Been buying hardwoods for years and I still learned a lot. This will help new woodworkers take that leap! Thanks!

[@caroldawete1726]

Hi please where u buy yr hard wood I need to put mad when I'm do building

[@errolpereira8292]

Thanks for this. As for the hardwood dealer in my area they are cranky as hell when asking newbie questions. Thanks to you I’ll be back and ready this time 😁

[@glennp5872]

Great video on lumber I never knew there were so many options. I have only shopped at big box stores Thank you

[@ericromano8078]

This is great. Now I just need to figure out how to load it all into my Kia Rio. :(

[@GodotWorld]

Yes, this is a problem we all have, I'm sure. I have a Chevy Sonic. I can stack 8' boards up between the passenger and driver, but I really have to watch the turns. What I really want to do is get a trailer, specifically for getting plywood, but if I made a trip to a lumber yard it would come in handy too.

[@kylercoleman4591]

Lol I feel the pain

[@nicolasford9969]

I have a 2017 Hyundai Accent that is the Hyundai equivalent to the Kia Rio. I found that if you fold both the rear seats forward and if you slide the passenger seat all the way forward and leaned all the way back I can slide multiple 10ft sections onto the dashboard and still be able to close the trunk.

[@alexm1841]

Roof rack and tie downs

[@dux8529]

@@GodotWorld I got a Chevy Sonic too and I can fit the 8ft board by routing it through the trunk can probably fit longer of you push it out the from passenger window lol. Thankfully I got a roommate with a trucm

[@robbygilpin6147]

Literally took notes during this video - a great video for a newbie woodworker like myself.

[@andresfelipegomezgonzalez2309]

Great video. Good explanation of the American system on lumber cuts and measurements. Would just suggest to consider doing any future videos including measurements using the metric system (cm, mm, m).

[@incidentshappen]

WOW, what a great video! I've been buying from a local place in NJ (Boards & Beams) for a little while but it can still be overwhelming. I think the most important thing going in is KNOW WHAT YOU NEED! Species, lengths and widths. Make a list. Its going to be overwhelming when you arrive so having a list to work against is hugely helpful. Also, don't be afraid to ask prices while you're selecting, and have a budget. Research the yard's prices online before you go. The first time I bought I picked what I wanted and went to pay and almost fainted when they told me the price.

[@alexparker5892]

Love that there is a demand for this kinda stuff in the US there is nothing like this near me in the UK it's all construction lumber or tiny one man sheds with a few slabs of damp oak stacked under plastic

[@nabicht]

The nearest hardwood dealer to me is less than helpful. I was out of my depth there. This video is exactly what I needed!

[@stephensever5630]

Oh man I know this video has been around for a minute but for some reason it popped up today. Last week it was a bit rainy one day so I visited Houston hardwoods and found myself asking questions of a kid that couldn’t be old enough to shave but he was nice and knew his stiff. I laid plans for two desks today and tried again to look over their price sheet and understand it to no avail. I called and the dude on the other end explained what I asked but as soon as I was off the phone I was lost again. I ended up buying what I needed from the bog box cause it’s comfy. Thanks very much for the instruction and ultimately helping me turn up the dial a bit

[@juanguerrero5626]

Very didactic video thanks for explaining the criptic meaning of the labels in a lumberyard

[@pepeeze]

This is so thorough! For a newbie like me this is gold. I can't pressure it enough: GREAT JOB!

[@LSFprepper]

I want a table from that slab in front at 13:25. Beautiful. And that slab in the background with the big knot sticking out.

[@ArkitEk2265]

Thank you for a very clear explanation of those labels, I learned a lot, as well as the "lumber yard etiquette."

[@robertfoster1420]

Wow! Clear, concise, informative and... interesting to watch and listen to. Well done and thank you!

[@horseshoemountainprojects8144]

I worked in a lumber yard for a few years. I didn't learn much, except where you misspoke. Teaching me I qualify as select! .

[@notesysnook]

Well, I wish our lumber yard was a helpful as yours. Last time I dropped by and asked for some advice they were super reluctant to even get off the chair to show me.

[@abyshepherd6944]

Brilliant video, thank you! As s newbie woodworker this is just what I need. Might have to watch it again and take notes!

