Hi everyone-
I’m looking for hardwood dealers in eastern MA (I live in Franklin and would like to say within 25 miles or so). I can’t find any that aren’t primarily wholesalers or flooring manufacturers. I have ben to woodfinder and I don’t trust it because it doesn’t really give me accurate information (Connecticut is NOT 24 miles away; it’s more like 60).
The yellow pages aren’t much help either. Anyone in the area know of any good places?
TIA.
Most nights are crystal clear, but tonight it’s like he’s stuck between stations.
Replies
Here are a few:
Downes and Reader, Stoughton
Boulter Plywood, Cambridge
Heritage Woodrights, East Freetown
All Righteous Woods, Rowley
Holt and Bugbee, Tewksbury
Keiver-Willard, Newburyport
When I am on the east coast I use Downes & Reader in Stoughton.
http://www.downesandreader.com/
Thanks. I've seen their website but I got the impression that they are more of a big lot seller, and though they "welcome" the little guy, I get the feeling their small lot bins are full of junk (all dealers seem to think that the hobbyist doesn't care about what they get).
Of course none of this is based on eperience, so I'm hoping you can share yours.
Where are you when not on the East Coast?
Most nights are crystal clear, but tonight it's like he's stuck between stations.
I split my time between southern maine and the seattle area.
Aha. So you drive from southern ME to Stoughton to buy lumber? Do you purchase large quantities or a couple of boards now and then? There was a place in Lakeville MA about 5 years ago that went under-Millenium Hardwoods, I think was the name. I liked them-they would let me just roam around and pick up whatever I wanted, as long as I cleaned up afterward. I'm looking for a place like that.
What has been your experience with D&R? Thanks.
Most nights are crystal clear, but tonight it's like he's stuck between stations.
I have had good experiences with them. My schedule is flexible, so I don't mind the drive checking a few different places. I work primarily in cherry and maple so I don't know a lot about other species.
A few years ago I changed the way I purchased wood. I now actively look for great wood and purchase when I find it instead of being forced to purchase something Friday evening for a weekend project. The size of the load depends on the quality of wood that I find on that trip.
If I am looking for particular stock in cherry, and I don't have anything on hand I order from Groff & Groff in PA.
http://www.groffslumber.com/body_index.html
Downes & Reader is only a few miles from my house, and I think you'll find the wood there is very good and the guys in the warehouse helpful. They have a good range of species and you can dig around the boards all you want. If you talk the guys up, they'll show you where they stash the really nice figured stuff. Some of them are woodworkers themselves—which is why they tend to put aside the most amazing stuff for payday—and I have never felt like I am less valued for being a hobbyist. Anyway, I don't think you'll regret making the drive. Norman
Thanks Norman; that's exactly the feedback I was looking for. I'll pay them a visit.
John
Most nights are crystal clear, but tonight it's like he's stuck between stations.
If you don't mind a longer drive, check out Highland Hardwood in Brentwood, near Exeter NH. Great selection.
Edited 1/9/2008 10:55 am ET by smslaw
Exeter as in NH?
Most nights are crystal clear, but tonight it's like he's stuck between stations.
Sorry. Yes, NH
There was a hardwood dealer in Tyngsboro but I can't remember their name. It's been almost 20 years since I dealt with them. They were great and would let you pick through the piles, as long as you neaturized it after.
Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
That's what I keep bumping against-I have dealt with several over the years, most of which are gone now. I've been dormant in the shop for some time and I'm doing more now, or at least trying to, and I'm sick of pine and poplar (my wife wants nothing but painted furniture). I miss working with cherry or walnut or white oak. Can't get them at Home Depot. Can get it at Woodcraft, but theirs is sold at a premium. Hence my search.
Most nights are crystal clear, but tonight it's like he's stuck between stations.
Hey, I got lucky, I think. I Googled hardwood in Lowell ma and it brought up switchboard.com or something like that. I changed the search to find stuff within 15 miles and got: http://www.newenglandhardwood.com/Contact.htm
Don't know anything about them but you might want to give 'em a yell. I used to work for FDIC in Franklin, MA; commuted from Hudson, NH daily so it isn't too far.
Might want to try that Switchboard thang too.
Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
I saw them on Woodfinder too. Looked to me like they were primarily in the millwork business, but I'll try them out too. Thanks Bob!
Most nights are crystal clear, but tonight it's like he's stuck between stations.
JJV,
You definetly have the wrong impression. I have shopped there many times, and have always bought less than 100 bf at a time. They let you pick through the boards till closing if you want. They have the largest selection of species and dimensions I have seen. Give them a try, I am sure you would be very surprised.
Ps, dont forget, if your from around here, with the economy slowing, I bet a lot of places will treat you like your buying a 1000 bf.
Jop P in RI
sorry, forgot to say Downes and reader in stoughton, mass.
Edited 1/12/2008 7:37 am ET by joepez
Try Downes and Reader Hardwood in Stoughton MA
3 votes for them. and it's just a few miles from where I work. Looks liek a lunchtime trip is coming up soon.
Thanks to everyone for your input.
Most nights are crystal clear, but tonight it's like he's stuck between stations.
