JACK said:

Wow, that pic is gorgeous, nice job. Also, do you know of a good hardwood
source? I know Atlanta Hardwoods, but they can be kinda pricey. There
also used to be a good plywood source in Kennesaw, but they seem to be gone
or have moved. I can't remember they're name anyway.

Getting ready to build an entertainment center out of Red Oak. Originally I
was going to be able to use mostly 3/4 plywood, but now I'm afraid I'm going
to have to use all 3/4 planks. Just looking to save some money.

Any ideas?

Thanks for the kudos. Lots of time for little net worth, however.
As for local suppliers, although I watched them build the place in my
teens, I have found Atlanta Hardwoods/Atlanta Wood Products Center
et.al. to be a little dodgy in their pricing - i.e. 7% addition for
kiln shrinkage, 11% for straight line ripping, etc. Peach State
Lumber Products in Kennesaw prices outright, fairly good prices for
this area, and the people are quite friendly. They stock many
"exotics", #3 cherry in bulk, plywoods, and Ipe. It is the last place
I purchased from. Carlton's Rare Woods in Atlanta has faded since the
founder died a couple of years ago. Watch what you buy, as the poor
storage conditions lead to mold and possibly gluing and finishing
problems. There is a place in Austell called Swee****er Lumber, but
it's been a few years since I've been there. Their stock was mostly
limited to what the local cabinet makers used. Most of the local
shops have since gone out of business and I have no idea what that has
done to pricing/stock.

As for the planks vs. plywood, You may well be aware of this, but
watch for and plan for expansion of the panels when using raw wood.
The last price I got on 3/4" Red Oak ply at Peach State was $50 sheet
for shop grade, $64 for B-2 veneer core, and $53 for B-2 fibre core.
Price break at 5+ pieces.

Plan on wood is going up.. and up...

Good Luck,


Greg G.