General FAQ’s

Shipping is calculated on weight, dimension and distance. Delivery is often less than our customers expect. At the drop of a hat, we can supply a quote that includes both product and shipping. Remember that shipping charges become more economical the greater the quantity/weight. When calculating waste, it is better to err on the side of caution.

All North American orders are shipped via common carrier, courier or post; depending on the size and weight of the order.  We have shipping discounts via contract that we pass on to you.  Shipping charges do not usually increase proportionately; quite the reverse.  The larger the order, the less the shipping charge per boardfoot becomes.  Shipping is typically FOB Our Warehouse, Sidney, BC, Canada.  Call for a shipping quote.

If there appears to be damage in transit, please note this on the weigh bill that accompanies the shipment and contact us.  Our shippers have a good track record but sometimes the unforeseen happens. See our shipping page for more details.

All Prices are in Canadian Dollars and FOB Sidney, BC, Canada.

Lumber

All our “rough” hardwoods and softwoods are sold by the board foot (unit of measure) unless as otherwise noted. One board foot (Bd.Ft. or BF) = 144 cubic inches. The formula to calculate BF, multiply thickness (inches) x width (inches) x length (feet) and divide by 12. As an example, 1″T x 6″W x 8’L = 4BF.

Veneer

All our veneers are sold by the Square Foot (Sq.Ft. or SF). Raw veneer will vary in size depending on the size of the log. Paper-backed veneer are generally 4′ x 8′ in size.

Flooring

All flooring is sold by the square foot.

Feel confident that we will always select your order per your specifications. Remember that our stock is in a constant state of flux and that we will select your order to match your needs as closely as possible in an effort to eliminate waste. However, remember that you will nearly always incur a certain amount of waste; possibly as high as 30-40% in some species. Communication is the key!!

Also, remember that shipping charges become more economical the greater the quantity/weight. When calculating waste, it is more efficient to err on the side of caution.

We accept Visa, MasterCard, Money Orders, Bank Transfers and Company/Personal Cheques. We reserve the right to hold orders until cheques have cleared our bank. Returned cheques are subject to a processing fee of $19.00. We do not offer COD shipping.

US and International Residents – No Canadian Taxes; however Brokerage and Tariffs/Duties may apply.

Please inquire with your local government officials.

• AB, PQ, PEI, SK, MN, YK, NV, NWT – 5% GST
• BC – 7% PST + 5% GST
• ON – 13% HST
• NS, NB, NF – 15% HST

Unfortunately, we cannot ship large orders of softwood lumber over the border to the USA at this time. Under the current Softwood Lumber Agreement between the US and Canada, all shipments – large and small – whether for personal or commercial use, require a Softwood Permit and we are not bonded to be able to provide this.

You can choose to have your order delivered to your home, a business, or you can pick it up at a pre-determined freight depot closest to your geographical address. There is a residential drop-off surcharge; this includes jobsites for homes under construction.

You need to have someone at the delivery location to help unload the order. Deliveries are ‘curb side’. The drivers will not bring the material into your home. Any additional services, such as two-man delivery, inside delivery, lift-gate trucks, or pallet jacks are not included in the shipping charge. If you require assistance, please contact our office.

The freight carrier can be requested to contact you prior to delivery. Please make that arrangement while placing your order. Initially, the freight company will give you an estimated date of delivery. As the delivery reaches its final stages, delivery dates can be confirmed.

We make it simple for you to work within these terms. We provide you with the tracking number and a terminal telephone number or web link in order for you to track your order and schedule a delivery day and time that will be convenient for you.

We ship from our Sidney, BC Canada warehouse to the United States and overseas (small quantities only, no container loads).

While West Wind Hardwood can source top quality products and are happy to courier & freight to our US and International customers, sometimes shipping will exceed the actual cost of the goods ordered & is not the best choice for our customers.

