Whether you are a homeowner, industrialist, or tradesman, one of the most important things to consider in your woodworking projects is knowing where to find the right type of wood for those projects. Another thing you'll probably want to consider is how to do it responsibly. While a respected company in the industry like Calderbrook Woodworking Machinery can recommend places that can do this, we've put together a quick guide to help.
The ethics of buying wood
With growing concerns about the environment and the way we use resources, it is important to consider ethics when buying wood.
Deforestation is a growing concern worldwide, and the line between legal and illegal timber sourcing is often somewhat blurred. However, there are ways to verify that the content you are viewing is from sustainable sources. Since 2013, the purchase of illegally cut trees has been banned on the EU market. It was a big challenge, but Kew Gardens scientists have developed a DNA database of around 42,000 tree samples that could help track where the tree was sold. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) also helps and monitors forests to make them environmentally friendly and sustainable.
Of course, the most sustainable source of wood is reclaimed wood, and depending on the project, the age and texture of some reclaimed wood can add a special element to your design. Local community groups for hobby woodworking are often a good source of free or inexpensive lumber, as people who have completed projects seek to dispose of excess materials. Reclaimed yards can also be a great source of reclaimed wood, and even this reclaimed wood can really add character to your projects. If you have old wooden furniture that has seen better days or is damaged, you can use it as a source of sustainable wood for small projects.
Purchase of new wood
Sometimes your project requires new wood, and this is especially true if you are in the lumber industry or a lumber business. In this case, you should look for a reputable company to buy firewood from. In many cases, and especially if you want to buy large quantities of wood, it may make more sense to buy directly from the sawmill. Make sure the company you buy from uses wood from responsible sources.
The advantage of this type of purchase is that not only do you not know where your wood is coming from, but you are connected to the supplier, and buying in bulk makes shipping the wood much easier than having you save a lot of money. period.
For small purchases or if you can't get to a sawmill nearby, it's worth finding a reputable lumber dealer where you can buy the lumber you need. Again, it is important to ensure that the wood comes from sustainable and reliable sources. It's a good idea to contact any supplier to help trace the origin of the wood you purchase. It also allows you to demonstrate your commitment to the environment as a business and your desire to be more sustainable.
