Hi everyone,

I'm in the market for solid, unfinished 5" wide planks of white oak. The grade would be #1 common.

I have found many companies online within reasonable driving distance, and pricing has ranged from $3.09 to $4.59 per square foot. Lumber Liquidators actually falls in the middle of that range with their Colton line.

Obviously, I am very price conscious, but before I start driving hours to and fro to see and purchase product, I wanted to run it by you pros.

Is the low side pricing above ridiculous? Am I sure to get burned with poor quality, shorts, warped boards, etc?

What kinds of questions should I be asking before jumping in a rental uhaul to go purchase the flooring?

I eagerly await your feedback and professional advice. Thanks in advance,

John

Is it in stock? Nearly all online companies, unless they're the mill don't stock much of anything. They have it drop shipped from the manufacturer so they don't even touch it. I doubt LL would keep stock on something like that as well. Kevin can probably help with more info. Maybe you're near his business in Knoxville. At least with him you'll be getting a quality product as he knows the business inside and out.

5" unfinished white oak right now is in high demand and hard to get your hands on at times. Id be scared and surprised if you could find it for 3.09 a sf. Should be closer to 3.75 to 4.00.