[@davidbauman9409]

Wow thanks for d lesson.....really njoyed ur teaching on d 1/4 and all d initials o about d wood...gonna download this page for sure...just subscribed can’t wait to see ur other videos brother

[@davidstillson]

I went to Johnson's workbench several months ago and was completely overwhelmed... I'm so glad you made a video using them as an example! This will help me out a ton when going back.. It's really intimidating going to a real hardwood lumberyard for the first time.. mostly because I don't know what I don't know.

[@AdamCraigOutdoors]

a good dealer will walk you through things when you aren't sure. 5 years ago i ventured into a lumber yard for the first time and was overwhelmed. They had stacks and stacks of lumber and when asked what i wanted, i had no idea. I paused to think about what i planned on looking to purchase. Ask questions and don't be afraid to look like a novice. They deal with all sorts of people!

[@tstuff]

I go in to smell the cut lumber. They look at me weird.

[@dux8529]

I got a hardwood place a block away and I'm new to wood working. Ive gone in twice looking for boards and end up panic buying some small cut because I got no clue about the markings or even the etiquette of the store. Last project I ended up just going to the big box store. Hopefully this prepared me

[@jfine24]

This video looks appealing and exciting to me. I love woodworking. I would love to understand what he said about the woods. Since I am deaf, would you please put closed captioning or subtitle on and let me know so I can understand. Thank you!

[@northcackalacky4694]

I appreciate your informative video! When I shopped a full service lumberyard when I was like 16, I'd ask for 2# of various nails, 3-2×4's, and a Coke. At the register I would ask for a Carpenter pencil. Usually the lumberyard handed you a friggin BOX of pencils, since it was going above and beyond for the customer AND it was advertising their Family's Lumberyard!! 3 weeks ago my salesperson gave me 3 FREE PENCILS WITHOUT EVEN ASKING!! I thanked him a few times

[@alanbarnhill930]

Thanks! Going to a lumber yard for hardwood can be very very intimidating.... Your example is the middle of the pack, fancier and you pay alot more, more basic the prices are great, the staff will get grumpy fast if you get too picky or ask them to lift down too many pallets. We have all three in our area. Never took out a hand plane. Another level is going to a small saw mill. no electricity, cash only fantastic prices with some beautiful wood. Cheers

[@markharris5771]

I’m far from timid and retiring but I must admit to being intimidated at our U.K. timber yards. I know it sounds daft but with some I’m not even sure where I'm allowed to go as there’s very little signage. At my most local yard your not allowed near the wood at all so you can’t see what is the best looking wood. I go to another yard in a town ten miles away where I was born, and they are brilliant. Their attitude is they’d rather get the newbie, treat them well, explain everything and I keep going back. They are also very disability aware and help me get the wood into my car etc. An excellent, useful and well explained video. I might have to watch it a couple of times to make all the information go in, and I’m extremely grateful for you making. Thank you very much indeed,

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

So glad the video helped you!

[@richardlaymance9984]

Man oh man, I’ve learned so much from your videos. This was fantastically informative. Thank you so much.

[@theintelligentcarpenter9407]

A year later and people are still finding this useful. Thx bro.

[@bitbrain3468]

I love this.. I picked this video at random but I'm in Lansing and when I looked up hardwood dealers before, Charlotte was the nearest one as far as I could tell. Have yet to go there. This was going to be the year I really started.. then covid.

[@caspens5999]

Great presentation. It was very clear with a lot of information.

[@wortheffort]

One of your best creations.

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

Thanks so much bud. Lots of info just like your videos!

[@wirefeeder]

Great video. As someone fairly new to furniture building this answered allot of questions I had.

[@tommoore5272]

Well done we run a millwork shop and we often receive loads picked by ray charles

[@William9alex]

Thank you for the informative video and thanks to Johnson's Workbench for letting you film there.

[@BreakzoneVIDS]

beautiful video, this really got me excited for woodworking!

[@gastonlaberge2119]

All you need at the lumberyard is a calculator, tape measure, calipers, a plane, a plumb line, two chronometers, a compass,a complete cutting list of your project a board ft app for your phone and finally a large wallet.

[@jamescarpenter1259]

Trying to settle down in Eagle. Can’t wait to check this place out!

