How to Get Free Wood for Craft Projects

There are a number of craft projects that require the odd sized piece of wood or laminate. Purchasing wood at a lumberyard or a craft store can up the price of the craft project to more money than one would wish to spend. Here are some suggestions to find free wood for your projects.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A local phone book
• A vehicle

1. Look around town for any new construction sites. Since contractors generally have to pay big bucks to take that dumpster full of lumber cut-offs to the landfill, most are more than willing to let you dumpster dive for free.

2. Look in the local phone book for cabinet shops. Go and visit those that look like larger shops. Many cabinet shops are more than willing to allow you to haul off smaller pieces of wood that they have no use for.

3. Contact local manufacturers and other business. They often receive materials on pallets. Pallet wood can be anything from pine to oak and can be cut to size on a table saw. Tooling often comes in wooden boxes that are generally thrown away also, so ask about these.

Tips & Warnings

• Constructions sites finds can include exotic woods that may not be found elsewhere. The more exclusive the site, the more expensive and exotic woods may be had for nothing.
• Cabinet shops can yield laminates and other specialty woods and wood products.
• Before using any free wood for projects that may come into contact with wood, make sure the wood is free of preservatives or other treatments that could contaminate the food. Many pallets are either treated before use or are washed with harsh chemicals.