Frequently Asked Questions

Let's clear up any questions you may have!

 

General Questions

What types of wood do you sell?

We carry a wide range of domestic and exotic hardwoods, including species like Black Walnut, White Oak, Cherry, Maple, Hickory, Red Oak, and Ambrosia Maple. Some of the exotics we carry include Purpleheart, Padauk, Canarywood, white wenge, Sapele, Bloodwood, and Wenge. We also stock figured woods, turning blanks, and live edge slabs! For a full list of the types of wood we carry, please visit:

Dimensional Lumber [https://theknottylumberco.ca/collections/by-size]

Live Edge Lumber [https://theknottylumberco.ca/collections/live-edge-by-size]

 

Do you carry both domestic and exotic hardwoods?

Yes! From classic domestics like Walnut, Maple, and Oak to striking exotics like Purpleheart, Padauk, and Macassar Ebony, we carry both to suit every project and budget. To see all of the available options, check out these categories:

Dimensional Lumber 

Live Edge Lumber 

 

What’s the difference between hardwood and softwood?

Hardwoods come from deciduous trees (Walnut, Oak, Maple) and are generally denser, while softwoods come from conifers (Pine, Cedar) and are lighter. Hardwoods are more common in fine furniture and joinery.

 

Do you sell softwoods as well?

Our specialty is hardwoods, but we occasionally stock select softwoods for specific uses. Contact us for current availability.

 

What are the most popular species you carry?

Our top sellers include Black Walnut, Ambrosia maple, Hard Maple, Cherry, and exotics like Purpleheart and Padauk. We also find that everyone loves our dimensional hardwood because of its consistency and reliability. In-store however, live edge is a big seller because of the variety and selection we have!

 

What’s the hardest wood you sell?

Species like Wenge, Bloodwood, and Macassar Ebony rank among the hardest we carry, offering exceptional density and durability. We’re always adding new wood types though, so this list could require changing soon!

 

What wood is best for beginners?

We recommend domestic species like Maple, Cherry, and Walnut. They’re stable, easy to work with, and finish beautifully. Exotic woods that work well for beginners include Sapele, Canarywood, and Black Limba!

 

Product Availability & Selection

Do you sell live edge slabs?

Yes, we stock live edge slabs in domestic and exotic species, perfect for tables, counters, and statement pieces.

Live Edge Slabs 

 

Do you sell turning blanks and bowl blanks?

Absolutely! We carry turning squares, spindle stock, and bowl blanks in a variety of domestic and exotic woods.

Bowl Blanks 

Turning Blanks 

Pen Blanks 

Do you sell plywood or sheet goods?

We focus on solid hardwoods, but we do carry select hardwood plywood and craft panels depending on demand. Please reach out to inquire if you have a specific need for sheet goods

Do you keep Black Walnut in stock?

Yes, Black Walnut is a staple species and one of our most consistently stocked items.

 

Do you carry White Oak?

Yes, we stock both White Oak and Red Oak in a variety of sizes.

 

Do you stock exotic species like Purpleheart or Padauk?

Yes, we keep a rotating selection of exotics like Purpleheart, Padauk, Wenge, and more.

 

Can you source rare woods like Macassar Ebony?

We can often source specialty woods on request, including Macassar Ebony, pink ivory, African blackwood, and others. Contact us for lead times.

 

Do you sell offcuts?

We often have offcuts available at discounted rates—great for small projects!

Offcut Boxes [https://theknottylumberco.ca/collections/offcut-boxes]

 

Do you sell reclaimed wood?

We primarily carry fresh hardwood, but reclaimed stock is occasionally available. Contact us for current options.

 

Do you carry cutting board blanks for engraving?

Yes, we carry cutting board blanks ready for engraving and finishing.

 

Do you carry cutting board kits?

Yes, we offer cutting board kits with pre-cut strips for easy assembly.

 

Do you carry cutting board strips?

Yes, we stock a wide variety of cutting board strips in different species.

 

Do you carry thin stock?

Yes, we carry thin hardwood stock for small projects and crafts.

 

Do you sell offcuts?

Yes, offcuts are available and perfect for smaller projects.

 

Do you sell small pieces?

Yes, we carry small pieces ideal for crafts, inlays, and hobby work.

 

Do you sell bowl blanks?

Yes, we carry bowl blanks in multiple sizes and species.

 

Do you carry pen blanks?

Yes, we stock pen blanks in both domestic and exotic species.

 

Do you carry turning blanks?

Yes, we offer turning blanks for spindles, tool handles, and more.

 

Do you carry hardwood panels?

Yes, we offer gluing up custom sized hardwood panels and shipping them north America wide! We also offer finishing them as well. Countertops, Coffee Tables, Dining tables, and desks both finished and unfinished are available for purchase!

Please see:

Laminated hardwood panels 

Finished hardwood panels 

 

Do you sell wholesale material?

