Where To Find Free Exotic Wood Samples Online A Complete Guide

Oct. 24, 2025, 7:23 a.m.

Tags: wood exotic

The ability to touch, feel, and examine exotic wood species firsthand is invaluable for woodworkers, furniture makers, and DIY enthusiasts. Free exotic wood samples provide an opportunity to evaluate grain patterns, color variations, and physical properties before committing to larger purchases for projects. This guide explores the various companies and resources offering complimentary wood samples, highlighting the types of wood available, sample limitations, and ordering processes.

Companies Offering Free Exotic Wood Samples

Several reputable retailers specialize in exotic hardwoods and offer complimentary sample programs. These companies understand the importance of allowing customers to experience the unique characteristics of different wood species before making significant purchasing decisions.

Bell Forest Products

Bell Forest Products stands out as a premier source for exotic wood sample packs. Their sample collection includes 32 distinct species, providing woodworkers with an impressive variety to evaluate. The sample pack contains the following exotic woods: Acacia, African Mahogany, Birdseye Maple, Bocote, Bolivian Rosewood, Canarywood, Cherry, Curly Maple, Ebiara, Flame Birch, Genuine Mahogany, Hickory, Honey Locust, Jatoba, Leopardwood, Makore, Mango, Maple, Mayan Walnut, Osage Orange, Padauk, Purpleheart, Quartersawn White Oak, Redheart, Santos Mahogany, Sapele, Spanish Cedar, Teak, Walnut, Wenge, Yellowheart, and Zebrawood.

Bell Forest Products notes that samples of equal or greater value may be substituted if a particular species becomes unavailable. Each sample follows the IWCS standard size of 1/2" x 3" x 6" and includes comprehensive labeling data such as common name, Latin name, dry weight, specific gravity, and origin. This detailed information helps woodworkers understand the physical properties of each species beyond just visual appearance.

The company also offers individual samples for those who need specific pieces for small projects, finish testing, or customer displays. All sample orders include free shipping within the USA, making it accessible for woodworkers across the country.

Elmwood Reclaimed Timber

Elmwood Reclaimed Timber provides an excellent option for those interested in reclaimed and sustainable wood products. Their free sample program allows customers to select up to 4 free samples from their extensive catalog of solid hardwood and engineered hardwood flooring options. The company emphasizes the aesthetic appeal of weathered wood paneling, suggesting it can enhance various design schemes from contemporary farmhouses to more traditional interiors.

The ordering process is straightforward: customers select their desired samples directly from product pages or a comprehensive list of solid hardwood options, then proceed to checkout to finalize their order. Elmwood Reclaimed Timber commits to delivering samples swiftly to customers' doorsteps. For those needing assistance in selecting appropriate samples or exploring customer reviews, the company offers direct access to wood flooring experts via phone at (800) 705-0705.

Their collection features diverse wood choices, including white oak, European oak, hickory, and dark walnut. These samples can help customers envision potential applications for flooring, paneling, wood tops, and other woodworking projects, effectively bringing the showroom experience directly to the customer's home.

Palace Imports

Palace Imports offers free wood samples specifically for color matching and wood quality assessment. The company maintains a strict policy of providing one sample per color to ensure customers receive accurate representations of each option. This approach recognizes that actual wood color may vary, and having dedicated samples for each color helps customers make informed decisions.

All Palace Imports products are manufactured from 100% solid wood, a material valued for its aesthetic appeal, durability, and ease of repair. The company acknowledges that as a natural product, wood possesses unique physical characteristics that make each piece one-of-a-kind, often displaying slight imperfections that add to its charm.

Palace Imports uses only kid-safe, non-toxic, lead-free paint in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission requirements. Their sample program includes free shipping on all domestic US orders, with prices including shipping to the lower 48 states. For Alaska and Hawaii, the company provides worldwide shipping rates upon request.

Samples are shipped flat packaged with unique inner configurations and outer packaging designed to offer a high level of protection from shipping damage. Depending on location and order weight, items are shipped via FedEx Ground, UPS Ground, or freight carriers. Palace Imports ships exclusively to physical addresses and does not deliver to PO Boxes or nontraditional addresses.

Advantage Lumber

Advantage Lumber offers complimentary hardwood samples to customers interested in their products. The company maintains a limit of 5 samples per customer, providing a generous selection for evaluation purposes. Customers who require more than 5 samples are instructed to contact the company directly at 1-877-232-3915 to discuss their specific needs.

