Reclaimed Dimensional Lumber Built to Outlast Anything New
Standard framing sizes milled from salvaged old-growth timber. Every board has been de-nailed, graded, and surfaced to your specification. Denser grain, proven durability, zero trees cut.
Available Sizes
We stock the most common dimensional lumber sizes, plus custom milling for non-standard requests. All dimensions listed are nominal — actual measurements are noted below.
| Nominal Size | Actual Size | Lengths | Common Uses | Weight per Foot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 x 4 | 1.5" x 3.5" | 8' - 16' | Framing, furring, general construction | ~1.3 lbs/ft (pine), ~2.1 lbs/ft (oak) |
| 2 x 6 | 1.5" x 5.5" | 8' - 16' | Wall framing, decking, shelving | ~2.0 lbs/ft (pine), ~3.3 lbs/ft (oak) |
| 2 x 8 | 1.5" x 7.25" | 8' - 20' | Floor joists, rafters, headers | ~2.6 lbs/ft (pine), ~4.3 lbs/ft (oak) |
| 2 x 10 | 1.5" x 9.25" | 8' - 20' | Floor joists, stair stringers, beams | ~3.4 lbs/ft (pine), ~5.5 lbs/ft (oak) |
| 2 x 12 | 1.5" x 11.25" | 8' - 20' | Ridge beams, heavy joists, wide shelving | ~4.1 lbs/ft (pine), ~6.7 lbs/ft (oak) |
| 1 x (various) | 3/4" x 3.5" - 11.25" | 4' - 16' | Trim, paneling, furniture, craft projects | Varies by width and species |
| 4 x 4 | 3.5" x 3.5" | 8' - 16' | Posts, railings, furniture legs | ~3.7 lbs/ft (pine), ~5.8 lbs/ft (oak) |
| 4 x 6 | 3.5" x 5.5" | 8' - 16' | Heavy posts, bench supports, gate frames | ~5.8 lbs/ft (pine), ~9.2 lbs/ft (oak) |
| 6 x 6 | 5.5" x 5.5" | 8' - 20' | Porch columns, pergola posts, heavy-duty framing | ~9.1 lbs/ft (pine), ~14.4 lbs/ft (oak) |
Need a custom dimension? We offer full milling services — S4S, rough-sawn, skip-planed, or any profile you need. Learn about our milling services.
Wood Species in Our Inventory
Our species selection depends on what we salvage from demolition projects across Minnesota and the upper Midwest. Here are the species we most commonly stock, including rare finds from special salvage operations.
White Oak
Extremely durable, rot-resistant, tight grain. The gold standard for structural and finish applications.
Heart Pine
Dense, resinous, amber-hued heartwood from old-growth longleaf pine. Commercially extinct in new lumber.
Douglas Fir
Straight-grained, excellent strength-to-weight ratio. Ideal for structural framing and exposed applications.
Eastern White Pine
Soft, workable, and lightweight. Wide boards with minimal knots from old-growth trees.
Western Red Cedar
Naturally weather-resistant, aromatic, lightweight. Perfect for outdoor projects and closet linings.
Hemlock
Even-textured, non-resinous, and consistent. Takes stain exceptionally well.
American Elm
Interlocking grain makes it extremely tough and resistant to splitting. Beautiful cathedral grain pattern when flat-sawn.
Black Walnut
Rich chocolate-brown heartwood, naturally decay-resistant, prized for fine woodworking. One of the most valuable North American hardwoods.
Hard Maple
Extremely hard and dense. Light cream color with subtle grain. Occasional bird's eye or curly figure in old-growth stock.
American Chestnut
Once the most common hardwood in eastern North America, now functionally extinct due to chestnut blight. Lightweight, rot-resistant, with warm tan coloring. Highly prized by collectors.
Finish Options
We mill every board to your chosen finish in-house. Surface preparation is included in the board-foot price for orders over 200 board feet. Smaller orders may carry a modest milling surcharge.
S4S (Surfaced Four Sides)
All four faces planed smooth to final dimension. Clean, uniform appearance ready for staining, painting, or clear-coating. The standard choice for interior trim, furniture, and any application where a refined surface is desired.
