We Buy Your Used & Reclaimed Lumber
Got lumber from a renovation, demolition, or barn teardown? Don't send it to a landfill. We pay fair cash prices for quality reclaimed wood and handle all the pickup logistics.
Your Lumber Has Value. We Make Sure You Get It.
Every year, millions of board feet of perfectly good lumber end up in Minneapolis-area landfills. That old barn wood, those rough-sawn beams from the warehouse renovation, the vintage flooring from the 1920s bungalow — it all has value, both economic and environmental.
We've built our entire business around rescuing this material and giving it a second life. When you sell to Lumber Minneapolis, you get paid fairly and you keep usable materials in circulation instead of underground.
Payment After Pickup
On-Site Assessments
We Handle Logistics
Sent to Landfill
Four Simple Steps to Sell Your Lumber
We've streamlined the process to make selling your reclaimed lumber as easy as possible. Most transactions are completed within one week from first contact.
Contact Us
Call, email, or fill out our contact form with details about your lumber. Photos are extremely helpful — snap a few shots of the material, the quantity, and the location.
Free Assessment
Our team reviews your submission and provides a preliminary estimate. For larger lots, we schedule a free on-site assessment to evaluate species, condition, quantity, and accessibility.
Fair Cash Offer
Based on our assessment, we provide a transparent, no-obligation cash offer. Our pricing considers species, grade, dimensions, quantity, and current market demand.
Pickup & Payment
We handle all the heavy lifting. Our crew arrives with flatbed trucks and equipment to safely load and transport your lumber. Payment is issued within 48 hours of pickup.
How to Photograph Your Lumber for the Best Quote
Good photos lead to accurate quotes on the first try. Here's what our buyers look for when evaluating lumber from photos — the better the images, the faster and more accurate our offer.
Capture the Full Stack
Stand back far enough to show the entire quantity of lumber. This helps us estimate volume quickly and plan the right truck size for pickup.
Show End Grain Close-Ups
End grain tells us the species, growth ring density, and whether the wood is old-growth. Take a close-up photo of the end of at least 2-3 representative boards.
Document Any Damage
Show any rot, cracks, insect holes, or staining honestly. This speeds up the assessment and ensures our quote is accurate the first time.
Include a Size Reference
Place a tape measure, ruler, or common object (like a pen) next to the lumber so we can gauge dimensions from the photos.
Show the Access Situation
Take a wide shot of where the lumber is located — driveway, barn interior, upper floor, etc. This helps us plan equipment and crew needs for pickup.
Photograph Unique Features
Hand-hewn marks, mortise joints, original mill stamps, and species-identifying features all help us provide a more accurate and potentially higher valuation.
Pro Tip: Send a Short Video
A 30-second walk-around video showing the lumber pile, the access path, and close-ups of representative boards is often more helpful than a dozen photos. Text or email your video directly to our buying team for the fastest response.
Types of Lumber We Purchase
We buy a wide range of used and reclaimed wood products. If it's solid wood and still structurally sound, chances are we're interested.
Dimensional Lumber
- 2x4 through 2x12 framing lumber
- 4x4 and 6x6 posts
- Rough-sawn boards of any dimension
- Hardwood and softwood species
Beams & Timbers
- Barn beams (any size)
- Structural timbers from commercial buildings
- Hand-hewn and rough-sawn beams
- Old-growth Douglas fir, oak, and pine
Specialty Wood
- Barn siding and board-and-batten
- Tongue-and-groove flooring
- Hardwood decking
- Vintage millwork and trim
Bulk Lots
- Full building teardown material
- Warehouse and factory lumber
- Railroad ties and industrial timbers
- Mixed species pallets and crating
Not Sure If We'll Buy It?
We consider nearly all solid wood materials. Even if your lumber has nails, paint, or minor damage, reach out — we may still be interested. The only materials we cannot accept are pressure-treated lumber (CCA/ACQ), wood with active insect infestation, and severely rotted material.
