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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 ziricote and what makes it distinctive?
Ziricote (Cordia dodecandra) is a Central American hardwood with dramatic, landscape-like figure — dark brown to black grain lines create patterns resembling hills, rivers, and topographic contours against a grey-brown to olive background. It has a fine texture, high hardness (Janka approximately 2265), and takes an exceptional natural polish. Ziricote is used for guitar backs and sides, pen turning, knife handles, and high-end decorative woodworking.
Why is ziricote prized for guitar building?
Ziricote's tonal properties — bright, clear sustain with good bass response — make it a quality guitar back and side material. Its dramatic figure and fine finish quality add visual prestige to custom and boutique instruments. Ziricote is used as both a tonal and aesthetic upgrade on premium acoustic guitars where both performance and appearance matter to the builder and player.
Is ziricote difficult to work with?
Ziricote's density and hardness require sharp, carbide-tipped tools. The fine, consistent texture sands to an exceptional surface with a natural lustre approaching polished stone. It turns beautifully on the lathe. The natural oils can slow glue curing — wipe surfaces with mineral spirits before bonding. Ziricote is worth the effort for the exceptional finished results it produces.
What finish is best for ziricote?
Ziricote's natural lustre can be brought to an exceptional shine with progressive fine sanding (up to 2000 grit) and a light application of wax or oil, showcasing the figure without a thick film finish. Lacquer and catalyzed finishes also produce beautiful results on ziricote for musical instrument and furniture applications. UV-inhibiting finishes help preserve the colour tones over time.
Does Windsor Plywood carry ziricote?
Windsor Plywood carries ziricote as a specialty exotic hardwood in lumber and turning blank dimensions subject to current availability. Contact your local Windsor Plywood branch to confirm current stock and whether the dimensions required for your project are available.