About Lumber Minneapolis
We are a reclaimed lumber company built on one conviction: used wood is not waste. Based in the Twin Cities, we buy, sell, process, and deliver salvaged lumber that keeps forests standing and keeps quality materials out of landfills.
Built on Craftsmanship, Driven by Sustainability
Our team at the Roseville, Minnesota yard
Give Every Board a Second Life and Every Builder a Better Choice
The Twin Cities are growing fast, and with growth comes demolition. Old warehouses, barns, factories, and homes are torn down every week across Minnesota. Most of that lumber — wood that has seasoned for 50, 80, even 150 years — ends up in dumpsters. We exist to change that. We intercept salvaged wood before it reaches the landfill, process it back to usable condition, and deliver it to builders, designers, and homeowners who understand that the most sustainable board is one that already exists.
Board Feet Salvaged Annually
Projects Supplied Each Year
Locally Sourced Inventory
Trees Harvested for Reclaimed Stock
The Roseville Yard
Our 2.5-acre property at 2366 Rose Pl W in Roseville is purpose-configured for the unique demands of reclaimed lumber processing. From receiving to storage to milling to delivery, every stage of our operation has dedicated space designed for efficiency and quality control.
Covered Lumber Storage (12,000 sq ft)
Our main storage building provides weather protection for graded inventory while maintaining natural airflow for continued seasoning. Material is organized by species, grade, and dimension on steel racking systems with proper stickering between layers.
Open-Air Seasoning Yard
Incoming material that needs additional drying time is staged in our outdoor seasoning area with proper ground clearance, stickering, and orientation for prevailing wind exposure. We monitor moisture content weekly until material reaches target equilibrium.
Milling Shop
Our enclosed milling facility houses all processing equipment with proper dust collection, lighting, and climate control. The shop layout is designed for linear material flow — boards enter from the de-nailing station on one end and exit as finished product on the other.
Office and Showroom
Our front office includes a material showroom where customers can view species samples, milling profiles, and finish options. We display example projects and keep reference samples of every species and grade we stock for side-by-side comparison.
Customer Selection Area
For customers who want to hand-pick their boards, we maintain a covered selection area with pull-out racks organized by species. Boards are accessible individually so you can evaluate grain pattern, color, and character before committing.
Loading Dock with Forklift
Our loading dock accommodates flatbed trucks and customer pickups. We use a 6,000 lb capacity forklift for loading bundled orders and can stage material on pallets for customers who bring their own trailers.
Equipment on Site
Wood-Mizer LT40 Sawmill
Primary resawing of heavy timbers and thick stock into dimensional lumber. Handles logs and beams up to 28 inches in diameter.
24" Thickness Planer
Surfacing boards to uniform thickness with helical cutterhead for reduced tear-out on difficult reclaimed grain.
36" Wide Belt Sander
Final surface preparation with dual-drum 80/120 grit progression for finish-grade material.
Radial Arm Saw
Precision crosscutting for length trimming, defect removal, and end-squaring of finished boards.
Metal Detector Conveyor
Inline electromagnetic scanning station that checks every board for buried ferrous and non-ferrous metals before milling.
Moisture Meter Station
Dedicated testing station with pin-type and pinless meters calibrated for 15+ species with automatic correction factors.
Dust Collection System
Central 5 HP system with 6-inch main duct, cyclone separator, and bag filtration. Connected to every machine station.
From One Barn to 2 Million Board Feet
Every year has brought new capabilities, new partnerships, and more wood saved. Here are the milestones that have shaped Lumber Minneapolis into what it is today.
Company founded with first barn dismantle in Northfield, MN — 8,000 board feet recovered
Opened Roseville yard facility at 2366 Rose Pl W with dedicated processing space
Invested in professional milling equipment — planer, bandsaw, wide-belt sander
Launched deconstruction services; first major project: 1920s NE Minneapolis warehouse (40,000 BF)
Introduced Environmental Impact Certificate program for all major orders
Crossed 500,000 board feet salvaged in a single year; 120+ source structures documented
Expanded into custom fabrication and added dedicated flatbed delivery fleet
Surpassed 2 million total board feet salvaged since founding; 40+ LEED projects supported
Our Core Values
These are not slogans on a wall. They are the decisions we make every day — from how we source material to how we price it, from how we treat our team to how we treat the land.
