After testing out the concept at a couple of choice locations, Rockler Woodworking and Hardware stores are moving forward to expand lumber offerings. The goal is to make visiting a Rockler store an even more complete one-stop destination for project needs.
“Across the country there has been a significant increase in our customer demand for quality lumber to support home improvement, woodworking and other DIY project needs,” says Joe Kester, Rockler’s vice president of retail.
In many stores, these expansions of lumber inventory are significant. For example, in Maplewood, Minnesota, the store’s lumber area has increased from 800 square feet to 2,600 square feet. The Sandy Springs, Georgia, store has also expanded its lumber display from 800 to 2,600 square feet. In Seattle, Washington, the store now offers 1,800 square feet of floor space for lumber — up from the previous 400.
So what’s on the racks? Shoppers will find hardwood such as walnut, hard maple, cherry, red oak and poplar, plus exotic species like mahogany, padauk, purpleheart, zebrawood and black limba. An expanded selection of high quality Baltic birch plywood in several sizes is also available for cabinet construction and small projects.
Rockler now carries more live edge slabs for one-of-a-kind tables, an impressive variety of turning blanks for pens, handles and bowls, and a diverse assortment of veneer, including many flitch cut book-matched varieties.
More Lumber Services
These new areas are staffed by lumber experts who can help customers plan their material lists and select the right species and boards. Stores will also cut boards to length for free, so customers pay for only what they need. If additional milling is desired, the staff can rip or plane the lumber to the desired size for a fee.
Rockler is also expanding its online lumber offerings at rockler.com. If you haven’t visited a Rockler store, a locator on the website can help you find a location near you.
