Hi Robin, welcome to CBN. You were asking about hard wood and where to obtain it. A lot of pallets are actually made from hardwood, oak, ash etc. If a gentle push with a flat screwdriver does not produce a deep dint you've got yourself some hardwood. Ask round friends and relatives, you will be surprised how many people have pieces in the garage that they have had for years. If your not shy and have a bit of cheek ask at local furniture, door manufacturers who are only too pleased to let you go through their skips, saves paying someone to take it away. Ask down the pub, shop/kitchen fitters, joiners etc bribed with a pint or two are a great source and it usually comes planed up and delivered free. Old furniture, replaced hardwood doors (so a double glazing fitter can be a good friend) laminated hardwood flooring end of range left over after being layed can be laminated or used for fret boards, people who have wood burners sometimes have regular supplies but you need to ask before they get the saw out. Ask anybody and everybody you meet and before long the problems solved. Hope that has inspired you into scavenging what you need and before long you will be trying to give it away yourself.

Good luck and happy hunting, all the best mate, Chris. :)