How to Market Reclaimed Lumber From an Old Sawmill

Reclaimed lumber is a highly sought-after commodity. This wood is prized by residential and commercial builders who want an "old-time" look for the interior of a building. In addition, homeowners with historic homes are undertaking remodeling projects to restore their homes to the original look. In these cases, reclaimed lumber might be used for flooring, paneling or other interior accents. Although the wood can come from salvaged barns, buildings or boats, old sawmills are intriguing sources with a history of their own.

Things You'll Need

• Sample price list for reclaimed lumber
• List of potential buyers for "cash and carry" sale
• List of nonprofit organizations

Instructions

1. Evaluate the wood's potential. In an ideal scenario, the lumber was stored inside and therefore was less subject to weather effects. Even if the lumber was stored outside, however, it was seasoned (air-dried) and therefore would be less likely to shrink or warp than unseasoned, or "green," lumber. There are many applications for reclaimed seasoned wood: timber and beams, interior wood flooring, planking and decking, millwork, mantels and specialty pieces.

2. Look at your capabilities. If you own a wood products company, for example, you can easily use your sawmill to manufacture products for your customers. If you lack the sawmill but have existing arrangements with a wood-processing company, this may not be a major obstacle. On the other hand, perhaps you own the old sawmill land and want to use it for another purpose. In that case, you want to quickly sell the old lumber and redevelop the land.

3. Hold a "cash and carry" lumber sale. To obtain maximum value for the lumber, do some price research first. Don't limit your publicity to the local area. Expand your reach by contacting regional home centers, builders and remodelers as well as restoration experts. Finally, an online wood products clearinghouse can advertise your wood nationwide at a reasonable price.

4. Contact a reclaimed lumber specialist. Found throughout the United States, these companies usually find and sell their own reclaimed lumber. However, many also purchase harvested stock from others.

5. Donate the lumber to a nonprofit organization. This is an unconventional option, but it may provide tax advantages and personal satisfaction (consult with your tax adviser). For example, you could donate the wood to an historic preservation program at a nearby college. Another recipient might be a nonprofit group working with students to teach construction skills. Finally, local historical societies may welcome the wood if they restore old homes and businesses.

References

• Vintage Timberworks
• Colonial Barn Restoration Inc.
• Wood Planet