Interior trim, furniture, cabinetry, painted applications
Rough-Sawn
Lumber as it comes off the saw — textured faces with visible saw marks. Maximum rustic character and the most cost-effective option since no additional milling is required.
Rustic furniture, outdoor projects, decorative framing, barn-style builds
Skip-Planed
Light planing that removes surface dirt and grime while preserving much of the original patina and character. A "best of both worlds" option showing both fresh and aged wood on the same face.
Accent features, shelving, table tops where you want character with a cleaner surface
Wire-Brushed
Soft wood fibers are removed with a rotary wire brush, leaving the harder growth rings raised and textured. Creates a deeply tactile surface that accentuates grain patterns.
Feature walls, mantels, decorative headers, high-touch furniture surfaces
Hand-Scraped
Each board is hand-scraped with a draw knife or cabinet scraper, creating subtle undulations and tool marks. A premium artisan finish that adds handcrafted character.
High-end furniture, luxury interiors, feature installations where craftsmanship is paramount
Understanding Our Grading System
We grade all reclaimed lumber into three tiers based on visual appearance, structural integrity, and character level. Every grade is de-nailed, metal-detected, and structurally sound — the difference is cosmetic.
Premium
Our highest quality grade. Boards are straight, flat, and free of structural defects. Minimal knots (tight knots only), no wane, no checking, and no insect damage. Both faces are clean and suitable for visible applications.
Fine furniture, visible interior trim, high-end cabinetry, feature installations
Limited supply — premium pricing applies
Character
Structurally sound boards with moderate character marks. May include tight knots, minor surface checking, filled nail holes, and some color variation. The most popular grade for projects that embrace the history of reclaimed wood.
Shelving, accent walls, general construction, rustic furniture, most residential projects
Our most available grade — year-round stock
Rustic
Maximum character at our most affordable price point. Boards may have open knots, wane edges, deeper checking, visible nail holes, and more pronounced color variation. Structurally adequate for non-load-bearing applications.
Garden structures, craft projects, decorative paneling, art installations, non-structural outdoor use
Widely available — best value
How We Process Your Order
From your initial inquiry to delivery at your job site, here is exactly what happens at each step so there are no surprises.
Submit Your Requirements
Contact us with your species, dimensions, quantity (in board feet or piece count), grade preference, and desired finish. Include your project timeline so we can plan accordingly.
Inventory Check & Quote
We check current inventory against your requirements. If we have the material in stock, you receive a detailed quote within 24 hours. For specialty species, we may need 48 hours to locate material.
Order Confirmation & Deposit
Once you approve the quote, we confirm the order with a 50% deposit. Custom milling begins immediately. Standard stock orders are held and marked for your project.
Milling & Quality Control
Your lumber is milled to specification — surfaced, profiled, and cut to length as requested. Each piece is inspected for defects, checked with a metal detector, and graded to your order requirements.
Packaging & Staging
Boards are stacked, banded, and staged for delivery. Long boards are strapped to prevent warping during transport. A packing list with board count and board footage is attached.
Delivery or Pickup
We deliver to job sites throughout the Twin Cities metro, typically within 1-3 days of milling completion. Self-pickup is available from our Minneapolis yard with forklift loading.
Structural Properties of Reclaimed Species
Old-growth reclaimed lumber typically exceeds the published structural values for modern plantation-grown lumber of the same species. The table below shows standard reference values — actual reclaimed specimens often test 10-20% higher due to increased density from slow growth.