What We Don't Accept (And Why)
For the safety of our team, our equipment, and our customers, there are some materials we cannot purchase. Here's what falls outside our buying criteria and the reasoning behind each restriction.
Pressure-Treated Lumber (CCA/ACQ)
Contains toxic chemicals (arsenic, chromium, copper) that make the wood hazardous to mill, handle, and reuse. Cannot be safely processed on our equipment without contaminating other stock.
Lumber With Active Insect Infestation
Active powderpost beetles, carpenter ants, or termites can spread to our inventory and facility. We can accept wood with old, inactive insect damage (exit holes only).
Severely Rotted or Punky Wood
Structurally compromised wood cannot be safely milled or used in construction. Minor soft spots or surface rot on otherwise sound timbers are acceptable.
Composite / Engineered Wood Products
OSB, MDF, particle board, LVL beams, and Trex-style composites cannot be reclaimed. We only purchase solid wood products.
Painted Wood (Pre-1978 with Lead Paint)
Lead paint requires special abatement procedures. We can accept painted wood if it is confirmed lead-free through testing, or if the paint can be removed safely.
Creosote-Treated Railroad Ties
Creosote is a known carcinogen and the material cannot be safely cut, sanded, or used in residential applications. Railroad ties treated with other preservatives are evaluated case by case.
What We Pay by Species
These are approximate buying prices per board foot — what we pay to sellers, not retail prices. Actual offers depend on condition, quantity, accessibility, and current market demand.
White Oak
$3 - $6 / BFOur most sought-after hardwood. Old-growth quartersawn commands the top of the range. Beams and timbers with visible hand-hewn marks carry a premium.
Red Oak
$2 - $5 / BFSlightly less valuable than white oak due to lower rot resistance, but still in strong demand for flooring and furniture applications.
Heart Pine
$4 - $8 / BFExtremely rare — no longer commercially harvested. Flooring-grade heart pine with tight growth rings is among the most valuable reclaimed species we buy.
Douglas Fir
$2 - $5 / BFOld-growth fir with tight grain rings (20+ per inch) commands premium pricing. Beams are especially valuable for mantel and furniture applications.
White Pine
$1.50 - $3.50 / BFCommon in Minnesota barns and older homes. Wide boards (10"+) and original barn siding carry more value than standard dimensional stock.
Cedar
$2 - $4 / BFNatural rot resistance makes reclaimed cedar valuable for outdoor applications. Western red cedar and aromatic cedar are both accepted.
Elm
$2 - $4 / BFIncreasingly scarce since Dutch elm disease. Large slabs and boards are prized for their dramatic grain patterns.
Maple
$3 - $5 / BFHard maple from gymnasium floors, bowling alleys, and factory flooring is highly sought. Soft maple is accepted at slightly lower rates.
Walnut
$5 - $10 / BFThe highest-value species we buy. Even small pieces and offcuts have value. Live-edge slabs can exceed $10/BF depending on figure and size.
Chestnut
$6 - $12 / BFAmerican chestnut is functionally extinct as a timber tree. Any genuine chestnut lumber commands exceptional prices. We verify species before purchasing.
Hickory
$3 - $6 / BFExtremely hard and dense with dramatic grain. Less commonly found in reclaimed sources but highly valued when available.
Hemlock
$1.50 - $3 / BFCommon in older commercial and industrial buildings. Valued for its light color and consistent grain. Large timbers are most desirable.
* Prices fluctuate with market conditions and are valid as general guidance only. Contact us for a current quote specific to your material.
How to Prepare Your Lumber for the Best Price
You do not need to do anything special before selling to us — we buy lumber in any condition. But these preparation steps can significantly increase the value of your material.
Remove As Many Nails As Possible
Adds $0.50 - $1.00 / BF to our offer. De-nailed lumber saves us significant processing time and passes through our metal detector faster. Even partial de-nailing helps — focus on visible nails on the faces and edges.
Sort by Species
Saves us sorting time, resulting in faster quotes and better per-board-foot pricing. Separate oak from pine, hardwoods from softwoods. If you are not sure of the species, sort by color and weight — heavy and dark in one pile, light and soft in another.
