So here I am wide awake on a US business trip because my brain is still on UK time and what better way to pass the time than to visit Home Depot at 6am.

This is an american institution in the eyes of anyone consuming woodworking or diy content online and in-spite of the distance travelled, it turns out that it’s a very similar (in a spooky way) to the DIY chain B&Q in the UK.

In the UK our DIY chains always seem quite limited in terms of what they sell for woodworking enthusiasts. Aisles of softwood and average quality plywood and MDF, and maybe a smattering of hardwood trim.

But then we see our US woodworkers sourcing Poplar, Cedar and white-oak in usable sizes, and plywood which is made from recognisable species. But this merely reflects the reality of the local home-building standards within the US. In Boston and much of New England homes are constructed, clad, roofed and trimmed out in wood. Wood is everywhere around you and Home Depot simply stocks what you need to maintain homes and business premises. If you’re looking to make heirloom furniture then you’re still going to choose a local hardwood dealer, much in the same way you do in the UK.

And speaking to my work colleagues in the US, a good dealer could be 2-3 hours away on the freeway so maybe things aren’t so different after all.

You can watch my YouTube Short by following this link.

Who Knew Home Depot Opens at 6am?