Zero-Waste Philosophy
Every piece of wood that enters our yard leaves as a usable product. Off-cuts become kindling, sawdust goes to local farms for composting, and metal fasteners are recycled. Nothing reaches the landfill.
Craftsmanship First
Reclaimed wood demands more skill than new lumber. Our team hand-inspects every board, carefully removes hardware, and mills to precise specifications — preserving the character while ensuring structural integrity.
Community Roots
We source from Minnesota demolition projects, barn dismantles, and renovation sites. The wood we sell carries the history of our region — from century-old warehouses along the Mississippi to rural homesteads across the prairies.
Honest Pricing
We grade every board transparently and price fairly. Whether you are buying premium heart pine or selling leftover framing lumber from a remodel, you will always know exactly what you are getting and what it is worth.
Environmental Accountability
We measure our impact in real numbers: board feet salvaged, CO2 prevented, trees spared. Every major order ships with an Environmental Impact Certificate so you can quantify the good your project does.
Full-Service Approach
We do not just sell lumber. We buy it, deconstruct buildings to recover it, de-nail and grade it, mill it to your specifications, and deliver it to your job site. Start to finish, one team handles it all.
Provenance Tracking
Every lot in our inventory is documented with source information — the structure it came from, the location, the approximate age, and the species identified. When you buy from us, you know where your wood lived its first life.
Safety & Standards
Our yard follows strict safety protocols for deconstruction, material handling, and milling. Our team is trained in hazardous material identification, and we test for lead paint and asbestos before processing any material from pre-1978 structures.
Comprehensive Species Guide
We regularly stock 12 reclaimed wood species, each with distinct characteristics suited to different applications. This guide covers the Janka hardness, typical source, availability, best uses, and relative price tier for each species we carry.
| Species | Janka Hardness | Typical Source | Best Uses | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White Oak | 1,360 lbf | Residential and commercial buildings, flooring, trim | Flooring, furniture, bar tops, exterior applications | $$ |
| Red Oak | 1,290 lbf | Residential demolitions, stair treads, cabinetry | Flooring, cabinetry, furniture, paneling | $$ |
| Heart Pine (Longleaf) | 1,225 lbf | Pre-1920s flooring, industrial buildings | Flooring, paneling, furniture, countertops | $$$$ |
| Douglas Fir | 660 lbf | Warehouses, bridges, industrial structures | Exposed beams, structural, paneling, mantels | $$$ |
| White Pine | 380 lbf | Barn siding, interior paneling, tongue-and-groove | Siding, paneling, accent walls, shelving | $$ |
| Cedar | 350 lbf | Boat houses, exterior siding, closet linings | Exterior projects, closets, planter boxes | $$$ |
| Hemlock | 500 lbf | Barn framing, industrial structures | Framing, rustic paneling, furniture | $$ |
| American Elm | 830 lbf | Urban tree removals (Dutch elm disease) | Tabletops, cutting boards, furniture | $$$ |
| Hard Maple | 1,450 lbf | Gymnasium floors, bowling alleys, factories | Flooring, butcher blocks, furniture | $$$ |
| Black Walnut | 1,010 lbf | Furniture salvage, urban tree removals | Furniture, accent pieces, live-edge slabs | $$$$ |
| American Chestnut | 540 lbf | Pre-1940 barns and homes (species functionally extinct) | Heirloom furniture, feature walls, museum pieces | $$$$ |
| Hickory | 1,820 lbf | Tool handles, wagon parts, barn structures | Flooring, furniture, tool handles, decorative | $$$ |
The People Behind the Lumber
Reclaimed lumber is labor-intensive work. It takes a dedicated team with specialized skills to turn rough salvage into job-site-ready material. Here are the roles that make it happen.
Owner & Operator
Leads the business and oversees every aspect of operations — from sourcing decisions and contractor relationships to pricing strategy and customer service. Brings a hands-on approach to every project and personally inspects high-value lots before purchase.
Yard Manager
Runs the day-to-day operations of our Roseville facility, managing inventory flow, staging incoming material, and coordinating the processing queue. Ensures that material moves efficiently from receiving to storage to the milling shop.