This sample program allows woodworkers and DIY enthusiasts to experience the quality and characteristics of Advantage Lumber's hardwood offerings before committing to larger purchases. The free samples help customers make informed decisions about which species best suit their projects.

Other Flooring Companies with Free Sample Programs

Several other flooring companies offer free or low-cost samples that can be valuable resources for woodworkers and those considering flooring projects.

Build Direct

Build Direct provides an attractive sample program for DIY enthusiasts interested in building materials and flooring. Their program offers customers 5 free samples of any style from their catalog, with all samples measuring approximately 4" x 6". The company includes free shipping on these sample orders.

For customers who need more than 5 samples, Build Direct offers the option to order additional samples for a minimal fee. This flexibility makes the program suitable for those comparing multiple flooring options or requiring larger quantities for evaluation purposes.

Lumber Liquidators

Lumber Liquidators distinguishes itself by offering both in-store and online sample options. In their physical retail locations, customers can walk in and pick up 3 samples for free, providing an immediate tactile experience with different wood species.

For those who prefer online ordering, Lumber Liquidators offers 3 samples for $10 with free shipping and includes a $10 credit with the purchase. Each additional sample beyond the initial three costs $1. This approach combines a small investment with a credit that essentially makes the samples free while ensuring customers have a broader selection to evaluate.

iFloor

iFloor provides an extensive selection of flooring materials including hardwood, cork, bamboo, laminate, and vinyl. Their current sample program allows customers to order 5 free flooring samples from their catalog, with express shipping included at no additional cost. This program makes it convenient for customers to receive multiple samples quickly and compare different options from the comfort of their homes.

Shaw Flooring

Shaw Flooring offers a diverse product line including carpet, hardwood, luxury vinyl, and laminate flooring. While samples from every Shaw collection cost $4.99 each, the company includes free shipping, making them reasonably accessible. Samples can be obtained through several online and local retailers, providing multiple channels for customers to access Shaw's product offerings.

Armstrong Flooring

Armstrong flooring samples are available through local flooring stores, Lowe's, and Home Depot, as well as directly from the company. While not free, Armstrong offers hundreds of options, with samples generally measuring at least 7" wide. Each sample costs $5, with shipping starting at approximately $8. The larger sample size provides a more substantial representation of the flooring's appearance and texture.

Types of Wood Samples Available

The variety of wood samples available through these programs reflects the diverse needs and interests of woodworkers, furniture makers, and DIY enthusiasts.

Exotic Species

Bell Forest Products leads in offering exotic wood species, with their sample pack including 32 different varieties. Exotic woods such as Bolivian Rosewood, Canarywood, Leopardwood, Purpleheart, and Zebrawood provide unique visual characteristics and physical properties that distinguish them from more common domestic species. These samples allow woodworkers to experience the distinctive grain patterns, color variations, and working properties of exotic woods that might otherwise be difficult to evaluate prior to purchase.

Reclaimed Wood

Elmwood Reclaimed Timber specializes in reclaimed wood products, offering samples that showcase the character and history of weathered lumber. Reclaimed wood often features nail holes, saw marks, and other imperfections that tell a story of previous use. These samples appeal to customers interested in sustainable building practices and those seeking unique aesthetic elements for their projects. The aged appearance of reclaimed wood can add depth and authenticity to furniture, flooring, and architectural elements.

Flooring Samples

Many companies provide flooring samples that represent their complete product lines. These samples typically measure larger than standard wood samples, often 4" x 6" or wider, to give customers a more accurate representation of how the material will appear in a full installation. Flooring samples may include various finishes, widths, and construction types (solid wood, engineered, etc.), allowing for comprehensive comparison before making significant flooring investments.

Sample Sizes and Information Included

Wood samples vary in size and the information provided, with companies tailoring their offerings to best serve customer needs.

Standard Sample Sizes

Most companies follow industry standard sizes for their samples. Bell Forest Products specifies that their samples adhere to the IWCS standard size of 1/2" x 3" x 6". This relatively small size allows for cost-effective shipping while still providing sufficient surface area to evaluate grain patterns and color. Build Direct's samples measure approximately 4" x 6", offering a larger viewing area, while Armstrong flooring samples are generally at least 7" wide to better represent the appearance of installed flooring.