Hi,
There is also The Woodery in Lunenberg (http://wooderylumber.com/). They have a good selection, but:
1. They are fairly expensive
2. They have a limited selection of rough lumber, with most of their selection being S3S. This is the reason for #1 above.
I know that it would be a long drive for you, but I second the recommendation for Highland Hardwoods in Exeter. Excellent selection, good prices and no sales tax....
Cheers,
Michael
I agree with JJV, Highland Hardwoods...good guys there. Were originally set up for the little guy. Pick your own from the piles...also have shorts (with 20% discount on most). Just south of that is Northland Forest Products, similar pricing and range of domestics, Highland you will get domestics and a great range of exotics also.
http://www.highlandhardwoods.com/
http://www.northlandforest.com/kingston.shtml
Donkey
JJV,
I second the Downes and Reader recommendation for lumber. I've had good results going there and selecting lumber as well as having them deliver quantity to my house.
Hope that helps.
It's all helpful. I'll try D&R because they are so close, and when I have the time for a road trip I'll head up to Highland.
Thanks everyone!
Most nights are crystal clear, but tonight it's like he's stuck between stations.
JJV,
Highland has better prices but for a better variety...Anderson Mc Quaid in Arlington/Cambridge near Fresh Pond at the Boston end of Rt. 2. Rough sawn is resonable, s4s gets a tad expensive
That's the name of that place!!! I went there once years ago. Really crowded place, right? Thanks for reminding me.
Most nights are crystal clear, but tonight it's like he's stuck between stations.
JJV,
If you go there...do not go next door to IGGY'S. Wear a nose clip cause they will be baking some of the best bread and rolls in Boston.
Now I am definitely going. My wife and I used to live on Beacon Hill and friends would want to go to the North End for pastries. They'd all get cannolis; I'd get a hot loaf of bread. That would be my dessert.
Low carb my fanny!
Most nights are crystal clear, but tonight it's like he's stuck between stations.
JJV,
Just a minor point. If you go up to Highland Hardwoods, they are actually in Brentwood, NH on route #125. There are two exits for route 125 off of #495, for you, you want the second one (closer to 95) and then go north. If you go up you'll want to visit Northwood in Kingtown too and stop by Brentwood Machine near Highland on #125....lots of old iron for sale downstairs....new stuff up stairs. My guess is that Highland is about an hour and a quarter to a half for you.
D&R, MacQuaid (Tho no personal experience) and, if you would consider a mill (smaller selection, of course) you might consider Jim Aaron on the far side of Quabbin Resevoir. Worth the trip.
Do you have any contact info for Jim Aaron? I'm always looking for new sources of lumber. Thanks
Ummmm, off the side of a side road, at bottom of long down grade (if coming from the North). There's a farm stand before you get to the side road (which is on the right). I wasn't driving, and I don't have a phone number. He's a most interesting guy, living off of the grid, has more rabbits about the place (of the VW persuasion) than I could believe.
Check our Highland Hardwoods in southern New Hampshire. Take 495 north to exit 2 in New Hamshire. Follow Route 101 toward Manchester. Take Exit 7. Take left at end of exit. They are about a mile down the road on the left. They have a good selection of North American hardwoods and softwoods and some exotics. Google them and check out their Website.
Also, travel west and you'll fine Berkshire Porducts. They sell both dimensioned mumber and flitch cut logs.
Art
Hi JJV,
Funny...I live in Franklin too. Had the same problem for a while.
If you're looking for "generic" lumber that's close - check out
Bellingham Lumber. I have good luck and now only go to ####place in Stoughton called Downes & Reader. They have a fairly
large selection & a very helpful staff there.
Hey another Franklinite. D&R sounds like a good place to go, esp. since it is close. Thanks for your input.
Most nights are crystal clear, but tonight it's like he's stuck between stations.
Franklinites? I'm a Medfielder (I guess) and also go to D&R. I'm a novice, but they're incredibly helpful there. I'm blown away by the selection they have there (probably because my only place to compare is Home Depot!)
OK-all of this is really good to hear.
Ever been to Marathon Tool in Medfield? Caters more to the contractor and isn't open on Saturdays but man, what a tool store.
Most nights are crystal clear, but tonight it's like he's stuck between stations.
We've only lived in Medfield for a year and a half - I didn't realize there was a tool store in town... is it maybe this place in Medway?
http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&rlz=1T4GGIG_enUS217US217&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=marathon+tool&near=Medfield,+MA&fb=1&view=text&latlng=42150257,-71415654,7690640130405569771
That's it...even if you're a hoeowner serious about construction tools, it's a great place to wander. And they do let you wander. High-end everything. My only beef with it is it's not open on weekends!
Most nights are crystal clear, but tonight it's like he's stuck between stations.
Hi Kummell,Funny you should mention Marathon Tool.
I'm heading there this afternoon to drop off a nail gun for repair.
Cool store - & yes! too bad that they are not open on weekends.Bill-
Hey, what are all you guys doing over here, having a southeast MA convention?!
:-)
I used to work in Franklin many moons ago. Isn't there a hardware store right in downtown? There used to be.
Have fun,Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
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