Buying Hardwood Lumber

Buying Lumber for projects.
We all start with the big box lumber stores (Lowes, etc.) to find lumber.  But there has to be a better way. 

Woodworking Shops (Woodcraft, Rockler) :
You could try specialty woodworking shops and these are a great place to find exotics and specialty lumber.  The downside to these woodworking shops is price and maybe even location (I live in rural West Kentucky and the closest shop is 3 hours.

Local Lumber Mill:
Some local mills have a limited selection of wood.  The problem is it is rough sawed and not dried.  Drying to under 10% moisture requires storing wood for a year or more or building a solar kiln.  The advantage is price. 
Moisture meters are available from amazon, home depot, etc.

Search Facebook Market Place
Search for Lumber yard with Kiln dried hardwoods.  I have several in my area that carry hardwoods such as walnut, maple, cherry, etc.  Be sure they have Kiln Dried or you will be in for a long wait to dry the boards. 
Boards are rough and 8-10 feet long.   Cost is excellent.  You will need some equipment to process the boards to get them straight and flat.   More about the process later.

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