December 13, 2024 - By Kidogo Farm - Louisville, KY
So should you buy your hardwood live edge slabs and lumber from a small, local sawmill versus a national chain? The answer is simple, yes you should, let me explain. I know for a lot of people, price is the only, or at least the first thing they think of when sourcing hardwood lumber for. This should not be the only factor though, we need to think about sustaining our local community, and it starts with where you shop.
While the convenience of large national chains open late hours is nice at times, when we forget about our local "mom and pop" shops it is never a good thing. Ever noticed how when a big national chain, whether it is a coffee shop or a hardware store moves into town the local shops seem to disappear? This is because a small shop can not compete with a large chain that has the purchasing power to lower prices below what the small store owner's can even buy the products for. Why should you care? Easy, because if you don't then that is all you will have in the future and no other choices, which is never a good thing.
But beyond just the price, the bigger chain stores usually only carry a few species of wood. The do not cater to artisan craftsman and wood workers like a local sawmill do. They cater more to carpenters and builders, think of it more as a "builder's supply" store then a "wood supply" store. There also are national chains that specialize in wood working lumber, but these are also national chains, so make sure to at least check with your local sawmill first, you will probably be glad you did! By all means shop at the chain places if you want, we all do, but remember to also support your local, small business in your community that make it better, with owner's that live in and support the same community as you do.
If you are looking for sustainable, local hardwood live edge slabs and lumber please consider using our small sawmill just outside of Louisville, KY in Oldham Co. in the heart of Kentucky horse country for your next purchase. We care about the forest and trees and the local community, plus we have some of the nicest Kentucky black walnut, cherry, maple and other species of hardwood around!