Stack and Sticker for Airflow
Place thin strips (stickers) between layers of stacked boards to allow air circulation. This prevents mold, mildew, and staining that can develop in tightly stacked wet wood. Mold-free lumber is worth significantly more.
Keep Material Under Cover
Dry wood is worth more than wet wood. If you have a tarp, lean-to, or garage, store your lumber there until pickup. Prolonged ground contact and rain exposure can cause staining and surface rot that reduces value.
Remove Obvious Rot and Damage
If a board is 80% sound but has a rotted end, cut off the bad section before we assess. A 10-foot clean board is more valuable than a 12-foot board with 2 feet of rot on the end.
Take Clear Photos in Good Lighting
Outdoor photos in daylight, ideally overcast (no harsh shadows). Show the stack, close-ups of end grain, and any unique features. Good photos lead to faster, more accurate quotes — often 24 hours faster than blurry or dark images.
Measure and Count Pieces
A rough count and measurement of your lumber (e.g., "approximately 40 boards, mostly 2x8, 8-12 feet long") helps us prepare a quote faster and plan the right truck and crew size for pickup.
Note Any Known Species
If you know the species — whether from the building history, a previous owner, or your own identification — tell us. Species identification is the single biggest factor in pricing, and your knowledge helps us confirm and provide a faster quote.
How We Determine Value
Our pricing is transparent and based on real market conditions. We evaluate every lot individually and explain exactly how we arrived at our offer.
Species
Hardwoods like oak, walnut, and cherry command premium prices. Old-growth pine and Douglas fir are also highly valued.
Condition
Clean lumber with minimal damage, rot, or insect activity is worth more. We accept imperfect material too — just at adjusted rates.
Dimensions
Larger timbers and beams are worth more per board foot than standard dimensional lumber. Unusual sizes can carry a premium.
Quantity
Bulk lots receive better per-board-foot pricing. Full building deconstruction lots are especially valuable to us.
Accessibility
Easy-access material at ground level is simpler to load. Difficult access may slightly reduce our offer to account for additional labor.
Fasteners
De-nailed lumber is worth more. If nails, screws, or bolts remain, we factor in the labor to remove them during processing.
What Can You Expect to Earn?
These are approximate buying price ranges per board foot. Actual offers depend on condition, quantity, accessibility, and current market demand. Contact us for a precise quote on your specific material.
* Prices shown are approximate buying rates and fluctuate based on market conditions, season, and material condition. Contact us for a current quote.
What Happens to Your Lumber After We Buy It
Your lumber does not disappear into a warehouse. It enters a carefully managed supply chain where every piece is processed, graded, and eventually transforms into someone's next project.
Intake Inspection
Your lumber arrives at our yard. Each piece is visually inspected for structural integrity, species is preliminarily identified, and the lot is logged into our inventory tracking system.
Metal Detection & De-Nailing
Every board passes through our industrial metal detector. Identified nails, screws, bolts, and staples are extracted by hand. Boards with unremovable embedded metal are marked for routing around the obstruction.
Species ID & Grading
Our team formally identifies species using visual grain analysis and, when needed, microscopic examination. Each board is graded (Select, Standard, or Rustic) and sorted by species and dimension.
Storage & Seasoning
Processed lumber is stacked with stickers in our covered yard for air circulation and continued drying. Moisture content is monitored. Material is held here until it is ordered by a customer or allocated to a fabrication project.
Milling When Ordered
When a customer orders material from our inventory, it is pulled, milled to specification (planed, resawn, profiled), and staged for pickup or delivery.
New Life in a Project
Your lumber ends up in someone's home, restaurant, or commercial space — as a dining table, accent wall, mantel, flooring, or structural beam. A barn beam becomes a restaurant centerpiece. Porch boards become a dining table. Warehouse timbers become ceiling beams in a Minneapolis loft.
