Wood Heaven

Our first stop on this trip just so happened to be a woodworker’s dream! My good friend, and role model in Jefferson, Sam Ayer, had pointed me to the website of Hobby Hardwood Alabama (www.hobbyhardwoodalabama.com) not too long before we began this trip. This place was not too far off our scheduled route so naturally, we just had to give it a look/see.

I studied their website and became intrigued. Hobby Hardwood Alabama’s goal is to provide really high-end, quality wood (both domestic and exotic) for both the individual woodworkers as well as large end-user corporate suppliers. Surprisingly, the individual buyer can purchase their wood at the same price as the large volume companies.

While I could bore you with dozens of pages here recounting the more than two hours Meriam and I spent talking with Robert Milton and his wife Martha (they are the sole owners and employees of the business), let us get straight to wood! Suffice it to say that I could spend several more lifetimes building furniture pieces using wood from this place…we only wish they were less than an eight-hour drive from Jefferson.

Very pricey and exceptional quality mahogany.
This Kentucky Coffee Tree is not very common in Tennessee. The reddish wood is sought by woodworkers and cabinet makers. The tree produces large black to brown seed pods (3-8 inches long) containing seeds that were roasted by early American settlers as a coffee substitute…thus the name Coffee Tree.

Ambrosia Maple (one of Meriam’s new favorites). Look closely for the tiny holes and the streaks in the wood. The Ambrosia beetle burrows into the tree and leaves a fungus in its path. This creates a discolored streak.
This is called a “live edge”. The bark of the tree is left on the wood as it is sawn. This type of wood makes great tables, benches, and mantles.

Rainbow Poplar (it has been naturally stained by minerals). It exhibits a variety of colors, ranging from green, purple, black, red, etc. It is this distinctive variety of colors that turns an otherwise ordinary piece of poplar into the intriguing Rainbow Poplar.
Posted in 2022 - Tennessee and North Carolina
28 comments
Add a comment...

Your email is never published or shared. Required fields are marked *

  • MarkI like the Rainbow Poplar pic! Safe travels:)ReplyCancel

    • HaroldMark, yes, it would make a wonderful table. It will be a hard decision between it and other types.ReplyCancel

  • MaryWow!! What a great place!ReplyCancel

    • HaroldA true “candy house” for a woodworker!ReplyCancel

  • Mary NashJust up your alley HBReplyCancel

  • Virginia PeveyBeautiful variety and so interesting!ReplyCancel

  • Virginia PeveyWhat town was this in or near?ReplyCancel

  • maoThis is so different seeing WOOD instead of WOOL!  I love the wood.  Are you carrying some home on your roof? I would guess that their warehouse is humidity controlled.ReplyCancel

    • HaroldMAO, we are going back on our return trip. We plan to bring back as much as we can…limited space in the camper 🙁ReplyCancel

  • Cled PainterLooks like you’re having too much fun. Wish we were there ReplyCancel

    • HaroldCled, we wish you and Peggie were here also.ReplyCancel

  • Peter WalshVery interesting!ReplyCancel

  • Sherry MaskAbsolutely beautiful pieces of wood!!ReplyCancel

  • SamThanks for the shout-out HB. I only wish I was with you and Meriam on this trip. I also wish you had a trailer so you could bring some wood home. Safe travels…. Anxiously awaiting your next post.ReplyCancel

    • HaroldSam, the only problem with you and I here together is both of us would have to declare bankruptcy after we left!ReplyCancel

  • KayWOW!  Great wood lesson. I know how you felt because I felt the same way in a fabric shop in Europe. So happy to hear from y’all. ReplyCancel

  • Vicki Richieyou go crazy!ReplyCancel

  • Fran RoundsYour explanation of mineral origin for many colors in wood grain fascinates! Jim recalls fun walnut-seeking trip y’all took..THX, FranReplyCancel

    • HaroldIt would definitely be fun to go on a trip together to this place. Give our regards to Jim.ReplyCancel

  • Julianne S. FischerDidn’t seeing all that beautiful wood make you want to stop and make something?ReplyCancel

    • HaroldYes, I could spend the rest of my time making furniture from this wood!ReplyCancel

  • CarolWho knew wood could be interesting!!ReplyCancel

    • HaroldCarol, I guess one has to be a “wood” geek to drive 8 hours to just look at wood 🙂ReplyCancel