| Species | Specific Gravity | MOR (Bending) | MOE (Stiffness) | Compression | Reclaimed Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White Oak | 0.68 | 15,200 psi | 1.78 x 10⁶ psi | 7,440 psi | Old-growth values typically 10-20% higher due to density |
| Heart Pine (Longleaf) | 0.59 | 13,700 psi | 1.98 x 10⁶ psi | 8,470 psi | Commercially extinct in new lumber. Reclaimed is the only source. |
| Douglas Fir | 0.48 | 12,400 psi | 1.95 x 10⁶ psi | 7,230 psi | Old-growth fir is significantly denser than modern plantation stock |
| Eastern White Pine | 0.35 | 8,600 psi | 1.24 x 10⁶ psi | 4,800 psi | Wide old-growth boards are impossible to source new |
| Western Red Cedar | 0.32 | 7,500 psi | 1.11 x 10⁶ psi | 4,560 psi | Old-growth cedar has tighter grain and better rot resistance |
| Hemlock | 0.40 | 8,900 psi | 1.20 x 10⁶ psi | 5,410 psi | Consistent, non-resinous wood that takes stain well |
MOR = Modulus of Rupture (breaking strength in bending). MOE = Modulus of Elasticity (resistance to deflection). Compression = Compression Parallel to Grain. Values from USDA Wood Handbook. Individual board values vary — consult a structural engineer for load-bearing applications.
Custom Surfacing Options
We offer eight distinct surface finishes, each creating a different aesthetic. Standard options are included in the board-foot price for orders over 200 BF. Premium finishes carry a modest surcharge.
Rough-Sawn
StandardOriginal surface preserved as it came off the saw. Full character, maximum rustic appearance. No additional milling cost. Ideal for decorative projects, outdoor structures, and barn-style builds.
S4S (Surfaced Four Sides)
StandardAll four faces planed smooth to precise final dimensions. Clean, uniform appearance ready for staining, painting, or clear-coating. The most versatile finish option and the standard for interior trim, furniture, and cabinetry.
S2S (Surfaced Two Sides)
StandardTwo opposing faces planed smooth while the edges remain rough-sawn. Creates a natural-edge look when the rough edges are visible, or allows you to rip to custom width on your own equipment.
Skip-Planed
PopularLight planing that removes surface dirt and grime while preserving much of the original patina and character. Reveals a mix of fresh and aged wood on the same face. Our most popular finish for accent features and table tops.
Wire-Brushed
PremiumSoft wood fibers removed with a rotary wire brush, leaving harder growth rings raised and deeply textured. Creates a tactile surface that accentuates grain patterns. Outstanding for feature walls, mantels, and high-touch surfaces.
Hand-Scraped
PremiumEach board hand-scraped with a draw knife or cabinet scraper, creating subtle undulations and artisan tool marks. A premium finish that adds handcrafted character to high-end furniture and luxury interiors.
Circle-Sawn
PremiumRe-sawn on our circle sawmill to create authentic vintage mill marks on the face. The curved saw marks replicate the surface texture of 19th-century lumber and add period-correct character to restoration projects.
Sandblasted
PremiumHigh-pressure media blasting removes soft wood fibers aggressively, creating extremely deep grain relief and dramatic texture. Best for statement pieces, commercial installations, and rustic-industrial aesthetics.
Board Selection Tips
Whether you are hand-selecting boards in our yard or evaluating a delivery, these eight checks help you assess quality and suitability for your project. Our team performs all of these checks during grading, but knowing what to look for ensures you get exactly what you need.
Twist
Sight down the length of the board from one end. A twisted board will show corners lifting in opposite directions. Minor twist in long boards can sometimes be corrected during installation, but severe twist should be rejected.
Cup
Lay the board flat on a known-flat surface and look for gaps under the center or edges. Cupping occurs when one face dries faster than the other. Minor cupping in wide boards is common and can be flattened with fasteners during installation.
Bow
Place the board on a flat surface face-down and check for a gap under the center. Bow is a gentle curve along the length. Boards with mild bow can be straightened during installation but severe bow wastes material.
Crook
Sight down the edge of the board. Crook is a curve along the edge (like a banana). Crooked boards waste width when ripped to straight edges and should generally be avoided for precision work.
Moisture Content
Use a pin-type moisture meter to verify MC is between 6-8% for interior use. Higher MC boards need additional drying time before installation. We sell moisture meters in our hardware section.
Hidden Metal
Run a rare-earth magnet or handheld metal detector along both faces and edges. Despite thorough de-nailing, deeply embedded fragments occasionally remain. Detecting metal before cutting protects expensive saw blades.