The Planet Thanks You
When you sell your lumber to us instead of sending it to a landfill, the environmental impact is significant and measurable. Here's exactly what selling 1,000 board feet to us accomplishes.
Reclaiming 1,000 board feet of lumber prevents approximately 3,600 kg of carbon dioxide emissions that would be generated by harvesting, transporting, and milling an equivalent amount of new timber — plus the methane from decomposition in a landfill.
Every 200 board feet of reclaimed lumber keeps one mature tree standing. When you sell 1,000 BF to us, that is equivalent to preserving 24 trees that continue sequestering carbon and supporting ecosystems.
Wood waste takes up significant space in landfills and generates methane as it decomposes. Diverting 1,000 board feet keeps approximately 4 cubic yards of material out of the waste stream.
New lumber production consumes significant water resources for tree growth, milling, and processing. Reclaiming existing lumber avoids this entirely — saving an estimated 5,000 gallons per 1,000 board feet.
A thousand board feet of reclaimed lumber provides enough material for approximately 200 square feet of hardwood flooring — or a complete accent wall for 3 typical homes.
Building Deconstruction Partnership Program
We have built a dedicated program for demolition contractors who want to divert lumber from the waste stream and earn revenue from salvageable material. Here is what partnership includes.
Dedicated Liaison
A single point of contact on our team coordinates all purchasing from your demolition projects. One phone call or email to arrange assessment and pickup.
Standing Purchase Agreements
Pre-negotiated pricing by species and grade eliminates per-job quoting delays. You know what your salvaged material is worth before the teardown begins.
On-Site Sorting Assistance
For larger jobs, our crew can assist with on-site sorting — separating salvageable lumber from waste material, identifying species, and estimating board footage in real time.
Priority Pickup Scheduling
Demolition partners receive priority scheduling for pickup. We can coordinate pickups within 48 hours of notification, and stage trucks for multi-day jobs.
Volume Commitment Pricing
Partners who commit to routing all salvageable lumber to us receive enhanced per-board-foot pricing. Annual volume targets unlock additional premium tiers.
Shared Marketing
We credit our demolition partners on project stories and social media posts. Your company name appears alongside the reclaimed material story, demonstrating your commitment to sustainability.
Environmental Documentation
We provide waste diversion reports documenting exactly how much material was recovered and diverted from landfill. This documentation supports your LEED submittals and sustainability reporting.
Material Identification Training
We offer free species identification training for your crew. Knowing the difference between oak and pine on the job site helps you set aside high-value material before it gets mixed with waste.
Donation Program for Tax Benefits
For many property owners, especially those with large quantities of high-value material, donating lumber through our program and receiving a tax deduction can be worth significantly more than a cash payment.
Example: A barn with $10,000 fair market value in lumber could generate a tax savings of $2,200 - $3,700 depending on your tax bracket — and that is in addition to avoiding demolition disposal fees.
Qualification Assessment
We evaluate whether your lumber qualifies for donation based on species, condition, and estimated fair market value. Donations are most advantageous for lots valued at $5,000 or more.
Qualified Appraiser Coordination
For donations exceeding $5,000, the IRS requires an independent fair market value assessment by a qualified appraiser. We coordinate the appraisal — you do not need to find an appraiser on your own.
Donation to 501(c)(3) Nonprofit
Materials are donated to a qualifying nonprofit organization that accepts building materials. We handle the physical transfer of the lumber and all logistics.
Documentation Provided
You receive a donation receipt, the appraiser's contact information, and a fair market value assessment. For donations over $5,000, IRS Form 8283 (Noncash Charitable Contributions) is required with your tax return.
Best Times to Sell Your Lumber
We buy lumber year-round, but seasonal factors affect volume, scheduling, and sometimes pricing. Here's what to expect throughout the year.
Spring (March - May)
Peak buying season. Barn teardowns and renovation projects ramp up as weather improves. We see the highest volume of incoming material during this period. Turnaround from contact to pickup is typically 3-5 business days due to high demand.
