What Wood Do You Use to Build a Dory?

Softwoods like spruce, fir, or pine for the planking and bottom. A hardwood like oak for the stem and frames. You do not need exotic species. Straight grain and minimal knots matter more than the name on the tag.

Planking and Bottom

The hull planks and bottom boards are the largest pieces of lumber in the build. Traditionally, Newfoundland dory builders used whatever good softwood was available locally. Spruce was common. Fir works well. Pine is fine. What you want is lumber that is straight-grained, reasonably clear of knots, and available at a standard lumber yard. You are not hunting for specialty marine timber.

Frames and Stem

The internal frames and the curved stem at the bow take more stress, so a harder wood helps here. White oak is the traditional choice. It bends well, holds fasteners tight, and resists rot. If oak is hard to find in your area, other dense hardwoods can work. The plans spell out what you need and how much.

Builders Outside North America

One of our customers in Australia could not find the exact species listed in the plans, so he used marine plywood and local hardwoods. His boat turned out great. The design is forgiving that way. If you have access to a decent lumber yard and can find straight-grained softwood and a hard, rot-resistant species for the frames, you can build this boat. The plans include notes on wood substitutions for builders in different regions.

Where to Buy

A standard lumber yard or building supply store carries everything you need for the planking and bottom. For oak or other hardwoods, a local hardwood dealer or even a sawmill will have what you are looking for. You do not need to order specialty marine timber online unless you want to.