Expert: Jamie Yocono - 12/28/2006

Question
Where is the best source of quality hardwood in Las Vegas?  I'm frustrated with the quality of plywood in home centers.  The only source of decent hardwood I've found is Austin Hardwood, and the prices seem higher than they should be.  Are there any sources for Baltic Birch plywood?  I'm also looking for good sources of solid hardwood for furniture projects as a hobbyist.

Thanks!

Answer
Hi Rich,

I've also had a difficult time finding decent plywood here in Las Vegas. I've really had to search to find suppliers, most people seem tight lipped about who they use.

But I've found a few places I'll tell you about, and I hope you'll have some luck with them.

First is McKillican, up on the north side of town, sort of near the Craig/I-15 exit. They're in a newer complex, it's a little hard to find, but worth it. They used to be on Arrville, so if you see that address, it's an old one. Their number is 702-365-6422. I don't know if they only sell wholesale or not, you may have to wiggle your way into buying from them. They carry 6 mm and 18 mm Baltic Birch, as well as a few different shop grade plywoods. I recently purchased a product called Tuckernut, similar to a BB for about $31 for a 4 x 8 sheet. It's a very good shop grade plywood for utility work.

My second recommendation would be Rugby, sort of near the airport. It's a huge lumberyard/home improvement center. Once again, I am not sure if they're a wholesale house only, but they have very nice prices and a good selection. Their number is 702-248-0050. It's funny, I have no idea why more people don't use them, their prices are much better than Austin's prices.

Another place I would consider is National Wood Products, I can't find their number right now, but it's sort of off Polaris, by the airport, as well. I have purchased both plywood and lumber from them. Rugby has better prices, but National sometimes has obscure stuff you can't find anywhere else. An example would be- I use an aromatic Cedar bottom in a chest that I build, and they had a Cedar plywood that I've never seen anywhere else. So if you're looking for something unusual, they might carry it.

Last thing- I don't know if this is a private question, or if it will be published on the All Expert's web page. Because of that, I don't want to say something that could come back to haunt me. But let me just say this- I agree with you about Austin. I don't purchase anything from them anymore.

If these places don't help with your plywood needs, write back and I'll try to come up with a few more. But I think these three should do it. Also, I've found a couple of specialty places, like countertop companies and door companies, so I tend to outsource some things. I've found it's cheaper to let someone else build certain parts of my projects.

OK, good luck, I hope this helps. Please feel free to write back if you have any further questions after reading this. And if this answer was helpful... please take a minute and rate my service. Thanks!

Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
Las Vegas, NV
www.wooditis.com