SOFTWOODS – to United States (Nov. 2019)

Surprisingly, the US and Canada have been at ‘war’ over softwood lumber since the early 1900’s. For the past 15-years, there have been various sanctions imposed by the US Government but these past 2-years have been quite onerous.  West Wind Hardwood has taken a serious look at the economic impact on our company, and have come to the conclusion we can no longer carry the financial burden imposed by the surety companies requiring multiplying Letters of Credit from our Bank.

This decision has been a difficult one for West Wind Hardwood as we’ve been in the boat lumber business since 1980.  To step back from what we consider a passion, is devastating.

As well as hardwoods and exotics, we will continue to sell quality softwood lumber/timbers and produce value-added softwood products.  We will continue to export from Canada with the exception of solid softwood lumber/boat timbers and solid softwood flooring and mouldings into the US.  Should the US Government accept our many trade wins with the WTO – World Trade Organization, we will be waiting.

PLYWOOD – Small Quantities (3 sheets or less)

If you are ordering plywood to be shipped to the States or Internationally, please be advised we can only ship in a cost effective way IF we can cut the plywood into a more manageable size for shipping.

We have found that it is far too expensive for some of our customers in the UNITED STATES & INTERNATIONALLY to have FULL PLYWOOD SHEETS shipped to them and sometimes we must simply recommend our customers source the materials closer to home, for cost saving purposes.

HARDWOODS & OTHER PRODUCTS (Under 150 lbs or Low Value Commodity-type Products)

We use UPS and the Postal Service to ship our smaller wood products.  If you would like to estimate if it’s worth your while ordering from us here in beautiful British Columbia, Canada – please visit the following sites, pop in our address freighting to your address and they can give you an estimate of how much freight will cost you.  We can help you determine size and weight.

UPS FREIGHT – Calculate Time/Cost
CANADA POSTAL SERVICE – Find a Rate

When shipping under these carrier services (courier and post) ALL DUTIES, TAXES AND FEES incurred from border crossing are the responsibility of the customer (receiver). Unless the order is damaged or lost in transit, once it has left our facility the shipping charges are final.

Shipping charges for returning goods are the responsibility of the customer, please review our return policy for more information. If you are waiting for a shipment and have not received a tracking number, please reach out to us immediately.

Only the standard $100 value of insurance is included for most shipments. If your order is of high value or delicate nature (excluding oils) we will add extra insurance to your rate if we determine it is needed. Please inform us right away if your order is damaged or you believe it is lost, and we will work with the carrier to solve the problem.

Our shipping address is:

WEST WIND HARDWOOD
5-10189 MCDONALD PARK ROAD
SIDNEY, BC
CANADA V8L 5X5

While we strive to offer the best prices we can, taking into account these handy freight tips can save you both time & money!

If you have any freight-related questions you can email info@westwindhardwood.com and we’ll be happy to help you out.

Whoever has been designated to accept the delivery, must be prepared to inspect it and ensure that all is received in good order. If you are not going to be the one accepting the order, you must ensure that the person signing the order is capable of doing so. You should not sign the paperwork and let the driver leave until the order has been thoroughly inspected. If there is any damaged or missing material, it must be noted on the paperwork in order for us to issue replacement material to you and initiate a claim with the freight company. We are referring to damage by the trucking company, not manufacturer defects. If there is any damaged material, we will immediately reship your replacement for this material, as long as it was noted in the paperwork. AND PLEASE CALL THIS OFFICE IMMEDIATELY AT 1-800-667-2275, 250-656-0848 or Email Us

Proper handling and storage of the lumber upon arrival will help protect the appearance and control moisture content.  Depending on the moisture content of the wood and that within the air, wood can absorb or loose moisture.  Rapid or uneven moisture change can result in warping, staining and possible shrinkage.  Lumber should never be stored n the ground.  It should always be covered; lumber wrap works nicely.  Kiln dried lumber should be kept out of the rain and indoors.  Interior products should be given time to acclimatize; minimum one week.  Sticker the wood to allow air to circulate around and through the pile.