Glen-L.com

So, I was thinking back on some knives I've made over the years and was reminded of the love I had for Ancient Kauri, which I've used on a few knife handles. If you are unfamiliar with this wood, go here: http://www.ancientwood.com/ Failure to do so would be tragic. Watch the videos in particular.

Anyway, I thought to myself, "Self, you should consider Ancient Kauri for field boards on your deck!" I quickly remebered that I paid $25 per board foot for cast off blocks several years ago, and thought I'd check current pricing at the site listed above. The price range is now $40-$100 per board foot based on cut, grain, and figure. So much for that idea...

...but wait! I noticed that they sell veneers! "Ah Ha!" I exclaimed aloud. That would certainly be in my price range! How much could 1/32" veneers cost? $7.50 per square foot. It sounded ok untill I did the math. It would cost well over $400 just for veneers to do the field boards and coverboards adhering to the design I've chosen. Nuts!

Well, I'd still love to see Ancient Kauri on a boat deck, but it won't be mine. Maybe some of you with deeper pockets and nicer boats could justify the expense. There is no more beautiful wood on Earth, and at 40,000-50,000 years old, it is historically significant as well.

I encourage you to learn about Ancient Kauri.

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Andy Garrett

"When all else fails, follow the instructions." -Dad

Amazing!

"Swamp" Kauri is very nice timber. It is particularly favoured by turners. It is still quite readily available here for a reasonable cost but it is really only good for furniture etc. From what I understand the strength is nowhere as good as the "felled" Kauri. That said I agree, it would maker a striking deck. I have thought about using it for making musical instruments but I understand it is not suitible as a tone wood which is unfortunate because as you say the grain to this is simply amazing. And how many people could say they have a 50,000 year old violin
The felled Kauri however is the most sort after boat building timber in New Zealand. Reasonably durable, straight grained, blemish free and strong reletive to weight. It was used as masts as well. Unfortunatly it is hard to get decent timber now. A common tourist attraction in Northland has a living Kauri with a volume of 245 cubic metres and a girth of 14 metres. They think it is between 1250 and 2000 years old. Pretty cool.
Pretty pricey up your way for sure-guess it's the logistics. The price of a new Dodge or Chev down here is ludicrous.

Wayne

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Building the Bonanza