Milling Specialist
Operates our planer, bandsaw, wide-belt sander, and tongue-and-groove profiler. Specializes in the unique challenges of milling reclaimed wood — reading grain direction on weathered surfaces, adjusting feed rates for old-growth density, and maintaining the sharp tooling that reclaimed processing demands.
De-Nailing & Grading Crew
The front line of our quality pipeline. This team scans every board with electromagnetic detectors, hand-extracts all fasteners, evaluates structural integrity, identifies species, checks moisture content, and assigns grades. Their work determines the quality of everything that leaves our shop.
Logistics & Delivery Coordinator
Manages our flatbed delivery fleet and coordinates pickups from salvage sites. Schedules deliveries to align with customer project timelines, arranges freight for out-of-metro shipments, and ensures that lumber is properly banded and stickered for safe transport.
Custom Fabrication Lead
Designs and builds custom pieces from our reclaimed stock — barn doors, mantels, conference tables, accent walls, shelving, and architectural elements. Works directly with customers and designers to translate concepts into finished products.
Our Environmental Impact by the Numbers
We track every measurable aspect of our environmental contribution. These numbers represent real, verified data from our operations — not estimates or projections.
Board Feet Salvaged Lifetime
Tons CO₂ Offset
Buildings Deconstructed
Trees Equivalent Saved
Landfill Diversion Rate
Locally Sourced
Commercial Projects
Residential Customers
Species Regularly Stocked
Delivery Trucks in Fleet
Team Members
Partner Contractors
Sawdust Repurposed
Waste to Landfill from Facility
Metal Recycled from De-Nailing
The Numbers That Define Us
We measure everything we do. These figures represent our cumulative impact and current operational scale — numbers we track, verify, and work to improve every year.
Total Board Feet Salvaged Since Founding
Source Structures Documented
Lifetime CO₂ Emissions Prevented
Equivalent Trees Left Standing
Board Feet in Current Inventory
Maximum Sourcing Radius
Landfill Diversion Rate
LEED Projects Supported
Contractor Partnerships Active
Wood Species in Regular Inventory
Lumber Minneapolis vs. the Alternatives
How does buying reclaimed lumber from a dedicated local yard compare to big box stores or online reclaimed dealers? Here is a transparent comparison across the categories that matter most.
| Category | Lumber Minneapolis | Big Box Stores | Online Reclaimed Dealers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Species Selection | 12+ reclaimed species in regular stock | 4-6 common new-growth species | Variable, often limited to 2-3 |
| Quality Grading | NHLA-adapted 5-tier system, every board tagged | Basic grade stamps, batch grading | Photos only, no standardized grading |
| Custom Milling | In-house: S4S, T&G, shiplap, resawing, custom profiles | Not available | Rarely available, outsourced if offered |
| Local Delivery | Own flatbed fleet, Twin Cities metro 2-3 days | Standard shipping, no flatbed | National freight, 1-3 week lead time |
| Environmental Certs | Environmental Impact Certificate per order | None specific to purchase | General claims, no per-order data |
| Expert Consultation | On-site species ID, project advice, sample bundles | General staff, limited reclaimed knowledge | Email only, no in-person support |
| Return Policy | Replace any board that does not meet sold grade | Standard return window | Varies, shipping costs on buyer |
| Minimum Order | No minimum — 1 board to 10,000 BF | No minimum for stock items | Often 100+ BF minimum |
| Price Transparency | Per board foot by species and grade, published | Per piece, limited reclaimed options | Variable, often quote-based only |
What Sets Lumber Minneapolis Apart
There are other places to buy reclaimed wood. Here is why our customers choose us — and keep coming back.
Full Chain of Custody
We control the entire process from salvage to delivery. That means no middlemen, no quality gaps, and complete traceability. We can tell you exactly which building your wood came from, when it was recovered, and who processed it.
Professional-Grade Processing
We are not a rough-salvage yard. Every board we sell has been electromagnetically scanned for metal, hand de-nailed, moisture tested, and graded to NHLA-adapted standards. The material that leaves our shop is job-site ready.
Volume Capability
We maintain over 100,000 board feet of graded reclaimed inventory at any given time. That means we can supply commercial-scale projects — not just small decorative orders. When you need 5,000 board feet of matching white oak, we can deliver.
