Thought this might interest the group...
I was at a furniture store in downtown Richmond, VA this weekend. The store was in what was originally a warehouse or factory, built at least 100 years ago I'd guess, based on the 20' ceilings built entirely from rough 2x12 joists and diagonally-laid solid-wood subfloor.
In a back room I saw a 12' high post that was the single most massive piece of wood I have ever seen, by far. I didn't have a tape measure with me, but it was at least 12x14 inches, possibly 14x16. I have no idea what species it was, it was just a weathered grey color from all those years in an unheated space.
What do you think such a piece of wood would cost nowadays, if it is available at all?
Michael