The floating desk that almost never happened.

Starring

Keith Johnson

Has this ever happened to you?? For once, I planned ahead on this project and grabbed 50BF of rift-sawn white oak at $8/BF. Unfortunately, it had issues. BIG issues. These stains weren’t noticeable in rough form. But my sawyer did right by me and refunded the money, but it left me with NO material. Why is that such a big deal? Well, the rift sawn white oak market is bonkers in my area and inventory is scarce and prices are sky high. Supply shortages are even affecting the bourbon and wine industry. So, after a 10-hour hunt on the phone and trips to several local lumber yards, including Pete’s shed, I found nothing but junk material and prices ranging from $14/BF all the way up to $40/BF for European rift sawn white oak. And then, I struck pay dirt down at Willard Bros. in Trenton. What a relief! Floor to ceiling white oak…but even with my discount I ended up with a bill that was almost double what I originally paid (show receipt). Not a good way to start a commission...