Summer (June - August)
Steady volume with strong demand. Demolition and renovation projects are in full swing. We maintain aggressive pickup schedules with multiple trucks running daily across the metro.
Fall (September - November)
Excellent time to sell. Many property owners want to clear material before winter. We actively seek inventory to stock up for the winter buying season when indoor projects peak.
Winter (December - February)
Lower volume of incoming material due to weather, but we still buy year-round. Indoor demolition material and covered storage sites are accessible regardless of conditions. Payment turnaround is often faster due to reduced queue.
Large Lots & Demolition Partnerships
We work closely with demolition contractors, general contractors, property developers, and municipal agencies who generate large volumes of used lumber. Our partnership model is designed to integrate seamlessly with your existing workflows.
On-Site Sorting
For large jobs, our crew can sort lumber on your site — separating salvageable material from waste — so you do not need to haul it all to our yard.
Standing Purchase Agreements
Regular demolition contractors can set up standing agreements with pre-negotiated rates by species and grade, eliminating per-job quoting delays.
Waste Diversion Reporting
We provide documented waste diversion reports for your LEED submittals, sustainability reports, and municipal compliance requirements.
Coordination With Your Schedule
We work around your demolition timeline. Material can be picked up in stages as it becomes available, or in a single load at project completion.
Know Someone With Lumber to Sell?
Our referral program rewards you for connecting us with new lumber sources. If you refer someone to us and we complete a purchase from them, you receive a referral bonus based on the transaction size.
Referral under $500
Referral $500 - $2,500
Referral over $2,500
No limit on referrals. Bonuses paid within 48 hours of completing the purchase. Referral program applies to new sellers only.
How We Handle Your Material at Pickup
Our pickup process is designed to be as low-impact as possible on your property. Here's what to expect when our crew arrives.
Crew Size & Equipment
Typical residential pickups require a 2-person crew with a flatbed truck. Larger lots may involve 3-4 crew members and multiple trucks or a semi-trailer.
Loading Process
Our crew hand-loads material onto the truck, stacking and strapping it properly for safe transport. We bring our own equipment — you do not need to provide anything.
Property Protection
We lay down plywood over lawns when driving a truck across soft ground. We are careful with driveways, landscaping, and structures. Any damage is our responsibility.
Site Cleanup
We clean up after ourselves. Sawdust, loose nails, broken pieces, and other debris left behind from loading are swept and removed before we leave.
Time on Site
A typical residential pickup takes 1-3 hours. Large barn or commercial lots may require a full day or multiple days. We confirm the schedule in advance.
We Buy From Everyone
Homeowners
Renovating your home? Got old fencing, decking, or flooring? Even small quantities have value.
Contractors
Job-site lumber leftover from a demo or remodel? We provide fast pickup and payment on your schedule.
Demolition Companies
Partner with us to divert lumber from the waste stream. We can handle sorting on-site or at our yard.
Property Managers
Clearing out a building? We buy materials from commercial and residential property cleanouts.
Real Sellers, Real Results
Here are a few examples of how property owners and contractors have turned their used lumber into cash — and environmental impact.
The Southwest Minneapolis Bungalow
A homeowner renovating a 1926 bungalow near Lake Harriet sold us 400 board feet of original maple flooring and 200 linear feet of fir trim. The maple flooring was in excellent condition and commanded premium pricing. Total payout: over $1,800 for material that was headed for a dumpster.
600+ board feet | Maple flooring & fir trim | 1926 bungalow
The Goodhue County Barn
A farmer south of Red Wing contacted us about a collapsing hay barn built in the 1880s. We purchased the entire structure standing — over 8,000 board feet of hand-hewn white oak beams, pine siding, and mixed hardwood framing. The farmer chose the tax deduction option and received documentation for a five-figure charitable deduction.
8,000+ board feet | White oak & pine | 1880s barn
The Northeast Minneapolis Warehouse
A demolition contractor working on a warehouse redevelopment in the Arts District partnered with us to divert lumber from the waste stream. We sorted and purchased 12,000 board feet of heavy Douglas fir timbers and maple factory flooring over three weeks. The contractor earned revenue from material that would have cost money to dispose of.
