h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Currently wondering where I can buy hardwood in useful sizes to make 2 built in shelf/cabinet units to sit either side of my fireplace in the front room. Don;t want pine, want something a dark and hardwoodish to fit with the rest of the room (as it will be). Needs to be precut to some degree as I haven't got a workshop at the moment (that's for next year!). Any thoughts welcome

Need a couple of long sections to make the frame and then some planks or boards to make the shelfs/cupboard.

You can stain softwood.
If you have a nearby wood yard (maybe even a garden centre) they might cut it for you if they don't stock the lengths you want.

might have to have a search. Don't really want stained softwood cos you can tell - half the attraction with hardwoods in the grain

You may have difficulty finding pre-cut solid hardwood planks.

Hardwood tends to be a bit expensive, too

I've made a few decent solid hardwood things, such as a couple of sold cherry occasional tables and some plant stands.

I purchased some rough cherry pieces from a woodworker's shop, and rented some time on his saws, planers and sanders in order to cut and prepare the planks to the proper dimensions for the pieces.

I also made some fairly decent bits using hand power tools and manual hand tools, made from a combination of veneered plywood and solid hardwood molding, including a mantle-piece out of oak and oak veneer.

I'd look for a demolition/salvage firm that sells second hand timber and other building stuff. I've had some cracking stuff in the past from these sort places. Mohogany, Teak, Oak. A bit of cleaning up, planing and away you go. Most of these firms have a workshop on site so I'm sure they'll cut to appropriate lengths as required.

What about scouring secondhand or antique shops?

secondhand shops is an idea. And the reclamation/salvage yards as well, good point. have to do a web search on that.

Taliesin - shame you're in canada - could have done a commission! I like cherry as a wood - was it easy to work with?
I do have plans to do similar things but need a workshop first.