How to Get Lumber for Free or Cheap
The price of lumber has put a lot of housework and craft projects on hold in recent months, but big home improvement stores aren’t the only option when you’re looking to buy the wood you want. Reclaimed and recycled lumber can be retrieved from garbage cans, road shoulders and garages much easier than you think; and repurposing excess parts or reusing good quality wood can save you money and keep waste to a minimum.
Dispose of waste from commercial stores
For inexpensive small items, many furniture and woodworking stores or local hardware stores keep trash cans for sale at a discount. In some cases, the uncircumcised heap may even be free for whoever wants to steal it. It’s also worth looking into recycling or pick-up schedules for stores in your area because they may have specific days and hours during which their waste is readily available. It never hurts to ask what they do with their scraps or cuttings. You might be pleasantly surprised.
Timber bundles
For larger planks, a lumber yard will often have a “slightly imperfect” section with bundles of new lumber that may not meet commercial standards but may be ideal for something like a home shelving project. They are usually larger and usually not available for delivery, so it is important to have a plan for transporting the lumber. These items may need to be sanded, but they are usually new.
Recovered materials
Many locations also have lumber yards specialized in the recycling of recycled materials. These companies disassemble or recycle old structures and furniture in order to reuse the lumber from which they are made. You can also occasionally find fixtures and fittings in a location like this, so the savings can be significant for a home renovation project. In most cases, board prices will be priced in footsteps, so keep that in mind as you scroll through the pages.
Neighborhood groups
Another really great place to look for lumber deals is in your backyard sale or free groups. One of the advantages of this approach is that if you are looking for something specific, you can write a post looking for the type of material you are looking for, and neighbors with relevant material can respond. These groups often have suggestions, sometimes by category, so you can also browse or search for the items you want.
Fallen trees and branches
If you have tools and transportation, fallen tree branches can be a great source of lumber. People often give away timber for free to remove from their yard. However, you will need a chainsaw and a large vehicle to transport timber. In addition, you must make sure that fallen branches are not near power lines and cannot crush anyone.
This method of collecting wood requires certain skills, so it is not for beginners; however, some people will sell shells from felled trees or roughly cut pieces of branches or trunks for cheap. This can be a good option if you are not sure if you own a chainsaw.
Roadside finds
The roadside can be a source of free lumber if you know what you are looking for. Pallets, old furniture and waste can often be found on the side of the road and can be returned simply by disassembling and cleaning the parts. Sometimes even broken pallets have good boards and all you need to get to them is a hammer, a pry bar, and some elbow grease. Furniture may not be very well shaped, but it may have legs that you can use or shelves that you can change for their intended purpose. A little creativity and a little work can make good lumber for free.
Enjoy your loot – safely
Finally, when using recycled materials, it is important to think about safety. Be sure to wear gloves and check for contamination such as lead paint. If there is a lot of dust and debris, goggles and a mask are recommended. And be sure to keep an eye on your surroundings and try not to overload yourself or your car.