: The first load of cedar I got was from Menards and I had to order
: it and accept what I got. Out of a huge pile of 1x6's I didn't
: get one full length strip there were so many knots. Anymore if I
: can't select it myself I don't want it. I did get a pile of
: short lengths that ended up as trim on a number of boats, but it
: was very expensive trim, the grand majority of the wood was
: junk.

: Still, Menards in the midwest usually has a decent supply of
: 1" or slightly thicker decking stock, though the selection
: is better in the spring/summer when decks are being built and if
: you don't make a real mess of their piles will let you sort thru
: to find the pieces you want. You can also cut the strips out of
: 2" stock, just takes an extra step, or 4" for that
: matter if you have a big enough saw to cut it.

Menards has been my best option; and Bill is spot on - Spring/summer had the best selection. I get along with the employees well, leave the stack perfect when I leave (it usually isn't when I get there), and they let me pick through at my leisure. I was lucky to find one 2 x 12 x 10' plank with nice color, grain, and minimal knots - and that's after three visits (my wife shops the mall, I peruse Menards.... it works). Last summer, I found several really nice deck planks, almost chocolate in color - and haven't seen one since. I have enough wood to start my next hull, and expect by the time I'm ready to do the deck, the appropriate board will make an appearance. Next time I see several, I'll be stocking up for the next and the next boat. You can never have too much WRC on hand...

: Bill H.