There is no question that buying lumber from a lumber yard is the best method.

You simply can't replace walking around the lumber yard, picking up a piece of wood and examining it. The smells, sounds,and rows of lumber make this a shopping trip I really enjoy.

However not everyone has the option of driving to their lumber yard and even if you can, your lumber yard may not carry the stock that you need. Perhaps you live in a small town that simply doesn't have a lumber yard. Then you will need to look to alternative sources for your lumber.

Private sawmills

One great source for lumber is a private sawmill. Chances are there is someone in your area that has a mill and would be willing to sell you lumber. You will need to ba able to mill a board 4 sides square since most of the wood you get from a private sawmill will be rough size.

Another thing to remember about a private sawmill is that you will likely be limited to wood species that grow in your area.

Ordering lumber online

A new and great alternative is to order lumber online. There are many sources to get lumber from, one being Ebay. When buying lumber on ebay you are probably buying from an individual who has a sawmill or access to one. The lumber is more than likely going to be rough size and you may not get what you expect.

Another online source I recommend is to find an online merchant that sells lumber. I have used Rockler Wood Working with great success. This merchant guarentees their stock and offers your money back if you aren't satisfied.

Online merchants are almost as good as going to the lumber yard. In the lumber yard you get to personally select you stock, but that stock may be limited. However, when buying lumber online you have a great selection of stock but might not get exactly what you want.

You have to choose a method of getting your stock that works for you. If you live where there is no lumber yard or one that is limited in stock you will have little alternative but to order wood or drive to a center that carries what you want.