Where to get your wood fix

Ready to dive into some wood-burning or crafting adventures? Let me take you on a whirlwind tour of all the best places to snag your supplies—because finding the perfect piece of wood should be as exciting as creating with it! 

Craft Stores Galore: Places like Hobbycraft are a treasure trove of affordable, light-grained wood that’s perfect for beginners and pros alike. Think wooden spoons, baubles, wall hangings— I could literally spend hours roaming those aisles! 

Online Treasures: Amazon to the rescue! Whether it’s pine coasters, keyring blanks, cork mats, or postcard-sized wooden planks, they’ve got everything you need to get started or whip up custom gifts. Who doesn’t love a quick click-to-creative fix? 

Surrey Timbers woodyard

Wood Yards - A Lumber Wonderland: For those ready to level up, wood yards are like Disneyland for wood lovers. Picture kiln-dried, air-dried, live-edge, or even exotic beauties like purple heart, rosewood, coconut wood or Italian olive wood. (Yes, I did snag some dreamy olive slabs—they were pretty oily to burn, understandably, but worth it!)  

Visiting these timber yards are also the perfect excuse for a weekend adventure and mini wood-sourcing escapade with my partner, and you feel great knowing you’re supporting local businesses. 

The “Ask Around” Approach: Sometimes the best finds are closer than you think. Ask family, friends, or neighbours if they’ve got logs from fallen trees to spare. Chop, dry, and voilà—a totally unique piece for your next masterpiece. (Pro tip: patience is key, and drying wood takes space!) 

No matter where you go, the journey to finding your perfect wood is half the fun! 

One last thing… 

Before you dive into the art of woodburning, make sure your wood is ready to shine! Start by prepping the surface with ultra-fine grit sandpaper—this step is key for smooth, stress-free burning. A silky-smooth surface doesn’t just feel amazing; it makes the wood super receptive to heat and helps you glide through your project with ease.  Many wood products from craft stores come pre-sanded , but those from perhaps wood yards may feel a little course or rough around the edges. Some 320 grit (or finer) sandpaper will do the job! Whether you do it by hand or with an orbital sander, the goal is a flawless finish. Once you’re done, wipe away any dust with a clean, dry cloth, and voilà—your wood is ready for its big debut! 

Selection of exotic woods