Cedar plank suppliers, Canada

[Ben Russ]

Hey everyone. I didn’t think I was going to get my canoe to a spot to work on it until spring but I have managed to secure shop space starting next week. I have searched extensively online and can find loads of canvas, cedar strips ( if I needed them) and seats etc, but seem to be unable to find anyone who sells 4”x5/32nds white cedar planks. Where do people get them from. I am in Ontario but would take any Canadian source. Thanks.

 

[Pook]

Ben,

You might need to do a tour of the province but...

Peter Code in Mississauga had cedar planking the last time I needed some. He runs TenderCraft Boatworks and is a good guy to deal with- I note that he lists the white cedar planking in his catalogue. .
Haven't touched base with him in a while- definitely not since COVID hit.
http://www.tendercraftboats.com/

Brian Cook of Cook Craft up in Dwight also seems to have a good supply of planking and rib stock. He mills to his own spec. Give him a shout.
https://cookcraft.ca/contact-cook-craft/

I'm sure there are other suppliers around- and perhaps a small sawmill closer that will look after your needs.

Good luck!
Bruce

 

[Murat V]

Ben, you might need to contact a boat restorer and see if they'd be willing to mill some planking for you or sell some to you through a private deal.

There are a few builders/restorers I'm aware of in the Central Ontario / Muskoka region. Try these folks if you haven't already...

Muskoka Canoe Works (Dwight)
https://muskokacanoeworks.ca/

Cook Custom Craft (also in Dwight)
https://cookcraft.ca/

Lone Pine Canoe (in Bracebridge)
https://www.lonepinecanoes.ca/

Allman Canoes (Just south of Huntsville)
https://www.facebook.com/Fixmyoldcanoe

None of these folks have planking listed on their websites but might be able to help out or at least point you in some direction. Good luck!

 

[paddler123]

Headwaters Canoes in Wakefield, QC sells parts and materials. They don't list prices on the website, but say to contact them directly.

http://www.headwaterscanoes.ca/

 

[Ben Russ]

Thanks everyone. I sent an email to Tendercraft but it bounced back as mailbox full. I will try all the other sites mentioned as well though. I hadn’t thought about buying off a builder privately. There is a wooden boat builder just up the road from me in Gananoque, maybe I will send them an email or give them a call and see if they can hook me up.

 

[Pook]

There you go- a number of choices.
I'd try local first, too.

Try calling Peter at Tendercraft if local doesn't work. I've always been able to reach him by phone.

Bruce

 

[Rod Tait (Orca Boats)]

Rather than purchase from a boat company, go right to the source. I purchase mine from here. they have shipped some nice boards all the way out west and I have been very pleased with quality.

 

[Ben Russ]

Rather than purchase from a boat company, go right to the source. I purchase mine from here. they have shipped some nice boards all the way out west and I have been very pleased with quality.

Thanks so much. I actually just found them in a search for white cedar locally. If you can believe it, they are an hour from me by car.
Did you get thick boards and mill them yourself or just a order them custom cut? I have access to a fairly large and well equipped shop.

 

[Rod Tait (Orca Boats)]

I ordered 1 by 8 by 8 ft. This allowed for planking, ribs or whatever I needed to produce. Kept at 8 ft. as that is minimum length for shipping before pricing goes up for overlength. They were very nice to deal with.