12,000+ board feet | Douglas fir timbers & maple | Industrial warehouse
Frequently Asked Questions About Selling Lumber
How quickly will I get paid after you pick up my lumber?
Payment is issued within 48 hours of pickup for most transactions. For large commercial lots, payment is processed within 5 business days. We pay via check, direct deposit, or Zelle — your choice.
Is there a minimum quantity you will buy?
There is no hard minimum. We will purchase a single beam or an entire barn full of lumber. However, very small quantities (under 50 board feet) of common species may not be cost-effective for us to pick up, in which case we may suggest you drop the material off at our yard instead.
Do I need to de-nail the lumber before you pick it up?
No. We buy lumber with nails, screws, and bolts still in it. Our processing facility has de-nailing stations and industrial metal detectors. However, de-nailed lumber does command a higher price since it saves us processing time.
How do I know if my lumber is worth anything?
If it is solid wood (not composite or particle board) and not severely rotted, it almost certainly has value. Hardwoods, large timbers, old-growth species, and barn wood are most valuable. But even standard 2x4 framing lumber has value to us in sufficient quantity. When in doubt, send us photos and we will give you an honest assessment.
Can you pick up lumber from inside a building during renovation?
Yes. Our crews are experienced in working on active job sites and within buildings. We coordinate with your general contractor to schedule pickup at a time that does not interfere with other trades. For second-floor or basement material, we have equipment and crew to manage the extraction.
Do you buy painted or stained lumber?
Yes, in most cases. Stained lumber is almost always accepted — the stain rarely affects usability. Painted lumber is accepted if the paint is confirmed to be lead-free (post-1978 construction is generally safe). For pre-1978 buildings, we may require a lead test before purchasing painted material.
What areas do you pick up from?
Our primary pickup area is the Twin Cities metro and greater Minnesota. We regularly pick up from locations as far as Duluth, Rochester, St. Cloud, and Mankato. For large lots or high-value material, we will travel to western Wisconsin, Iowa, and South Dakota. Pickup is free in most cases — for very remote locations, a small transportation fee may apply.
Can I get a tax deduction instead of cash payment?
Yes. If you prefer, you can donate the lumber through us to a qualified nonprofit and receive a tax deduction based on fair market value. We work with qualified appraisers who provide IRS-compliant documentation. Many property owners find the tax deduction is worth more than the cash offer, especially for large lots. Consult your tax advisor for specific guidance.
What happens to my lumber after you buy it?
Your lumber enters our reclaimed supply chain. It is de-nailed, metal-detected, graded, and sorted by species and dimension at our Minneapolis facility. From there, it may be sold as-is, planed and resawn, milled into flooring or shiplap, or used in custom fabrication projects like tables, mantels, and barn doors. Nothing usable goes to waste.
How do you determine the species of my lumber?
Our buyers are trained to identify species by visual characteristics including grain pattern, color, weight, and end-grain features. For unusual or rare species, we can take samples for lab identification. Accurate species identification is critical because it directly affects the value of the wood.
Additional Seller FAQs
How fast can you pick up my lumber?
For metro-area pickups, we can typically schedule within 3-5 business days of accepting the material. Rush pickups (within 48 hours) are available for larger lots or time-sensitive situations, such as when a demolition timeline requires the material to be removed quickly. Rural pickups are scheduled based on our route schedule and may take 5-10 days.
Do you buy painted lumber?
Yes, in most cases. Stained or sealed lumber is almost always accepted — the finish rarely affects usability. Painted lumber is accepted if the paint is confirmed lead-free (post-1978 construction is generally safe). For pre-1978 buildings, we may request a lead test before purchasing. We can accept painted lumber and mill off the painted surface, but the processing cost is factored into our offer.
What about lumber with concrete or mortar attached?
