As a cabinet maker, your business will benefit from sourcing wood at wholesale prices to keep costs low and maximize profits.
Wholesale suppliers, such as lumberyards and specialized wood distributors, offer bulk wood at discounted rates.
Establishing direct relationships with these suppliers can help ensure access to quality materials for your custom cabinetry projects.
In this article, we are going to explore some of the places you can get your woods from at wholesale prices.
Please note that the places discussed provide varying levels of convenience, pricing, and selection, making it important for cabinet makers to assess their needs when sourcing wood.
Where Do Cabinet Makers Buy Their Wood at Wholesale Price?
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Wood Suppliers and Distributors:
Wood suppliers and distributors are the major sources where cabinet makers buy their wood at wholesale prices.
Companies like Lumber Liquidators and The Hardwood Lumber Company are reliable wholesale suppliers for cabinet makers, offering a wide selection of wood materials at discounted rates.
These suppliers provide hardwoods like oak, maple, cherry, birch, and walnut, as well as softwoods and plywood.
Cabinet makers can source various grades of wood, allowing them to choose the most suitable option for each project, whether it’s for high-end custom cabinets or more budget-conscious builds.
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Wood Mills:
Many cabinet makers turn to sawmills or local wood mills to purchase freshly cut lumber at lower prices.
These mills often provide a wide selection of wood types, including both hardwoods and softwoods, at competitive bulk rates.
By buying directly from the source, cabinet makers can bypass intermediaries and save on costs.
Many mills also offer custom-cutting services, allowing cabinet makers to receive wood pre-cut to specific sizes and dimensions for their projects, which saves time and reduces waste.
Interestingly, purchasing from local sawmills allows for better quality control and the opportunity to develop a relationship with the supplier, ensuring consistency in materials for future orders.
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Wholesale Hardwood Dealers:
Companies like Rockler and Woodworkers Source specialize in both domestic and exotic hardwoods, offering wholesale prices to businesses such as cabinet makers.
They provide a broad selection of high-quality woods, including species like walnut, oak, maple, and cherry, as well as exotic varieties such as teak and mahogany.
These suppliers also offer a wide range of plywood and veneer options, which are essential for cabinetry projects.
In addition to wood, they may provide tools, finishes, and hardware, making them a one-stop shop for cabinet makers.
Purchasing from these suppliers allows businesses to access premium materials at discounted rates, and often includes bulk purchasing options for larger orders.
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Online Wholesale Marketplaces:
These platforms allow cabinet makers to connect with international wood suppliers who offer a wide variety of wood species at competitive bulk prices.
By sourcing directly from suppliers across the globe, businesses can access exotic hardwoods, softwoods, plywood, and veneers that may not be readily available from local distributors.
Online marketplaces often provide tools to compare different suppliers, view product reviews, and negotiate pricing.
This opens up a range of options for cabinet makers, enabling them to find the best deals on materials that meet their project requirements.
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Lumber Yards:
These yards often cater to businesses in construction, woodworking, and cabinetry, providing a wide range of wood species, including hardwoods, softwoods, and plywood.
By establishing relationships with these local suppliers, cabinet makers can access high-quality materials at competitive bulk rates.
Lumber yards typically offer discounted pricing for larger orders, making them an ideal source for bulk purchasing.
Interestingly, lumber yards may provide convenient services such as delivery, custom cutting, and wood treatment options, which can save time and effort for cabinet makers.
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Forest and Timber Co-ops:
In certain regions, cabinet makers can source their wood at wholesale prices from local cooperatives (co-ops) or timber producers.
These organizations often focus on sustainably harvested wood, appealing to environmentally conscious businesses.
Co-ops and timber producers can provide a direct route to obtaining raw materials, cutting out intermediaries, and reducing costs.
They typically offer a variety of wood types, including hardwoods, softwoods, and specialty woods, ensuring a diverse selection for cabinetry projects.
Many of these suppliers emphasize eco-friendly practices, such as responsible forest management and certification programs like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council).
