Q. Can you suggest some alternate species, at lower cost, for oak, maple, walnut and cherry?

The Wood Doctor describes how lumber is steamed and why it is done.

Capturing laminating, sawing, scrolls saw, routing, shaping and finishing in the pursuit of making a long skateboard, Pietro Vallome demonstrates skills in woodworking and video. Parts I and Parts II are shared here.

The Wood Doctor explains the difference between silver and red maple.

Soft maple has taken over hard maple for control of the global maple market and has driven prices for cherry down. Unfortunately, the demand for cherry has not risen.

Early pianos were often crafted with cypress, spruce or pine for the soundboard and hardwoods like hickory, beech and maple for pins and bridges. Piano inventor Bartolomeo Cristofori likely used these materials when he created the first piano in 1720.

Demand and prices are firmer for upper-grade lumber than for #1 Common and below in most hardwood species. Inventories of unsold Red Oak, White Oak, Hard Maple, Soft Maple and Cherry continue to build, especially in the commons.

The maple hardwood court for the 2015 NCAA Men's Final Four in Indianapolis, IN, is being offered by Connor Sports to the 2015 Men's National Champions, Duke University, for $90,000.