How to Sell Reclaimed Wood Flooring
There are many sources for reclaimed wood flooring, ranging from your own floorboards if you're remodeling your house, to abandoned factories or rural buildings, mills and condemned properties. Wood that's in good shape can be used to add character to new properties while conserving natural resources. Reclaimed wood flooring can be sold to timber mills, lumber companies, artists and even contractors. There are many markets for your reclaimed flooring material if you know where to look and how to approach potential buyers. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Photograph the wood flooring. You can either do this before you strip the old floorboards from the site or after you've harvested old wood.
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Research mills that specialize in reclaimed wood flooring by using Salvoweb's directories of salvage, reclaimed and recycled materials. Depending on the type, quality and amount of wood you have, you may find a mill that would love to purchase your reclaimed wood. Pioneer Millworks and Elmwood Reclaimed Timber are two companies that buy and sell reclaimed timber.
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Review the websites of companies you find on Salvoweb to determine their preferred contact method. Some companies wish to be emailed or contacted using a website form. Other companies may prefer a telephone call. If you're in doubt, call the company to ask how to arrange a potential sale and follow the advice you're given.
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Email or call companies to let them know what type of wood flooring you have. If you can, tell them how old the flooring is, what material it is and how the wood is finished. Measure the wood, and let them know the length and width of the boards. Your email should be friendly but brief; inform them of your material without trying to sell them.
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Provide any follow-up materials that the mills request, such as images of the wood or hard wood samples. Reclaimed lumber companies may have a large number of offers to weed through, with much of the wood being a poor match for the company. Be patient and courteous when calling or emailing the companies, and let them make the decision on whether your flooring is a good match.
If a company is interested, discuss the sales and removal process. Ask the company if it will tear out an old barn floor if you haven't already done so. -
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Research local contractors and interior designers using the Interior Design Directory, Green Contractor Guide or your local chamber of commerce. Approach local contractors and interior designers via telephone and tell them you have reclaimed wood for sale. Contractors or interior designers might have a client who wants reclaimed wood floors, allowing you to make the sale to a homeowner in your location. You can also ask local interior designers to ask if they know of any woodworkers or sculptors who might want the wood if you are unable to find a purchaser.
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Approach any potential designer, contractor or woodworker leads via email or telephone. Let them know how much wood you have and provide images. Follow up with any interested leads by letting them see the wood in person or by providing samples.
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Wait for potential buyers to make an offer. While mills typically have a set price they are willing to pay based upon the condition of your flooring, other buyers may be willing to negotiate. Ask several green contractors what they would pay for reclaimed flooring to get an idea of what your material is worth.
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Review your offers and choose one that works for you based on price or convenience. Call to inform the buyer you've accepted their offer.
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