Visit the Yard: A Walkthrough of the Plankville Richmond Experience

Have you ever looked at a mass-produced piece of furniture and felt like it was missing a soul? There is something incredibly special about a dining table or a kitchen bench that started its journey as a specific, hand-chosen piece of wood. If you are searching for a timber yard in Richmond or interested in woodworking in Nelson, your journey truly begins the moment you step onto the yard at Plankville.

Visiting the Plankville yard isn’t just a shopping trip; it is an adventure into the heart of New Zealand’s natural beauty. Instead of wandering through sterile aisles of plastic-wrapped boards, you get to walk among towering stacks of fragrant timber, feeling the texture of the bark and seeing the intricate patterns of the grain. This experience is designed for anyone who wants to bring a piece of the outdoors inside, guided by people who live and breathe timber every single day.

Key Takeaways

• Personal Connection: You get to choose the exact grain and shape that fits your style.

• Expert Advice: Our team helps you pick the right wood for the right job.

• Local Quality: Support sustainable, Nelson-based timber sourcing.

• Unique Finds: Access to flitches, slabs, and more that you won't find in big-box stores.

Why Choosing Your Own Slab Changes Everything

When you decide to pick out your own slab or flitch, you are becoming the co-creator of your project. At Plankville, we believe that the wood tells a story. One piece might have a swirling grain that looks like a river, while another might have "live edges" that follow the original shape of the tree. By visiting us in person, you aren’t just buying a product; you are choosing the character and the "heart" of your home.

Whether you are a professional builder or a DIY enthusiast starting your first project, seeing the timber in the sunlight makes all the difference. You can see the true colours—from the deep, earthy tones of Totara to the golden hues of Macrocarpa. This hands-on approach ensures that there are no surprises; you know exactly how the wood will look once it is sanded, oiled, and placed in your living room.

What to Expect During Your Plankville Visit

When you arrive at our Richmond yard, the first thing you will notice is the smell of fresh-cut wood and the friendly, relaxed atmosphere. We don’t expect you to be a timber expert. Our team is here to walk alongside you, sharing years of experience and "EEAT" (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) to help you make the best choice.

We usually start by asking about your vision. Are you making a sturdy outdoor seat? A sleek floating shelf? Or perhaps a grand boardroom table? Once we know what you need, we lead you to the sections of the yard that hold the best treasures for your specific goal. We help you understand things like moisture content and how different species of wood react to the Nelson climate, making sure your timber stays beautiful for decades.

From the Stack to Your Space

Selecting a "flitch"—which is a slab of wood cut from a log—is a very tactile experience. We often move pieces around so you can see the full face of the timber. You might find a piece with a unique knot or a "check" that adds just the right amount of rustic charm. We love seeing the "aha!" moment when a customer finds "the one."

Once you’ve made your selection, the journey doesn't have to end there. We can discuss how to finish the wood or how to get it ready for your space. To help you get your home ready for your new arrival, you might find our guide on how to prepare your space for custom timber builds very useful. It covers everything you need to know about making sure your environment is perfect for high-quality wood.

Supporting Local and Sustainable Craft

Choosing Plankville means you are supporting a local business that cares about the environment. We specialise in salvaged and sustainably sourced timber. This means the wood you buy has a history and a future that doesn't harm our beautiful New Zealand landscape. When you visit our timber yard in Richmond, you are joining a community of people who value quality over quantity.

Our yard is a place where creativity grows. We see people from all over Nelson come in with a small sketch on a napkin and leave with a beautiful piece of Macrocarpa or Redwood. If you are curious about what else we do, you can explore our full range of timber options or check out our unique wood products online before you head down to see us.

Your Next Step: Visit Us Today

Ready to start your project? The best way to understand the Plankville difference is to see it, smell it, and touch it for yourself. Whether you need a small offcut or a massive dining table slab, we invite you to come and wander through our Richmond yard. Let’s find the perfect piece of New Zealand timber together.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Where can I find a timber yard in Richmond for furniture wood?

  Plankville is the premier destination for high-quality timber in the Richmond and Nelson area. Located conveniently for local builders and DIY fans, our yard offers a massive selection of unique slabs and flitches. Unlike standard hardware stores, we focus on the natural beauty of the wood, providing species like Macrocarpa and Totara. When you visit, you can walk through our stacks and choose the exact piece of wood that will become your next table or bench. Our team is always on hand to help you understand the different types of timber available and which ones are best for indoor or outdoor use.

• What is a flitch and why should I buy one for my project?

  A flitch is a large slice of a log that retains its natural shape and grain. At Plankville, buying a flitch allows you to see the "live edge" of the tree, which is very popular for modern and rustic furniture. Buying a flitch is better than buying pre-cut boards because it gives your project a unique, one-of-a-kind look. You can choose the thickness and the width that fits your design perfectly. It is the best way to ensure your furniture has character and a story to tell.

• Do I need an appointment to visit the Plankville yard in Richmond?

  While you are always welcome to drop by during our opening hours, giving us a quick call can help us prepare for your visit. If you have a specific project in mind, we can point you toward the right stacks immediately. Our yard is a working environment, so we recommend wearing sturdy shoes. We love meeting local makers and are happy to show you around our collection of slabs, whether you are a professional or just starting out with woodworking in Nelson.

• How do I choose the right wood for an outdoor table in Nelson?

  Choosing timber for the Nelson climate requires an understanding of how wood reacts to sun and rain. Macrocarpa is a local favourite because it is naturally durable and looks beautiful as it ages. During your visit to Plankville, we can explain the benefits of different species. We look for "heartwood" which is the strongest part of the tree. Picking your own slab means you can check for any natural features you want to keep or avoid, ensuring your outdoor furniture lasts for many years.

• What is the difference between a slab and a standard board?

  A standard board is usually cut to a specific, uniform size and planed smooth on all sides. A slab, like the ones we have at Plankville, is a much larger, thicker piece that often shows the natural edge of the tree. Slabs are ideal for "statement pieces" like dining tables or kitchen islands. By visiting our yard, you can see the scale of these pieces in person, which is much better than looking at a photo online.

• Is the timber at Plankville sustainably sourced?

  Yes, we take great pride in sourcing our wood responsibly. Much of our timber is salvaged or comes from trees that needed to be removed for safety or land management. This means you can feel good about your purchase, knowing it hasn't contributed to deforestation. We believe in honoring the tree by turning it into something beautiful and lasting.

• Can Plankville help me finish or sand my chosen slab?

  Absolutely! While we love people who want to do it themselves, we offer various services to help you get your timber ready. We can talk about "dressing" the timber, which means flattening and sanding it so it’s ready for you to work on. We can also provide advice on the best oils and finishes to use to bring out the natural colours of the grain you’ve chosen.

• What should I bring when I come to pick out timber?

  We recommend bringing the measurements of the space where your furniture will go. It is also helpful to bring photos of styles you like. If you have a vehicle capable of carrying large pieces, bring some tie-downs, though we can often help with delivery if the piece is too big. Most importantly, bring your imagination!

• Why is hand-picking timber better than buying online?

  Timber is a natural product, and every single piece is different. A photo can only show so much. When you visit us in Richmond, you can feel the weight of the wood, see how the light hits the grain, and even smell the natural resins. This ensures you get exactly what you want and helps you avoid pieces that might not fit your vision once they arrive.

• Do you have small pieces for hobby woodworking in Nelson?

  Yes! While we are famous for our massive slabs, we also have plenty of smaller pieces perfect for wood turning, shelving, or small craft projects. Our yard is a treasure trove for anyone who loves working with wood. No project is too small for us to help you find the perfect bit of timber.