Yes, wholesale material is available for bulk buyers and repeat customers.

 

Do you carry epoxy?

Yes, we carry epoxy products for river tables and resin projects.

 

Lumber Prep & Milling

Is your lumber kiln-dried?

Yes, all of our lumber is kiln-dried for stability, unless otherwise noted.

 

What’s the average moisture content of your stock?

The material is kiln dried to between 6–8% moisture content for indoor use lumber. After kiln drying, it will acclimate with Ontario humidity. Generally, that is around 10-11%

 

Do you offer surfacing (S2S or S4S)?

Yes, we can surface lumber two or four sides upon request.

 

Can you joint or straight-line rip boards?

Yes, dressing services are available upon request.

 

Do you cut boards to custom sizes?

We can cut boards to length for easier handling and shipping upon request

 

Do you plane boards to exact thicknesses?

Yes, thickness planing is available upon request.

 

Do you sell rough cut lumber?

Yes, we stock rough cut lumber for customers who prefer to mill their own boards. We usually surface them in advance though, so please message us to request it if needed!

 

Do you offer CNC cutting?

At this time, we do not provide CNC services.

Pricing & Payment

 

How is your lumber priced—board foot or linear foot?

Our lumber is generally priced by the board foot. We include factors like sorting, waste, and milling where applicable. A board foot calculation isn't the only factor when it comes to pricing, so other methods like pricing by linear foot, square foot, or price per unit are used when necessary.

 

Do you offer bulk discounts?

Yes, larger orders often qualify for discounted pricing. Please message use for more information

 

Do you have wholesale pricing?

Yes, wholesale pricing is available for consistent volume buyers.

 

Do prices vary by grade?

Yes, higher grades (clear or figured) command premium pricing.

 

Why is Black Walnut so expensive?

Walnut grows irregularly, has high demand, and clear boards are limited, making it more costly.

 

Why are exotic woods more costly than domestic ones?

Importing exotics adds shipping, handling, and sustainability costs, plus many are rarer than domestic species.

 

Do you price figured lumber differently?

Yes, figured and specialty grain patterns are priced higher due to rarity.

 

Do you accept credit cards?

Yes, we accept all major credit cards.

 

Can I pay via e-transfer?

Yes, we accept e-transfer for customers.

 

Do you offer financing for large orders?

Not directly, but we can discuss payment solutions for bulk purchases.

Ordering & Customization

Can I order online?

Yes, you can place orders directly through our website.

 

Do you take phone orders?

Yes, we’re happy to take orders by phone.

 

Can I hand-select boards in person?

Yes, in-store customers can hand-select boards.

 

Can I request specific widths or grain patterns?

Yes, we try to accommodate grain and width preferences.

 

Do you do custom milling?

Yes, custom milling is available depending on the request.

 

Can you prepare project kits (cutting board strips, etc.)?

Yes, we offer pre-cut packs for cutting boards, turning projects, and more.

 

Can you cut slabs into smaller pieces for shipping?

Yes, slabs can be cut down for easier handling.

 

Do you offer engraving or laser cutting?

We offer laser engraving services, yes

 

Can I preorder a species that’s out of stock?

Yes, we can reserve or preorder species for you.

 

Shipping & Delivery

 

Do you ship across Canada?

Yes, we ship nationwide.

 

Do you ship to the U.S.?

Yes, we ship to the United States.

 

Do you ship internationally?

Yes, international shipping is available

 

What carriers do you use?

We use trusted carriers including UPS, FedEx, Canpar, and other freight partners.

 

How are orders packaged?

Orders are carefully wrapped in either boxes, or black shrink wrap and tape. We occasionally use black poly wrapping, bubble wrap, and other shipping products prevent damage.

 

How long does shipping take?

Most orders ship within 3–5 business days.

 

How much does shipping cost?

Shipping is calculated by weight, dimensions, and location.

 

Do you offer local delivery?

Yes, we offer local delivery in select areas.

 

Can I pick up my order in person?

Yes, in-store pickup is always an option.

 

Do you offer free shipping at a certain order value?

We occasionally offer free shipping promotions.

 

 

Returns & Guarantees

 

What’s your return policy?

Please see our policies for more details!

 

Do you accept returns on cut boards?

Custom-cut boards are final sale.

 

Can I return exotic woods?

Yes, as long as they are uncut and unused.

 

Do you guarantee grain or color consistency?

We cannot guarantee exact grain or color, as wood is a natural product.

 

What happens if I receive the wrong species?

We’ll correct the mistake promptly at no cost to you.

 

Do you offer a satisfaction guarantee?

Yes, we stand behind the quality of our lumber.

 

Can I exchange lumber for different dimensions?

Yes, exchanges are possible on standard stock.

 

Do you cover shipping on returns?

For mistakes on our end, yes—we cover return shipping.