Species Verification
Compare the grain pattern, color, weight, and end-grain pore structure to known samples. White oak has tyloses (plugged pores) visible on end grain. Heart pine is dense, resinous, and amber-colored. Our team can help identify any board.
Character Level
Assess the number and type of character marks: nail holes, surface checking, knots, worm holes, and color variation. Decide before purchasing whether the character level matches your project aesthetic.
Project Yield Calculator
Estimate how many board feet your project requires using these real-world calculation examples. Remember to add a waste factor (10-15% for standard projects, 20-30% for furniture with grain matching).
Wall Framing (8ft x 12ft wall)
96 sq ft wall area. Studs at 16" OC = 10 studs. Each stud: 8ft x 1.17 BF/ft (2x4) = 9.33 BF. Total studs: 93 BF. Add top/bottom plates: 2 x 12ft x 1.17 = 28 BF. Add header: 12 BF. Total: approximately 133 BF.
Floating Shelves (6 shelves)
Each shelf: 36" long x 10" wide x 1.5" thick. BF per shelf = (1.5 x 10 x 3) / 12 = 3.75 BF. Six shelves: 22.5 BF. Add 15% for milling waste: 26 BF total.
Dining Table Top (42" x 84")
Table surface: 3.5 ft x 7 ft = 24.5 sq ft. At 1.5" thickness: 24.5 x 1.5 = 36.75 BF. Add 30% for edge waste and board selection: approximately 48 BF.
Bookcase (6ft tall x 4ft wide)
Sides: 2 x 6ft x 0.83 BF/ft (1x10) = 10 BF. Shelves: 5 x 4ft x 0.83 = 16.6 BF. Top/bottom: 2 x 4ft x 0.83 = 6.6 BF. Back: 24 sq ft x 0.5 = 12 BF. Total: approximately 45 BF plus 15% waste = 52 BF.
Board Foot Formula
BF = (Thickness in inches x Width in inches x Length in feet) / 12
Example: A 2x8 board that is 10 feet long = (2 x 8 x 10) / 12 = 13.33 board feet. For S4S lumber, use actual dimensions (1.5" x 7.25") in calculations.
Reclaimed Lumber vs. New Lumber
When people ask whether reclaimed wood is "as good as" new lumber, the answer is usually that it is better — in measurable ways. Here is a detailed comparison across the metrics that matter most to builders.
| Metric | Reclaimed Lumber | New Lumber |
|---|---|---|
| Growth Rings per Inch | 12-20 rings (old-growth) | 3-6 rings (plantation) |
| Density (lb/ft³) | 28-48 lb/ft³ depending on species | 22-35 lb/ft³ depending on species |
| Moisture Content | 6-8% (naturally seasoned) | 12-19% (kiln-dried) |
| Dimensional Stability | Excellent — decades of natural drying | Good — may shift as kiln moisture equalizes |
| Nail/Screw Holding | Superior — denser fiber grips fasteners | Standard |
| Janka Hardness (same species) | Typically 10-20% higher due to density | Published rating |
| Carbon Footprint | Carbon-negative | Moderate positive carbon cost |
| Character & Patina | Unique — no two boards identical | Uniform and clean |
| Availability | Dependent on salvage pipeline | Consistent market supply |
| Cost per Board Foot | Varies — $3-$15+ depending on species/grade | $1-$8 depending on species/grade |
Installation Tips for Reclaimed Lumber
Reclaimed lumber works with all standard woodworking and construction techniques. These tips from our team will help you get the best results.
Pre-Drill Near Board Ends
Reclaimed lumber is denser than modern stock, which means it is more prone to splitting near the ends. Pre-drill pilot holes within 2 inches of any board end before nailing or screwing.
Use a Metal Detector Before Cutting
Despite our thorough de-nailing process, deeply embedded fragments can occasionally remain. A quick pass with a handheld metal detector protects your saw blades. We sell purpose-built lumber metal detectors.
Account for True Dimensions
Reclaimed boards may be slightly larger or smaller than their nominal size, especially hand-hewn or rough-sawn pieces. Measure each board individually for precision applications. S4S-milled boards are held to +/- 1/16 inch.
