How to Buy Direct from a Lumber Mill

Purchase lumber direct from a lumber mill.

Buy lumber directly from a lumber mill to save money on large projects. Lumber purchased through a middle vendor can be more costly for large orders and purchasing lumber from a discount store can leave you with less than quality lumber. By contacting the lumber mill directly, you'll receive quality lumber at a good price.

Instructions

1. Locate at least three lumber mills in your area and ask for the sales representative. Get an estimate including delivery charges. Provide them with information on the exact amount of lumber and piece size that you want. The lumber mill will figure out the volume of lumber you need from the amount and size of individual pieces.

2. Ask each lumber mill if they kiln-dry their lumber. Lumber needs to be dried before being used. If they don't kiln-dry lumber, then you will have to dry it on your own. A lumber mill that is slightly more expensive that kiln-dries their lumber may be worth the extra money.

3. Find out the lumber grade of each lumber mill's lumber. FAS lumber is the highest grade possible with No. 3B Common being the lowest. (See References for more information on lumber grading.)

4. Decide on a lumber mill. Take into consideration the lumber grade, its price and if it's kiln-dried when deciding on the best deal. Kiln-dried lumber with a high grade may be worth the extra money, depending on your project.

5. Place your order with the lumber mill of your choice and make arrangements for delivery or to have the lumber picked up.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy in large amounts from the lumber mill to get a better deal.

References

• Robbins Lumber
• AHEC: Lumber Grading