Wood Knowledge & Education

 

What’s the difference between S2S and S4S?

S2S = surfaced two sides (planed flat).

S4S = surfaced four sides (planed and squared).

 

What is “board foot” and how do I calculate it?

One board foot = 12" × 12" × 1". Multiply thickness × width × length (in inches) ÷ 144.

 

What does quartersawn mean?

Quartersawn boards are cut at an angle to the growth rings, offering stability and unique grain.

 

How do I store lumber properly?

Keep boards flat, stacked with stickers, in a dry, climate-controlled space.

 

How do I prevent wood from warping?

Proper storage, sealing ends, and allowing acclimation to shop conditions helps.

 

What wood is best for outdoor use?

White Oak, cedar, Teak, Ipe, and Sapele are great for outdoor projects.

 

What woods are toxic to work with?

Exotics like Wenge, Padauk, and Cocobolo can cause irritation. Use proper PPE.

 

How do I finish Purpleheart without it turning brown?

Use a UV-inhibiting finish and limit prolonged sunlight exposure.

 

What’s the best finish for cutting boards?

Food-safe oils like mineral oil or beeswax blends.

 

Sustainability & Legality

 

Are your woods FSC certified?

Yes, many of our woods carry FSC certification when applicable. We also carry all documentation required for wood types that are protected to ensure they have been sustainably sourced.

 

Do you sell reclaimed or salvaged wood?

We carry reclaimed and locally sourced material.

 

Do you comply with CITES restrictions?

Yes, we adhere to all CITES regulations, and all international legal requirements

 

Do you prioritize sustainable sourcing?

Yes, we prioritize responsibly harvested species and materials.

 

What species are most sustainable?

Domestics like Maple, Oak, and Cherry are highly sustainable.

 

Do you offer eco-friendly alternatives to exotic woods?

Yes, we often suggest domestic substitutes with similar looks or properties.

Specialty Projects

 

What’s the best wood for cutting boards?

Hard Maple, Cherry, and Black Walnut are the most popular. Exotic Lumber is also included to accent different cutting boards.

 

What’s the best wood for turning bowls?

Dense, stable woods like Maple, Cherry, and exotic burls.

 

What’s the best wood for guitar building?

Mahogany, Maple, and exotic Rosewoods (where permitted).

 

What’s the best wood for countertops?

Walnut, Maple, Oak, and durable exotics like Sapele.

 

What’s the best wood for stair treads?

Oak, Maple, and Hickory are excellent choices.

 

What’s the best wood for carving?

Basswood and softer domestics are ideal.

 

Do you sell wood for epoxy river tables?

Yes, we stock live edge slabs perfect for epoxy projects.

 

What’s the best wood for rustic furniture?

Reclaimed lumber, Oak, and live edge slabs.

 

Can I mix species in the same project?

Yes, mixing species creates contrast and visual interest.

 

What’s the difference between domestic vs. exotic wood performance?

Domestics are easier to source, work, and finish; exotics are denser, more colorful, and often harder on tools.

 

What’s the Best Wood for a Dining Table?

Walnut, Oak, Cherry—durable, beautiful, and table-tested.

 

Is Exotic Wood Worth the Extra Cost?

For statement pieces, yes. For function-only? Domestics may be better.

 

Can You Mix Species in a Project?

Absolutely! Just make sure wood movement and finish compatibility align.

 

What Is the Difference Between S2S, S4S, and Rough-Cut?

Rough, or Rough Cut: No surfacing has been done.
S2S: Surfaced 2 sides (faces)
S4S: Surfaced 4 sides (faces + edges)

 

What are your store hours and location?

Our store is located at 424 Rennie St, Hamilton, ON. We are open Tuesday to Friday from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and Saturday from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM. We are closed on Sundays and Mondays.

 

Do you offer custom woodworking services?

Yes, we provide custom services such as planing, thickness sanding, ripping, precise cutting, glue-ups, and millwork.

 

What is your pricing strategy for custom projects?

Any custom projects are priced using a combination of material cost, labour requirements, market value, and any additional expenses that will be incurred during the build.

 

Do you offer wholesale options?

 Yes, we offer wholesale options for lumber and our custom made products.

Quantities range from 50-100 to 500+ board feet, and wholesale pricing can be discussed depending on the scope of the job, and the volume of production.

 

What are your sustainability practices?

We emphasize FSC products, reclaimed wood, and naturally felled products, and we uphold the standard that all of our partners in this industry adhere to Canadian, and international regulations.

 

How can I contact you for more information or inquiries?

You can reach us via email at theknottylumberco@gmail.com, by phone at (905) 872-4528, or by clicking the chat icon below!

 

How do you handle customer feedback and complaints?

Feedback is appreciated and managed on a case-by-case basis by management staff. Customers can also reach out on any of our online forms to provide feedback.

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