Over here, the stores like B&Q and Homebase have such a limited selection–only softwood and particle board–and the prices are outlandish. It would be cheaper to go buy used furniture and break it down than to buy the lumber.

So, if you want to build a bench or a book case, where do you go to buy wood? Specifically, hard wood like oak or birch and plywood. Can you get it at a builder’s supply? Are there wholesale outfits just for that?