Where to source wood for your woodworking projects

Whether you are a domestic woodworker, an industrial woodworker or even a company, one of the biggest considerations that you will have when it comes to your woodworking projects is where to source the right type of wood for these projects. The other thing you will probably want to consider is how you can do this responsibly. Whilst a reputable company in the field like Calderbrook Woodworking Machinery may be able to recommend places for this, we have put together a short guide to help.

The ethics of buying wood

With growing concerns about the environment and the way in which we use resources it is important to consider the ethics of your timber purchases. 

Deforestation is a subject of increasing concern on a global scale with the line between the sourcing of wood from legal and illegal sourcing often being somewhat blurred. There are, however, ways in which you can check if the materials that you are looking at have come from sustainable sources. Since 2013, it has been illegal to purchase timber that has been harvested in an illegal manner in the EU market. This represented a significant issue, however, the scientists at Kew Gardens have developed a DNA database which includes approximately 42,000 samples of wood which can help to track where wood is being sold from. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) also assists and manages how environmentally friendly and sustainable woods are. 

The most sustainable source of wood is, of course, recycled wood, and depending on your project, the age and character of some recycled woods can add an extra special element to your design. For the hobby woodworker, local community groups are often a great source of free or cheaply priced wood as people who have completed projects look to get rid of any surplus materials. Salvage yards can also be a great source of reclaimed timber, and again, this older wood can really add character to your projects. If you have an old piece of wooden furniture that has seen better days or is damaged, you may also be able to use this as a source of sustainable wood for smaller projects. 

Buying new timber

Sometimes your project will necessitate the need for new timber, and this is particularly the case if you are an industrial woodworker or a company. If this is the case, then you will need to look around for a reputable company to purchase wood from. In many instances, and particularly if you will be buying larger quantities of wood you may prefer to buy directly from a sawmill. Check that the one you are considering buying from is supplying wood from a responsible source. 

The advantage of buying in this way is that not only will you know where your wood is coming from but you will also build up a relationship with the supplier, and purchasing in bulk will also make having your timber delivered a much easier option that could save you a significant amount of time. 

For smaller purchases, or if you are not able to get to a local sawmill, then it is worth seeing if there is a reputable timber merchant where you will be able to purchase the timber that you need. Again, it is important to check that their timber comes from sustainable and reputable sources. Building up a relationship with any supplier is a good idea and one that will help you to establish the origins of any wood that you purchase. This will allow you as a business to also show that you have a commitment to the environment and that you want to be more sustainable.