I am located in Southwest MO and have recently contacted two cabinet makers about purchasing some of my locally grown, band sawn, kiln dried oaks. Their response is that they use only Appalachian woods. Neither of these individuals could provide any basis for their preference. My question is are Appalachian hardwoods unique in some way, and how would be a good way to respond to this situation in the future??
From contributor Ma
A couple years ago I switched from buying southern red oak to appalacian red oak. My reasoning is that it tends to have a tighter straighter grain and the color tends to be purer. My supplier charges about 15 cents more a board foot, but it is worth it to me since it reduces the waste.
From contributor Bi
Thanks Matt. I thought it might have something to do with tighter rings and grain.....but didn't want to stick my foot in my mouth. I do that often enough as it is.
From contributor Jo
Bill:
It has also been my experience that southern red oak has more mineral deposits and is more prone to checking than appalachian oak. As Matt indicated, the color is more uniform in the appalachian oak too. Since waste effects yield and since yield is an important number to most cabinetmakers, it is better to start with a product that produces more yield from the gitgo!
From contributor Ph
Now that you know the scoop, maybe you should provide them with a sample pack. Perhaps you could discount it to just below the Appalacian sources. That should not be hard, considering transportation costs today.
BUT it better be good.
I hear tell that cabinet shops are not easy to deal with, as compared to furniture builders and flooring folks. Don't let the cabinet shops get you down. Keep looking for markets.
Phil L.