Custom Milling In-House
We do not outsource milling. Our shop handles S2S, S4S, tongue-and-groove, shiplap, resawing, and custom profiles. That means faster turnaround, tighter quality control, and the ability to make adjustments mid-order if your project specifications change.
Environmental Documentation
Our Environmental Impact Certificates are not generic. They are calculated per order based on the specific volume, species, and sourcing distance of your purchase. Architects and builders use these documents for LEED credit applications and sustainability reporting.
Local Knowledge
We know the building stock of the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota. We know which neighborhoods have pre-war construction, which rural counties are losing barns, and which demolition projects are coming up. That local intelligence gives us access to material that out-of-state reclaimed lumber dealers cannot source.
What Our Customers Say
Our reputation has been built one project at a time. Here is what customers across different project types have shared about their experience working with us.
“The quality of the reclaimed heart pine flooring from Lumber Minneapolis is in a different league from anything we have installed from conventional suppliers. The grain density, color, and consistency were exceptional — and our client was blown away by the Environmental Impact Certificate that came with the order.”
Ryan T.
Custom Home Builder
Edina residential renovation
“We designed a restaurant interior around reclaimed white oak from Lumber Minneapolis. The material arrived exactly as specified — de-nailed, surfaced, and graded. No surprises, no hidden nails, no warped boards. That reliability is why we keep coming back.”
Michelle K.
Interior Designer
North Loop restaurant design
“I was renovating my 1920s bungalow and needed flooring that matched the original. Lumber Minneapolis found heart pine with the right grain pattern and color match. They milled it to tongue-and-groove at the exact thickness I needed. The finished floor is seamless.”
Karen W.
Homeowner
Saint Paul historic bungalow
“We had 5,000 board feet of old framing lumber from a warehouse demo that we did not know what to do with. Lumber Minneapolis came out, evaluated it on-site, gave us a fair price, and hauled it all in one trip. Easiest part of that whole project.”
Brian H.
Demolition Contractor
Northeast Minneapolis warehouse
“As an architect pursuing LEED Platinum, I needed verified reclaimed material with full documentation. Lumber Minneapolis provided chain of custody data, Environmental Impact Certificates, and formatted documentation that my sustainability consultant could plug directly into our LEED application. They understand the process.”
Jennifer L.
Architect, LEED AP
Minneapolis mixed-use development
“We built our entire taproom around reclaimed Douglas fir beams and white oak paneling from Lumber Minneapolis. The story behind the wood — it came from a 1920s grain warehouse — is something we share with every guest. It is part of our brand identity now.”
Marcus D.
Brewery Co-Owner
Northeast Minneapolis taproom
“I have referred four clients to Lumber Minneapolis this year alone. The sample bundles they send make it easy to present options to clients, and the source documentation adds a narrative element that resonates with homeowners who care about provenance and sustainability.”
Lisa R.
Interior Designer
Multiple residential projects
“We have been buying reclaimed lumber from them for three years across twelve projects. Their grading is the most consistent I have seen in the reclaimed market. When I order #1 Common white oak, I know exactly what is going to show up. That predictability saves me time and avoids callbacks.”
Steve M.
General Contractor
Twin Cities residential and commercial
Awards & Recognition
We did not start this company to win awards. But the recognition we have received validates the approach and helps spread the message that reclaimed lumber is a serious, high-quality building material — not a niche novelty.
Hennepin County Green Business Certification
Recognized for waste reduction practices, sustainable sourcing, and environmental impact measurement. This certification requires annual verification of environmental commitments.
Minnesota Green Building Council Feature
Featured as a case study in MNGBC's annual sustainability report for our Environmental Impact Certificate program and its adoption by LEED-pursuing projects.
Better Business Bureau Accredited
Accredited with an A+ rating based on transparent business practices, customer satisfaction, and ethical operations in the reclaimed lumber marketplace.
Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal Recognition
Profiled as an emerging green business in the Twin Cities, highlighting our circular economy model and environmental impact tracking methodology.
Rooted in the Twin Cities
We are not just a lumber company that happens to be in Minneapolis. We are active participants in the local building community, sustainability movement, and educational landscape.
Builder Workshops
We host quarterly workshops at our Roseville yard where contractors, designers, and DIY builders learn about working with reclaimed wood — species identification, best practices for installation, finishing techniques, and project planning. These sessions are free and open to the public.
