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Windsor Plywood has been a trusted source for specialty lumber and hardwoods across western Canada for decades. Our specialty lumber selection goes well beyond standard framing grades, offering premium domestic and imported hardwood species suited for fine furniture making, custom cabinetry, architectural millwork, and decorative woodworking projects of all scales. Species available include hard maple, red oak, white oak, walnut, cherry, birch, alder, poplar, and a rotating selection of exotic and figured hardwoods depending on current inventory. In addition to solid hardwood lumber, we carry live edge slabs, figured wood for tabletops and accent pieces, and hardwood plywood in species to match. Windsor Plywood staff are knowledgeable about the properties and working characteristics of each species and can help you select the right material for your specific application. Visit your local Windsor Plywood to browse current specialty lumber stock and discuss your project with our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is banksia wood and what makes it distinctive?
Banksia is an Australian native species known for extraordinary seed pods and wood that features bold, intricate natural patterns from the plant's growth structure. Banksia wood and pods are used in turning, artistic woodworking, and decorative applications where the natural form and internal structure of the material are the primary design feature rather than conventional lumber properties.
What applications is banksia used for?
Banksia is primarily used for artistic turning, decorative bowls and vessels, sculptural woodworking, pen turning, and specialty craft applications where the unique internal structure of the banksia pod or wood is displayed as a natural art piece. It is not typically used as structural lumber or for conventional furniture and cabinetry applications.
Is banksia suitable for functional items like bowls and platters?
Banksia turned pieces are most often used as decorative display items. The intricate internal structure of banksia pods and wood can create void areas that may affect structural integrity for heavy-use functional items. For decorative turned bowls and display pieces, banksia produces distinctive and visually striking results.
What finishing is appropriate for banksia?
Clear penetrating oil finishes and wax work well for banksia turning projects, enhancing the natural colour and protecting the surface while preserving the organic character of the material. Film-building finishes like varnish also produce good results on turned banksia surfaces.
Does Windsor Plywood carry banksia products?
Windsor Plywood carries banksia as a specialty material subject to current availability. Banksia is a niche product with variable supply. Contact your local Windsor Plywood branch to confirm whether banksia is currently in stock and what forms — pods, blanks, or lumber — are available for your project.