Sourcing quality furniture grade timber can be challenge especially when you are starting out. Here's our list of the top 5 places in Melbourne to source furniture grade timber and a quick guide on what to look out for.
Key considerations
Before we dive into the list it's important to go over a few do's and don't when selecting timber for your next project.
1. Check the moisture content: Unless you are specifically looking for green timber you will want dry timber with around 8% moisture content. Anything over 15% is a no go and will be susceptible to shrinkage and potentially warping. A moisture meter is useful to have. All the sellers listed here will be able to assist with any questions you have around moisture content.
2. Sight your boards: It doesn't matter how pretty the grain is if you can't get the timber flat within the desired thickness. Make sure to examine each board for twist and cupping by looking down all faces of the board.
3. Knots and checking: Unless epoxy tables are your thing you will want to avoid slabs and boards with extensive splits and knots.
4. Bring a cut list: Bringing a cut list will help make sure that you are selecting appropriately sized boards for your projects. Add around a 15% contingency in both thickness and length of boards required.
Urban Salvage
Varieties stocked: All common Australian hardwoods, Huon pine, American Walnut, Oak, Cherry, and Maple.
Urban Salvage is a treasure trove for those seeking unique and sustainable timber options. They specialize in recycled and reclaimed wood, offering a wide variety of Australian hardwoods with rich histories. The yard is open for walk ins and Andy and the team are super friendly and happy to help
Their inventory includes a wide range of Australian and American hardwoods. Be sure to checkout their famous bargain racks and their discounted shorts section.
Matthews Timber
Species Stocked: All common Australian Hardwoods, European Beech, NG Rosewood, Walnut, Cherry, Curly Maple, Hard Maple, American Oak and more.
A popular choice amongst professional cabinet makers and luthiers, Matthews Timber offers a great range of Native and imported timber. The staff are friendly and like Urban Salvage you are welcome to walk in at anytime during opening hours
Prices are calculated off a per cubic meter rate and aren't displayed so don't be shy about asking one of the team for pricing before you pull out all the boards you need.
Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking
While primarily known for their excellent woodworking classes, the Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking offer an extensive range of timber milled and air dried by founder Alastair Boell.
The Wood Project
The Wood Project was established in 2016 by Sarah and Nate Worth in response to the waste caused by chipping and burning perfectly good timber from suburban trees. The team at the Wood Project have a wide range of slabs on offer most of which are listed online for convenience (we still recommend viewing in person before buying). All their timber is locally salvaged so you can be assured that the environmental impact you are making is a positive one.
Whelan the Warehouse