Hennepin County Waste Reduction Partnership
We partner with Hennepin County's waste reduction programs to divert construction and demolition debris from landfills. Our deconstruction services provide a direct alternative to conventional demolition for property owners and developers in the county.
Habitat for Humanity Material Donations
We regularly donate below-grade reclaimed lumber to Habitat for Humanity ReStore locations in the Twin Cities. Material that does not meet our retail standards still has plenty of useful life, and these donations support affordable housing construction.
University of Minnesota Collaboration
We have worked with the University of Minnesota's Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering on research related to reclaimed wood properties, species identification techniques, and moisture behavior in aged timber.
Local Trade Shows & Events
We exhibit at the Minneapolis Home + Garden Show, the Minnesota Green Building Council events, and regional contractor trade shows. These events help us connect with new customers and spread awareness about the quality and availability of reclaimed lumber.
School & Youth Programs
We donate small-dimension reclaimed wood to local school woodworking programs and youth organizations. Introducing young people to the qualities of old-growth wood and the concept of material reuse is an investment in the next generation of sustainable builders.
Industry Certifications & Memberships
We hold memberships and certifications that reflect our commitment to quality, ethical sourcing, and environmental responsibility. These affiliations connect us to industry best practices and give our customers confidence in the standards we uphold.
- Minnesota Green Building Council member
- US Green Building Council supporter — LEED documentation provider
- Better Business Bureau accredited
- National Demolition Association affiliate member
- Building Materials Reuse Association member
- Minnesota Pollution Control Agency waste reduction partner
- Hennepin County Green Business certified
Frequently Asked About Us
Can I visit the yard without an appointment?
Yes. Our Roseville yard is open for walk-ins during business hours. That said, if you have a specific project in mind, making an appointment ensures we have the right person available to help you select materials and discuss milling options.
What if I need a species you do not currently stock?
Our inventory rotates based on incoming salvage. If you need a specific species, let us know and we will check our current stock and upcoming lots. In many cases, we can source specific species within a few weeks through our network of 30+ contractor partners.
Do you sell to individual homeowners or only to contractors?
We sell to everyone — contractors, architects, designers, homeowners, and DIYers. No minimum order required. Whether you need 10 boards for a weekend project or 10,000 board feet for a commercial build, we are happy to help.
How do your prices compare to new lumber?
It depends on the species and grade. Common reclaimed softwoods are often priced comparably to new lumber. Premium species like heart pine and old-growth Douglas fir carry a higher price, but they also offer density, grain quality, and character that new-growth lumber cannot match at any price point.
The Full Lumber Lifecycle, Under One Roof
Most lumber companies do one thing. We do the whole chain. That means we can trace every board from the structure it came out of to the project it goes into — a level of provenance and quality control that no middleman can offer.
We Buy & Salvage
We purchase used lumber from contractors, homeowners, and demolition crews. We also perform full-building deconstruction to recover maximum material.
We Process & Grade
Every board is hand-inspected, de-nailed, cleaned, and graded for structural integrity and appearance. Damaged sections are trimmed; usable wood is preserved.
We Mill & Fabricate
Our shop transforms rough reclaimed timber into finished products: dimensional lumber, tongue-and-groove flooring, shiplap siding, mantels, and custom pieces.
We Sell & Deliver
Flatbed delivery across the Twin Cities metro and throughout Minnesota. Whether you need 10 boards or 10,000 board feet, we get it to your site on time.
Go Deeper
Discover our history, understand our process, and see the real environmental impact of choosing reclaimed.
Our Story
How a passion for old-growth timber and a refusal to see good wood wasted grew into Minneapolis's go-to reclaimed lumber operation.
Read Our StoryOur Process
From salvage site to your job site — a detailed look at how we source, inspect, de-nail, grade, mill, and deliver every piece of reclaimed lumber.
See the ProcessSustainability
Dive deep into our environmental mission: carbon offset data, circular economy principles, waste diversion metrics, and our commitments for the future.
Explore SustainabilityCome See the Wood in Person
Our yard is open for walk-ins and appointments. Browse the inventory, talk to our team, and pick the exact boards you want for your project.
2366 Rose Pl W, Roseville, MN 55113 — info@lumberminneapolis.com