SpenceI'd really like to see a price list with the upcost of the premium woods and some sample pics. Maybe that's asking a bit much, but it sure would save everybody time.
That sure would be nice and it never hurts to ask, but...I don't think you realize the enormity of the request. Since we are able and willing to build virtually anything one may want that is available, that opens up an almost unlimited universe of possibilities. The hardwood species market is huge and very much like the commodities market. Prices fluctuate almost daily, depending on harvest conditions, time of year, mill runs, etc. Heck, you ought to see the bidding wars that take place on E-bay for small pieces of logs! We used to try and have a fixed price but on one end the customer got screwed and on the other we did.
We've decided to quote on a per order basis as many times certain species aren't even available. If you notice on the link to the veneer vendor's website that Bill gave you, certain woods (like the Crotch Mahogany) say "enquire for pricing." The above is why. One day they may get a big lot in and it goes for cheap... a couple of months later and you can't even get it. In that regard veneer is bad enough. When we're talking solid hardwood boards of the lengths we need, unless you are very well off... you don't even want to know what some woods will cost for what seems a relatively small amount.
So... sorry we can't do better. It's a hassle I know but like anything else in life, if you want something other than the "mass produced" stuff, that's what you're forced to deal with. It's a hassle for us as well to do the research and get prices. In the end a customer may decide against a certain combination due to the price. Then all of that time was spent for nothing gained. Nevertheless, we accept the fact that it's just part of the process.
Take care,
-Bob