[@evanmccrindle5355]

Wow that lumber yard is amazing, mine only has lumber, nothing like that tool selection, also nice video learnt a few new things

[@lonniecrook1684]

Sure wish I could find that PDF on your website that you mentioned. I'd love to have that hard copy of all the terrific info you shared in your video.

[@Ureyeuh]

I wish my dad would've taught me this stuff. Thanks for taking the time to document all these things that you do and do it well.

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

Thanks for watching bud

[@vegetarianhunterable]

The best video on choosing material. Super informative and clearly explained.

[@jeffb9586]

Thanks! Very good info, direct, succinct, useful and to the point. Hip Hip

[@stevekwaske4612]

They also harvest lumber too. Heard my Dad and uncles talk about this place (in the 1970s) for years, was excited to see it for the first time. Now I take my son to. Hopefully he will take his son someday

[@JesseAdams3]

This is a great video. This place may be the closest to me as well. It is about 1 hr. - to 1.5 hrs away. I think there is a Rockeller (sp) in Novi as well. Not sure of others. I do live close to a mill (Armstrong)

[@connors.4347]

I live in Charlotte Michigan! So crazy I stumbled on your video!

[@JuanCoolDad]

Man I wish I would've seen your video yesterday. Went to Ganahl Lumber here in Cali... felt like the first day of middle school, scared & completley lost! 😬

[@waryinzero]

Thank you. Enjoyed this while eating breakfast

[@Thatbrownguy454]

man!!! you are the best!!! so much info from your videos. i work with mostly powrer tools but I strive to work with more hand tools with your guidance and insperation. thanks for all your time and knowlage.

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

Thanks for the kind words bud

[@dafickler]

"I already know what I need to know for the lumber yard." 1 minute in the video and beyond: "well I'll be dipped."

[@jasonblair5154]

vgg fan?

[@mainewoods1862]

Excellent and very informative video ! I have a very good hardwood dealer here in Maine You have a GREAT one there ! Pity you are so far away we could fly fish and talk shop

[@ericennenga7218]

Excellent video. Spent some time buying hardwoods.. this video still managed to teach me some things. Thank you.

[@76bernie53]

There are several free board foot calculator apps available for most any phone. Much easier than a calculator. Also the quarter designation usually only refers to rough lumber. If the board has been surfaced the thickness will be less. i.e. 8/4 rough cut lumber will be 2 inches, but surfaced will be about 1 and 3/4 inches.

[@stevenbaker4220]

Cool video from a new woodworker. Thanks for knowledge.

[@emagee7864]

Super informative. I've made cabinets from plywood bought at the big orange store. I have gotten some nice pieces but they always have voids. Feels crappy when a screw sinks into a void. I am going to switch and buy from a good quality hardwood dealer (like Johnsons) unless I need general lumber for non-aesthetic projects. Great video.

[@JeremyB8419]

Been to one of these before, and this is very accurate information for someone who is unfamiliar.

[@haideravirk]

I wish they taught me this in school. I guess its never too late! Very helpful video. Thanks!

[@jerseytiger1980]

Great and informative video. Now I just need to find a good hardwood yard by me. I tried a few years ago and could only find construction lumber yards and cabinet sellers.

[@LazyCat010]

Thanks for the S4S etc explanation.

[@MrEddieHowell]

I'm just getting into woodworking and this video was extremely helpful! Thank you!

[@willwilliams7057]

Good information. I have looked at a lot of these videos and it seems none of these place to get things weather it is tools or wood are near where I live. Or shall I say I have not found them yet. Shipping wood from long away store have not always been a good option. Anyway love your presentation. Will

[@gnarlyishellagnarly]

Hellya! Thanks man, I'm gonna need to play this video over and over again.

[@ryelor]

This was SUPER helpful! Thank you for this video!

[@chrishartman7061]

Shocked at how many gifted woodworkers are coming out of michigan. Myself very new to woodworking at a very high level am also in michigan but metro detroit area

[@FreemanFinance]

Good stuff. I just built my first planter box and was disappointed with what the big box had available. Looking forward to finding a legit place like this in my area.

[@AlesZvolanek]

This lumber yard looks better than all lumber yards in my country combined and multiplied by 10. North America gotta be carpenter's paradise.