Shopsmith Forums

My usually projects require small pieces of wood, which I often get from old furniture, by internet purchase, or while traveling. Now I have an itching to create the outdoor server featured in Wood Magazine July 2008. The material list calls for 1x8's and 2-4x4's. They list ceder, but I was thinking of quarter-sawn oak. I have a bunch of big box stores around, but most of the fine lumber yards are long gone. Even fine dry redwood is hard to find locally. Anyone in SoCal with suggestions? What do you guys do? Thanks, Gary

Hi Gary,

I would suggest sticking with the cedar for any outdoor furniture. It's cheaper and is best for outdoor use, not to mention it is a very attractive wood when finished. Otherwise you might check here for a wood source:

http://woodfinder.com/

kalynzoo wrote:The material list calls for 1x8's and 2-4x4's. They list ceder, but I was thinking of quarter-sawn oak. I have a bunch of big box stores around, but most of the fine lumber yards are long gone. Even fine dry redwood is hard to find locally. Anyone in SoCal with suggestions? What do you guys do? Thanks, Gary

I made several outdoor pieces out of cedar fence boards purchased at Lowes. I just picked through what they had a picked the best, then rank them through my planer, jointer and saw. I ended up with beautify wood very cheap.

I'd stick with the cedar, too, for outdoor furniture. I just completed an outdoor patio table from Woodsmith magazine. It looks really nice. I finished it with Cabot Australian Timber Oil from Lowe's. I purchase the lumber at a local lumber yard. The boards were clear and straight. I would check a lumber yard that sells to local builders since they buy a lot for decks, etc.

Bruce

Cedar gets my vote too, Oak is not recommended for outdoor use.

Gary:

I vote for cedar as well, but if you want to use oak for outdoor furniture you will need White Oak. It resists rotting.

Like others, I have had success picking through the cedar selection at local big box stores.

Good luck.

John

Thanks, ceder it is.
I still miss the local family lumber yards.

Gary,
Reconsider redwood for outside furniture. It makes a piece of furniture look rich and handsome. The only knock I have with it is it's really soft wood and dents easily. Easy to mill and sands easily. Side by side it makes cedar look ordinary and "everyone has it". Redwood is not cheap but the results are fantastic.
In San Diego, J&W Redwood is the best. However, a little secret. The bigger 2X material found at HD or Lowe's when planed down can reveal some beautiful useful redwood. Give it a try.
Bob
San Diego

kalynzoo wrote:I have a bunch of big box stores around, but most of the fine lumber yards are long gone. Even fine dry redwood is hard to find locally. Anyone in SoCal with suggestions? What do you guys do? Thanks, Gary

Hi Gary! Hey! Don't forget about White Oak as an outside wood! It is teriffic for Porch Swings and the like. However it is heavier than the conifers, and not for outdoor stuff you'd want to move around.

As far as a source for wood - I believe you hail from Northridge - There is a good source, just a hop skip and a jump south of you. http://www.woodfinder.com/listings/002801.php However, I see they have recently changed their ordering procedure. They used to offer small orders, but not have a minimum of 150 BF. They have been very helpful in the past, - Am having to call them for more 5 quarter rough poplar. Would have to clean the shop for 150BF.

Gary,
Cedar is a fine material for outdoor furniture, as is the white oak, iron wood, and a host of others, but I am in agreement with rdewinter: Go with the Redwood! It is a very pretty wood for outdoor furniture.