Acclimate Indoors Before Installation
Store lumber indoors at the installation site for 3-5 days before use. Reclaimed wood is already dry (6-8% MC), but allowing it to acclimate to your interior climate minimizes any potential movement.
Sharpen Your Blades
Old-growth reclaimed lumber is harder and denser than modern wood. Dull blades will burn rather than cut cleanly. Use sharp carbide-tipped blades and slow your feed rate for the best results.
Embrace the Character
Nail holes, surface checking, and color variation are features, not defects. Discuss expectations with your clients upfront and share samples so everyone agrees on the level of character before installation begins.
Load-Bearing Considerations
Reclaimed old-growth lumber typically exceeds the published load values for modern lumber of the same species and grade. However, individual board quality varies. For structural applications, always consult a licensed engineer.
Fb = allowable bending stress. Actual values depend on grade, defects, and moisture content. Consult an engineer for structural design.
Bulk Ordering Information
We offer volume discounts for large orders and repeat customers. Here are the thresholds for our most popular pricing tiers.
Discounts apply to standard species and grades. Premium species (heart pine, chestnut, walnut) and custom milling may carry additional charges. Contractor accounts receive priority pricing — ask about our pro program.
The Numbers Behind Choosing Reclaimed
Every 1,000 board feet of reclaimed lumber you purchase instead of new lumber delivers measurable environmental savings. Here is what the science shows.
CO₂ prevented per board foot vs. new harvest
saved per 1,000 board feet of reclaimed lumber
of water used in reclaimed lumber processing
landfill diversion rate on all salvaged material
What Our Customers Build
Residential Framing
Wall studs, floor joists, rafters, and headers for green-certified home construction and remodels.
Furniture Making
Tabletops, shelving, bed frames, and cabinetry with character marks and tight grain that new lumber lacks.
Outdoor Structures
Pergolas, raised garden beds, deck framing, and privacy screens using rot-resistant reclaimed cedar and oak.
Commercial Projects
Retail fixtures, restaurant interiors, office buildouts, and LEED-certified commercial construction.
Art & Craft
Sign-making, picture frames, woodworking projects, and artisan crafts that celebrate the history in every board.
Renovation & Restoration
Period-correct replacement lumber for historic building restorations throughout Minneapolis and the Twin Cities.
Reclaimed Lumber FAQ
Is reclaimed lumber as strong as new lumber?
In most cases, reclaimed lumber is stronger. Old-growth timber has tighter growth rings and higher density than modern plantation-grown wood. A reclaimed Douglas fir 2x10 will typically have 15+ growth rings per inch versus 4-5 in new stock. We visually grade every board and reject any material with structural defects.
Are there hidden nails or metal in reclaimed boards?
We run every board through a metal detector and hand-inspect with rare earth magnets. Occasional deeply embedded fragments may remain, so we always recommend running a handheld metal detector over boards before cutting with expensive blades. We sell metal detectors in our hardware section for this purpose.
Can I use reclaimed lumber for framing that requires a building permit?
It depends on your local building code and inspector. Some jurisdictions accept visually graded reclaimed lumber for non-load-bearing partitions and certain structural applications. For load-bearing use, we can work with a licensed structural engineer to grade and certify specific pieces. Contact us to discuss your project requirements.
How should I store reclaimed lumber before installation?
Store indoors or under cover, stacked flat on stickers (thin strips of wood between layers) to allow air circulation. Keep off the ground and away from direct moisture. Reclaimed lumber is typically at 6-8% moisture content — ideal for interior use — so avoid exposing it to rain or high humidity before installation.
Do you offer custom lengths or will I need to cut to size on site?
We can rough-cut to specific lengths before delivery, which reduces waste and saves time on your job site. For precision cuts, we recommend final trimming on site. We do not charge extra for rough-cutting to length on orders over 200 board feet.
What is the lead time for a typical order?
In-stock standard dimensions ship in 1-3 business days. Custom milling (S4S, skip-planed, wire-brushed, etc.) adds 3-5 business days. Large orders over 1,000 board feet may require 5-10 business days depending on current shop capacity. Rush orders are available for an additional fee.
