About Limback Lumber Co. — Woodworking Supply in Seattle
Limback Lumber Co. has been Seattle’s premier woodworking supply destination since 1946, serving hobbyist woodworkers, professional furniture makers, carvers, and woodturning enthusiasts throughout the Pacific Northwest. Located in the heart of Ballard at 2600 NW Market St, this family-owned lumber store combines old-school craftsmanship knowledge with modern woodworking solutions.
The extensive inventory includes premium hardwoods and softwoods, professional-grade hand tools, power tools, router bits, sandpaper, finishing supplies, stains, specialty hardware, woodworking jigs, and workbench accessories. Their on-site millwork shop provides custom milling services, while knowledgeable staff offer expert guidance on tool selection, wood species characteristics, and project planning.
Unlike big box retailers, Limback Lumber Co. specializes exclusively in woodworking, ensuring superior wood quality, proper storage conditions, and staff expertise that can make or break your project. Local sourcing means supporting Pacific Northwest forestry while getting wood that’s acclimated to Seattle’s climate, reducing warping and movement issues common with shipped lumber.
Seattle’s thriving maker culture and commitment to sustainable craftsmanship creates an ideal market for serious woodworking. The city’s appreciation for handcrafted furniture, custom millwork, and artisanal woodworking drives demand for quality materials and tools that Limback Lumber Co. has reliably supplied for over seven decades.
Essential Woodworking Supply Tools & Supplies
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Location & Directions
What to Expect When You Visit
Walking into Limback Lumber Co., you’ll immediately notice the rich aroma of various wood species and the organized layout designed for serious woodworkers. The lumber yard showcases carefully sorted hardwoods and softwoods, with staff available to help you hand-select boards and discuss grain patterns, moisture content, and suitability for your specific project.
The tool section features hands-on displays where you can test the weight and balance of hand planes, chisels, and specialty tools before purchasing. Staff members are practicing woodworkers themselves, offering practical advice on everything from sharpening techniques to joinery methods, making each visit both a shopping trip and an educational experience.
Products & Materials
Limback Lumber Co. stocks an impressive selection of domestic hardwoods including maple, oak, cherry, walnut, and alder, alongside premium imported species like mahogany and teak. Softwoods range from construction-grade Douglas fir to clear cedar and pine, available in various grades and dimensions from rough-sawn to S4S finished lumber.
The tool selection spans from traditional hand tools like Japanese chisels and wooden hand planes to modern power tools, router bits, and sharpening systems. Finishing supplies include professional-grade stains, lacquers, oils, and specialized wood conditioners, while the hardware section offers everything from hinges and drawer slides to woodworking fasteners and cabinet hardware.
Their millwork shop provides custom services including planing, ripping, edge gluing, and custom molding profiles, allowing woodworkers to get precisely dimensioned materials without investing in expensive machinery.
Recommended Tools & Supplies
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Who Shops Here
Limback Lumber Co. attracts a diverse community of woodworking enthusiasts, from weekend hobbyists building their first workbench to master furniture makers crafting heirloom pieces. Professional cabinet makers, millwork contractors, boat builders, and woodturning artists rely on their consistent quality and expert service, while woodworking students and beginners appreciate the patient guidance and tool recommendations tailored to their skill level and budget.
Serving the Seattle, Washington Area
Seattle’s woodworking scene thrives within the city’s broader maker movement, supported by numerous woodworking schools, maker spaces, and a strong tradition of boat building and furniture crafting. The Pacific Northwest’s abundant forest resources and environmental consciousness create a perfect environment for woodworkers who value sustainable, locally-sourced materials and traditional craftsmanship techniques.
Tips for First-Time Buyers
- Bring your project plans or sketches – staff can recommend appropriate wood species and calculate lumber requirements
- Visit during weekday mornings for the best selection and more personalized attention from knowledgeable staff
- Ask about moisture content, especially for large projects – Seattle’s climate requires properly dried lumber
- Check their millwork capabilities before buying elsewhere – custom milling often costs less than you’d expect
- Bring samples of existing wood if you’re matching stain colors or wood species for repairs
- Ask about bulk discounts for larger projects – they often have better pricing for significant lumber purchases
Woodworking Clubs & Resources near Seattle, Washington
The Seattle area offers excellent woodworking resources including the Northwest Woodworkers Association, one of the region’s most active guilds with regular meetings and workshops, and the Cascade Woodturners chapter of the American Association of Woodturners for those interested in turning. Community colleges like North Seattle College offer woodworking classes, while makerspaces such as Metrix Create:Space in Capitol Hill provide access to woodworking tools and equipment. Woodcraft has a location in Lynnwood that serves the greater Seattle area with supplies, classes, and expertise for woodworkers of all skill levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Buyers Also Consider
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