Thread: Where to buy a big block of wood online?

Originally Posted by hiroller

Is this what you are trying to make?
Where are you exactly?
There are lots of places selling reclaimed timber in France and Belgium.
Plenty of people import/export it all over the world.
Here is some in Belgium that a friend was looking at.
3 Hout vanhaelemeesch
Much closer than Australia!

I thought there were trees in France.

There are also a lot of old buildings!

1. The guy to ask in France is 'copeau' (Johan). He's in here from time to time in wood carving.
2. 45 x 45 x 20 cm isn't such a big piece. The mass depends on which wood species,
which depends on the desired hardness/durability.
3. Unless you need deep and visible cavities in the wood, I recommend a glue-up with your wood(s)
of choice on the surface. Just about anything in the core which nobody can see.
4. Does this need to be wood-carving quality or might some knots be acceptable?

Here are a couple of places to look at, for maybe no more than selection and prices:

Specialty Wood & Flooring Experts | Sidney,Vancouver Island, BC

I've never bought anything from them but they appear to have a good selection.

Windsor Plywood | Doors | Floors | Mouldings | Home Improvement

I have bought a variety of woods from them over the years in the Prince George, BC store
Usually 50+woods in stock.
If you wanted top-quality, carving grade Yellow Cedar (Chamycyparis nootkatensis) is the top carver's choice here in the Pacific Northwest. You would have to ask but they could cut a bit off a bigger piece for you. They are not fools, they understand what carvers want and need.
45cm x 45cm x 20cm would run about $180.00 CDN$. The wood is heavily waxed and wrapped and air-dried in their warehouse for years. I've seen pieces 12" x 24" x 84" (30x60x210) and it disappears so somebody has the $$$.