Label Information

Comprehensive labeling enhances the value of wood samples by providing technical information beyond visual appearance. Bell Forest Products includes detailed data with each sample, such as common name, Latin name, dry weight, specific gravity, and origin. This information helps woodworkers understand the physical properties of each species, including weight characteristics and density, which are important factors in woodworking and construction.

Ordering Process and Limitations

Each company has specific policies regarding sample orders, including limitations on quantities and procedures for requesting additional samples.

Sample Quantity Limits

Most companies enforce limits on the number of free samples customers can order: - Bell Forest Products does not specify a limit for their sample packs but offers individual samples as needed - Elmwood Reclaimed Timber allows up to 4 free samples per order - Palace Imports limits customers to one sample per color - Advantage Lumber permits a maximum of 5 samples per customer - Build Direct provides 5 free samples with the option to order more for a fee - Lumber Liquidators offers 3 free samples in-store or 3 for $10 online - iFloor allows 5 free flooring samples per order

These limitations balance the companies' desire to provide samples with the need to control costs and prevent abuse of the sample programs.

Requesting Additional Samples

For customers who need more samples than the standard limits allow, several companies provide options: - Advantage Lumber instructs customers to call 1-877-232-3915 for more than 5 samples - Build Direct allows ordering additional samples for a minimal fee - Lumber Liquidators offers additional samples at $1 each beyond the initial three

These accommodations recognize that some projects may require evaluation of numerous species or variations before making a final decision.

Shipping Information

Shipping policies vary among companies, with most offering free domestic shipping while imposing restrictions on delivery locations.

Domestic Shipping

Most companies provide free shipping within the continental United States: - Bell Forest Products includes free shipping within the USA for their sample packs - Elmwood Reclaimed Timber delivers samples to customers' doorsteps at no charge - Palace Imports offers free shipping on all domestic US orders to the lower 48 states - Advantage Lumber, Build Direct, and iFloor all include free shipping with their sample orders

Alaska and Hawaii Shipping

For customers in Alaska and Hawaii, shipping policies differ: - Palace Imports provides worldwide shipping rates to these states upon request - Other companies do not specifically address Alaska and Hawaii shipping in the provided information

Delivery Restrictions

Several companies have restrictions on where they will deliver samples: - Palace Imports ships exclusively to physical addresses and does not deliver to PO Boxes or nontraditional addresses - Other companies do not specify delivery restrictions in the provided information

Alternative Sources for Wood

Beyond commercial sample programs, several alternative sources can provide wood for projects, often at minimal cost.

Habitat for Humanity ReStores

Habitat for Humanity ReStores offer building materials at reduced prices, with proceeds supporting the organization's mission of building homes for those in need. While not specifically focused on exotic woods, these stores sometimes carry interesting wood varieties that can be difficult to find elsewhere. The wood at ReStores might not be free, but it is often very affordable, making it an economical option for woodworkers. Shopping at ReStores also supports a charitable cause, adding an element of social responsibility to material sourcing.

Tree Trimming Services

Tree trimming services can be an excellent source for unique wood, particularly for those interested in live edge slabs or other natural forms. These services regularly remove trees due to disease, storm damage, or landscaping changes, and the resulting wood might otherwise go to waste.

When approaching tree services, it's important to be specific about what you're looking for, such as live edge slabs, and to inquire about any available wood they might be removing. The type of wood obtained from tree services varies by location and could include anything from oak and maple to more exotic varieties.

Building a relationship with local tree services can lead to a consistent source of unique wood materials for woodworking projects. This approach requires tact and timing, as availability depends on when and where trees are being removed.

Conclusion

Free exotic wood samples provide an invaluable resource for woodworkers, furniture makers, and DIY enthusiasts to evaluate materials before committing to larger purchases. Companies like Bell Forest Products, Elmwood Reclaimed Timber, Palace Imports, and Advantage Lumber offer comprehensive sample programs that allow customers to experience the unique characteristics of different wood species firsthand.

When ordering samples, it's important to be aware of company policies regarding quantity limits, shipping restrictions, and procedures for requesting additional samples. For those who exhaust commercial sample options or seek more unusual wood varieties, alternative sources like Habitat for Humanity ReStores and tree trimming services can provide interesting materials at minimal cost.

By taking advantage of these sample programs and alternative sourcing methods, woodworkers can make more informed decisions about material selection, ultimately leading to more successful and satisfying projects.