I am remodeling my living room, and would like to look into having a
“Koa Wood” mantel made for my fireplace.

The mantle would be approximately 2 inches by 12 inches, and 10 feet
long.

Where could I have this made without spending a fortune?

I live in Southern California and could have a local carpenter install
it.

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Request for Question Clarification by digsalot-ga on 06 Oct 2002 13:29 PDT

If the price were right, would you be willing to have this piece
shipped from Hawaii?

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Clarification of Question by clicker5-ga on 06 Oct 2002 19:02 PDT

Hello digsalot-ga:

Yes, if the price was right, I would pay for shipping from Hawaii.

I know that there are (and I have seen them) many, many, web sites
from Hawaii that sell Koa wood.

However, I would like to have someone recommend a reliable site.  And
hopefully from personal experience.  Personal experience is not
required, but it would be best to work with a reliable company.

From: clicker5-ga

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Request for Question Clarification by digsalot-ga on 06 Oct 2002 19:37 PDT

I have sent an email to the Hawaii Forest Industry Association for
recommendations about woodworkers in both Hawaii and Southern
California who deal with koa.  The reason I am contacting them
directly instead of a "woodworkers" association is that the Forest
Industry Association sets minimal standards for quality and service
which might not be found in a for profit "trade" organization.  I am
familiar with the Ohio Forest Industry Association and the different
state associations work closely with each other to maintain a quality
product.

For me, this would seem the best way to go as I have no "personal"
experience with koa wood and would not completely trust the claims of
a commercial website since their first priority would be to sell their
"own" product rather than give objective advice.

---

Clarification of Question by clicker5-ga on 07 Oct 2002 00:57 PDT

Thank you digsalot-ga:

Please keep up the good work.

clicker5-ga

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Request for Question Clarification by digsalot-ga on 07 Oct 2002 16:03 PDT

While I am waiting for a response to the email, another researcher
approached me with a suggestion.  If you already know of somebody who
can do mantles in your local area, and there are many in Southern
california.  Just take a drive down Melrose just west of Western Ave. 
Would you be interested in simply importing the wood from a reputable
Hawaiian supplier and having the mantle constructed locally?  There
are some great woodworkers and woodcarvers in that part of LA.

---

Clarification of Question by clicker5-ga on 08 Oct 2002 17:18 PDT

Hello:  digsalot-ga: 
I am a new subscriber with “Google Answers”.  
And, by working with you, I am sure impressed.  
By communicating  with you, I have clarified in my mind the correct
path I need to take with my Koa mantle.
I need to start here in my home town, find a woodworker, and work with
him to look for the correct piece of Koa wood.  And, then have him
install it.
I believe you have handed me the correct answer and I sure give you
five stars, for the work you have done.
Thank you,
clicker5-ga

In that case, I have moved your last clarification here as an
'official' answer.  I am glad I was able to answer your question and I
look forward to the award of the stars.  I do so love decorations.  I
have not yet heard back from Hawaii but I will email them again if I
don't in another day or so and pass the answer along to you.

Cheers and thank you
digsalot

Hello:  digsalot-ga:  
       I am a new subscriber with “Google Answers”.   
       And, by working with you, I am sure impressed.   
       By communicating  with you, I have clarified in my mind the
correct
       path I need to take with my Koa mantle.
       I need to start here in my home town, find a woodworker, and
work with
       him to look for the correct piece of Koa wood.  And, then have
him
       install it.
       I believe you have handed me the correct answer and I sure give
you
       five stars, for the work you have done.
       Thank you, 
       clicker5-ga

Research and clarification led to the correct answer.
I am impressed with "Google Answers", and with digsalot-ga.
I foresee much success with this site

Thanks to another of the researchers named AlienIntelligence-ga, here
is a reputable supplier of koa wood should your local craftsman need a
source.  They carry both curly koa and select koa. -
http://www.martinandmacarthur.com/lumber.html

cheers
digs

I received email from Hawaii along with an apology for the delay.  It
seems it is the type of organization where everybody takes vacation at
the same time and they were in their yearly two week shutdown.

Most of the information was about reforesting projects, renewable
timber resources, meeting times, and very little on the marketing end.
 They did recommend a single supplier.  AlienIntelligence-ga did a
great job.  The single supplier is the same one he gave you above :)