Reclaimed Lumber Glossary
Understanding lumber terminology helps you communicate with suppliers, contractors, and designers. Here are 25 essential terms every reclaimed wood buyer should know.
Air-Dried
Wood dried naturally by exposure to outdoor air circulation rather than in a kiln. Reclaimed lumber is typically air-dried over decades of service.
Board Foot (BF)
A unit of lumber volume equal to 144 cubic inches — a piece 1 inch thick, 12 inches wide, and 12 inches long. The standard unit for pricing lumber.
Checking
Surface cracks along the grain caused by uneven drying. Common and expected in reclaimed lumber, especially large timbers. Cosmetic only — does not affect structural integrity.
Clear Grade
Lumber free of knots, wane, and major defects on at least one face. Equivalent to our Premium grade.
Crown
A slight curve along the narrow face of a board. When installing joists or studs, the crown should face up or away from the load.
Cup
A curve across the width of a board. The wider the board and the flatter the grain, the more prone it is to cupping.
Character Marks
The collective term for nail holes, bolt holes, surface checking, worm holes, saw marks, and other features that give reclaimed wood its unique appearance.
De-Nailed
All nails, screws, bolts, and visible metal removed from the lumber. Standard practice before any milling or sale of reclaimed material.
Dimensional Lumber
Lumber cut to standardized widths and depths — 2x4, 2x6, 2x8, etc. The nominal dimension is always larger than the actual measurement.
FAS (Firsts and Seconds)
The highest grade in the NHLA hardwood grading system. Boards must yield at least 83% clear cuttings. Our Premium grade is comparable.
Flat-Sawn (Plain-Sawn)
The most common sawing method where the log is sliced parallel to its diameter. Produces cathedral-pattern grain on the face.
Quarter-Sawn
Boards cut perpendicular to the growth rings, producing straight vertical grain lines. More dimensionally stable and shows ray fleck in oak.
Rift-Sawn
Cut at approximately 45 degrees to the growth rings. Produces straight grain without the ray fleck of quarter-sawn. Most dimensionally stable cut.
Green Lumber
Freshly cut lumber with high moisture content (typically 30%+). All reclaimed lumber has naturally dried well below this level.
Heartwood
The dense, dark inner wood of a tree. In species like pine and cedar, heartwood is naturally more rot-resistant than the lighter sapwood.
Janka Hardness
A measure of wood hardness determined by the force required to embed a 0.444-inch steel ball halfway into the wood. Higher numbers mean harder wood.
Kerf
The width of material removed by a saw blade during cutting. Typically 1/8 inch for standard blades. Factor kerf into material calculations.
Linear Foot (LF)
A measure of length only — one foot long regardless of width or thickness. Used for pricing trim, molding, and some beam products.
Moisture Content (MC)
The percentage of water weight in wood relative to oven-dry weight. Our reclaimed lumber is typically 6-8% MC — ideal for interior use.
Nominal vs. Actual
Nominal dimension is the name (2x4), actual dimension is the true measurement (1.5" x 3.5"). The difference is material removed during planing.
Old-Growth
Trees that grew in virgin forests before widespread logging (pre-1900). Old-growth lumber has tighter growth rings and higher density than modern plantation wood.
Patina
The natural surface aging of wood caused by oxidation, UV exposure, and handling over time. Patina gives reclaimed wood its distinctive color and character.
S4S
Surfaced Four Sides — lumber that has been planed smooth on all four faces (two faces and two edges) to a uniform final dimension.
Sapwood
The lighter-colored outer wood of a tree that was actively transporting water when the tree was alive. Generally softer and less rot-resistant than heartwood.
Wane
The presence of bark or a missing corner on the edge of a board where the original round log shape remains. Common in rustic-grade reclaimed lumber.
Related Products
Reclaimed dimensional lumber pairs perfectly with these other materials from our inventory.
Tell Us About Your Lumber Needs
Share your species, dimension, and quantity requirements and we will provide a detailed quote within 24 hours. Custom milling included.