Who to buy rough cut lumber, and how much?

Question

I have a very large amount of rough cut lumber, properly stacked, and stored. I was wondering who would be interested in buying it, and what is it worth. It is mostly oak, maple, and cherry!

Answer 1

I'll assume this an actual question, and not an advertisement.....

Here are a few things you need to know, and let woodworkers know, about your lumber.....

Species, Grade, Board Feet, Rough dimensions, and Moisture Content.

Species -- just what you posted here... what kind of tree it came out of.
Grade -- How many knots, or flaws are in the lumber ...if you don't know this, then give them a rough idea... is the lumber clear of knots, very knotty, etc.
Board Feet -- this is how most lumber is bought and sold, for manufacturing purposes... a board foot = 1" x 12" x 12" length...A common practice is to refer to the thickness of the board as "quarters"..... 4/4 = 1" thick, rough sawn. 6/4 = 1.5" rough sawn, and 8/4 =2" thick, rough sawn... and so forth. To calculate total board feet, you would multiply the thickness, width, length, and qty.
Rough Dimensions -- generally, how wide, and how long are the boards.
Moisture Content -- Most lumber is kiln dried to about 6% to 8%, here in N. America...drying lumber will help keep it from warping, bowing, etc, after it has been milled, or sawn, into finish pieces. This will also affect the finish dimensions...as wood shrinks as it dries out. Thats not too much of a problem with the length of the lumber, but the thickness and width are greatly affected by moisture content. If you dont know the moisture content, then give your proposed customer an idea of how long ago the wood was cut. Personally... if it's not been kiln dried... I wouldnt use it for furniture building for at least a year after its been sawn into planks.

Now.. who would be most interested in 'backyard' lumber.... typically small cabinet, or custom woodworking shops..... hobby woodworkers, etc.... and that may depend on just how much you have available.

Good Luck

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Most lumber yards and vendors usually stock s4s (smooth 4 sides.) However I have received calls from do it yourselfers, that have expressed an interest in purchasing rough cut oak. Your best bet would probably be to put an ad in the paper. For pricing, you could contact your local building supplier and find out how much s4s material is going for, and then subtract about 50% for your asking price. Good luck!