WELCOME TO HARDWOOD EMPORIUM 

Browse our website & enjoy our wonderful selection of Domestic & Exotic / Imported Hardwoods.  We  have been supplying quality hardwoods since 1993.  Click on a Category from the left or below & click on an item photo for net sizes & item/listing details.   

***All listings are S2S (Surfaced 2 Sides) & sanded smooth on the 2 surfaced faces; unless they arelisted as RGH (Rough) or the 1/2 Log Stock.    
***Check the Category Menu for:  Domestic & Exotic Hardwoods, Cut-Offs, Fret Boards & Thin Stock!!!

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HARDWOOD EMPORIUM LUMBER INFORMATION: 

Our lumber is sold by the board foot (Bdft).  Light milling, such as planing & sanding, have been done.   Additional milling can be done for an additional charge.

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HOW TO CALCULATE BOARD FEET (Bdft): 

Thickness X Width X Length / 144" (inches) 

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THICKNESSES: 

4/4 = 1", 5/4 = 1 1/4", 6/4 = 1 1/2", 8/4 = 2", 10/4 = 2 1/2", 12/4 = 3", 16/4 = 4"    

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      ABBREVIATIONS: 

AD = Air Dried, KD = Kiln Dried, RGH = Rough, S2S = Surfaced 2-Sides, S4S = Surfaced 4-Sides      

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NOTE / WARNING:  Wood dust can cause different allergic reactions, such as; eye, respiratory & skin  irriations.  Be sure to take precautions when working with wood; always wear protective equipment.Always use eye & ear protection, respirators/dust mask & skin protection. 

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WOODSHOP SAFETY RULES:  Woodworking can be a safe and enjoyable hobby/career if these 10 basic safety rules (along with common sense) are followed.  Always use caution.

1. ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY EQUIPMENT...hearing protection (when using machinery), latex gloves (when staining/finishing) & always wear safety glasses.   
2. WEAR APPROPRIATE CLOTHING...avoid loose-fitting clothing & remove jewelry, such as necklaces and/or bracelets.   
3. AVOID DRUGS & ALCOHOL...power tools, drugs & alcohol DO NOT MIX!!!     
4. DISCONNECT POWER BEFORE BLADE CHANGES...use Lock-Out/Tag-Out, in the workplace or your own workshop.     
5. USE MINIMAL EXTENSION CORDS...multiple extension cords can cause a tripping hazaed.
6. USE SHARP BLADES & BITS...a dull cutting tool is a dangerous tool; plus a sharp blade will give you a cleaner cut.  
7. ALWAYS CHECK FOR NAILS, SCREWS & OTHER METAL...always check the lumber/boards for any metal (nails, screws, staples, etc.)
8. ALWAYS WORK AGAINST THE CUTTER...a router bit or saw balde should cut against the motion of  the tool & not with it.     
9. NEVER REACH OVER A BLADE TO REMOVE CUT-OFFS...when the blade stops moving then it is safe to clear the obstruction/cut-off. 
10. AVOID DISTRACTIONS...when you are distracted, always finish your action before dealing with it. 

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JANKA HARDNESS RATING / SCALE:  JANKA HARDNESS...the relative hardness of wood speices is    measured using what is called a Janka Hardness Rating / Scale.  This test measures the force needed to embed a steel ball (.444" in diameter) to half it's diameter in the piece of wood being tested, with the  rating measured in pounds of force per square inch.  So with this rating system, the higher the number,  the harder the wood. 

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WOOD BASICS:  The United States has over 1000 different species of trees.  Only about 100 are used for constructing & manufacturing wood products; it's best to pick the ones that are easiest to work with & most appealing to you. 

There are basically two kinds of wood to choose from--hardwoods & softwoods.  Listed below are some common terms & definitions to know: 

HARDWOODS...are the deciduous trees that lose their leaves in the fall.  Only approximately 200 are plentiful & pliable enough for woodworking.  Hardwoods have microscopic pores on the surface; the size of these pores determines the grain pattern & texture.  Hardwoods are classified by pore openings as either:  Closed Grained (smaller pores), like Cherry & Maple; Ring Porous (larger pores), like Ash, Oak(s) or Poplar. 

SOFTWOODS...come from coniferous trees, commonly referred to as evergreen trees.  Only 25% of all Softwoods are used in woodworking.  All Softwoods have a closed grain that is not very noticeable in the finished product.  The most popular Softwoods are Cedar, Fir, Pine & Spruce. 

DENSITY...heavy woods like Oak are identified by their weight & tight grain pattern, and resist wear, dents & scratches better than Softwoods. 

TEXTURE...this is the wood property that determines the condition of the surface & stability.  It plays an  important role in deciding how a wood can be finished. 

DEFECTS...in wood are natural & are appreciated by many woodworkers for the unique character they  contribute. 

COLOR...contributes to the personality of wood.  For example, Red Cedar will give you a very different look & character than White Pine. 

GRAIN...is the most well-known wood characteristic.  Grain pertains to the wood-cell fibers orientation. The project you are undertaking dictates the most suitable type of Grain. 

LUMBER GRADES...are determined by the number, location & size of the defects in the board, not its strength.  The clearer the wood, the higher the grade. 

STABILITY...this is the wood's ability not to shrink or expand before or after it has been worked. 

DURABILITY...durable woods better resist excess moisture & exposure to the earth, where there's a greater chance of decay.  Remember, no wood will decay if it's kept dry. 

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HARDWOOD EMPORIUM DISCLAIMER: 

PHOTOS:  Hardwood Emporium photos' are as accurate as possible.  Photos' are taken under balanced  light & the color is accurate at the time the photo was taken; there maybe slight variations in color, due to exposure to light (light sanding will most times restore the color).  We are not responsible for variations  of color.  All photos' are of the actual item(s), in the listing, and you will receive the exact piece(s) in the  photo. 

WOOD SIZE & DIMENSIONS:  All sizes listed are approximate.  That being said, the sizes are within a 1/16"; we do use calipers when measuring the pieces.  We do not overstate the size(s) of the piece(s); we try to keep the sizes exact or within a 1/16".  If you require an exact or minimum dimension please contact us before you make your purchase.  You can place an order over the phone for items that are not listed on the website:  i.e. for exact or minimum dimensions. 

NOTE:  Thickness, Widths & Lengths may vary up to 1/16". 

DESCRIPTIONS:  We describe the wood as accurately as possible; via the measurements & photos'. 

HARDWOOD EMPORIUM guarantees your complete satisfaction, with every item/listing purchased.