We can accept lumber with concrete, mortar, or plaster residue, but it reduces our offer because the material requires extra processing to clean. Embedded concrete is particularly problematic for our blades. If you can knock off loose material before we assess, it will improve your quote. Structural timbers with mortar joints from brick buildings are a common example — we buy these regularly.
Can I drop off small quantities at your yard?
Yes. Our Minneapolis yard accepts walk-in drop-offs during business hours (Monday-Friday 7 AM to 5 PM, Saturday 8 AM to noon). There is no minimum for drop-offs. Bring your material, we assess it on the spot, and you leave with a check or Zelle payment. For very small quantities of common species, the per-board-foot rate may be lower than our standard buying prices, but we still accept the material.
Do you buy pallets?
Selectively. We accept hardwood pallets (typically oak) that are in good condition — boards without excessive splits, rot, or contamination. Standard softwood pallets (the most common type) have minimal reclaim value due to their thin dimensions and construction grade. If you have a large volume of pallets (100+), contact us for a quote. We pay more for heat-treated (HT stamped) pallets than chemically treated ones.
What about engineered wood products?
We do not purchase engineered wood products including OSB (oriented strand board), MDF (medium-density fiberboard), particle board, LVL (laminated veneer lumber), or composite decking. These products cannot be safely reclaimed or milled because the adhesives and manufacturing process make them unsuitable for reuse. We only buy solid wood.
How do you weigh or measure on-site?
We estimate board footage on-site by measuring representative pieces and counting. For dimensional lumber, we use the formula (thickness x width x length) / 12 = board feet, then multiply by the count. For irregular lots, we may use weight as a secondary verification. Our buyers are experienced at rapid, accurate estimation. The quote you receive is based on our measured estimate, and we honor it — no surprises at pickup.
Can I sell standing timber or trees?
No. We only purchase lumber that has already been milled or hewn — meaning it was part of a structure, fence, or other built product. We are not a logging company and do not purchase standing timber, logs, or green (freshly cut) trees. If you have recently felled trees, a local sawyer or portable sawmill operator can mill them into lumber, which we may then purchase once it has air-dried.
Do you buy from out of state?
Yes, for the right material. We regularly purchase from western Wisconsin (Hudson, Eau Claire, La Crosse) and make trips to Iowa and South Dakota for larger lots. For truly exceptional material — large old-growth timber frames, rare species like American chestnut, or high-volume barn deconstructions — we will travel further. We factor transportation costs into our offer for distant pickups.
What is your minimum purchase amount?
There is no hard minimum. We have purchased single beams and we have purchased entire barns. However, very small quantities (under 50 board feet) of common species may not be cost-effective for us to pick up, in which case we encourage drop-off at our Minneapolis yard. For higher-value species (oak, walnut, heart pine), even small quantities are worth a pickup trip.
Do you buy specialty items like doors, windows, or trim?
Yes. Solid-wood doors, window frames with quality wood, and original millwork (baseboards, crown moulding, chair rail, wainscoting) all have value. Vintage hardware — hinges, handles, brackets, and knobs — is also accepted. These architectural salvage items are valued individually rather than by the board foot. Bring them to our yard or include photos when submitting your lumber lot for assessment.
How do repeat seller accounts work?
If you regularly generate used lumber — whether you are a demolition contractor, renovation contractor, or property manager — we set up a standing account with pre-negotiated rates by species and grade. This eliminates per-job quoting and accelerates the pickup process. Repeat sellers receive priority scheduling, and annual volume targets can unlock bonus pricing tiers. Contact us to set up a partnership account.
Useful Reads Before You Sell
Deconstruction vs Demolition
See why careful removal usually preserves more resale value than teardown waste.
Can Fire-Damaged Timber Be Salvaged?
Know when charred beams still have value and when they should be excluded.
How We Source Reclaimed Lumber Across Minnesota
Understand what makes a lumber lot desirable and how we evaluate it quickly.
Every Board You Sell Is a Board Saved From the Landfill
Selling your lumber to us is one of the simplest ways to reduce construction waste and support the circular economy. Get paid today, do good for the planet tomorrow.