Rich,

You 1st have to decide if you are going to scarf your strips or not- it's a personal thing. If you don't mind scarf's, you can easily get "clear" wood in shorter lengths at HD or Menards or many other places, and it will not cost much either.

When I built my 1st 2 canoes, I decided I wanted all full length strips, and I still do, I don't like scrafs. It took me about 15 months to build each canoe and I figure that if I spend that much time on it it better look like I want it, no scarfs. And with spending that much time to build it, I don't mind spending a few $ on material.

It's tough to find full length clear wood.

Scherer carries it, and even then I pick through the wood to get the nicest pieces. To me going to HD or Menards is a waste of time. I look at the their cedar when I'm there for other things and rarely see any I'd consider using, sometimes but not often.

Now to you question,

No Scherer is not close to Des Moines. They are a MPLS/St Paul based contractor lumber yard with 2 locations. The store that carries the "D" grade (16') is on East River Road/Washington in Northeast MPLS.
(9 Ave NE & Miss River 612-379-9633)
The store that carries the "Aye" cedar (20') and the "Clear" redwood (20') is in Arden Hills, a north central suburb of MPLS/ST Paul. (Hy 8 & Hy 10 651-633-9680)

They are both only open M-F 7-4 ish.

For hardwood here in the cities, try Youngbloods, (1335 Central Ave NE MPLS 1-800-933-1335) they are open sat morning til 11:30 and carry a good selection of hardwoods, common and exotic.

You might want to call around to the contractor yards near you to see what they carry. if yuo find any, and it sounds lie you have, buy it, it's a long drive to the cities.

BTW - I know a guy in Duluth who built a canoe out of old beer vat redwood, it looks great.

Also, (hint) I know a guy in the Chicago area that built his canoe out of walnut, it's a little heavy but as he doesn't portage it, he doesn't care, but it looks incredible.

Good Luck,

Dan

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Hi Dan,

: Thanks for your response!!!

: I live in Des Moines, IA. Where is this place with respect to Des Moines? Is
: Medberry the name of the town? Is it in Iowa? Do you have a phone number
: for this place?

: Also, there is one place in Des Moines that has excellent redwood and cedar.
: The costs are as follows: single board (3/4"x6"x20') clear
: redwood ($45)
: single board (3/4"x8"x20') clear WRC ($60)

: I am just trying to get the best deal.

: Thanks for the help!!

: Rich