Buy Used Lumber in Wasilla

Save Money and Help the Environment: Your Complete Guide to Buying Used Lumber in Wasilla, AK

What you'll get from this guide: Learn how to find quality used lumber in Wasilla, save 40-80% on building materials, and help protect the environment. You'll discover the best local sources, how to inspect wood safely, and practical tips for your projects.

Why Buy Used Lumber?

Used lumber offers three main benefits:

• Save money: Pay 40-80% less than new lumber prices
• Help the environment: Keep wood out of landfills and reduce tree cutting
• Find unique materials: Get character wood and rare pieces not available in stores

For example, new pine lumber costs $1.50-$2.50 per board-foot. Used lumber from local sources costs $0.20-$1.50 per board-foot.

What Is Used Lumber?

Used lumber is wood that someone used before in construction, furniture, or other projects. In Wasilla, you'll find three main types:

• Salvaged wood: Removed from old buildings during demolition
• Reclaimed wood: Carefully taken from structures to preserve quality
• Surplus wood: New lumber that stores or contractors couldn't use

Where to Find Used Lumber in Wasilla

Local Salvage Centers

Matsu Valley Rebuild

• Location: Palmer-Wasilla Highway
• What they have: Dimensional lumber, plywood, trim boards, specialty pieces
• Pricing: 40-80% below retail prices
• Best time to visit: Early in the week for fresh inventory
• Pro tip: Volunteer to get early access to select pieces

This nonprofit rescues building materials from the waste stream. Their inventory changes daily based on local demolition and remodeling projects. They also offer community workshops on resource conservation.

Local Thrift Outlets Some nonprofit thrift stores in the area carry donated building materials including lumber. Check with local organizations that support affordable housing efforts.

Online Sources

RePackify

• Serves: Wasilla, Fairbanks, and Anchorage
• Specializes in: New, used, and custom-cut lumber
• Best for: Full and partial truckload deals
• Features: Real-time availability, price comparisons, delivery support

RePackify connects buyers and sellers across Alaska. You can post requests for specific lumber types or browse current listings. They help with logistics, which is crucial in Alaska's challenging weather and distance conditions.

How to Inspect Used Lumber

Basic Visual Check

Look for these problems:

• Cracks: Run your hand along the wood surface
• Warping: Lay boards flat to check for bowing
• Rot: Press soft spots with your fingernail
• Excessive knots: Avoid boards with large knots for structural use

Structural Integrity Test

For framing lumber:

• Check for uniform grain patterns
• Tap longer boards to listen for hollow sounds
• Avoid pieces with deep splits or missing chunks

Safety Concerns

Older lumber may contain harmful treatments:

• Railroad ties: Often contain creosote (toxic)
• Utility poles: May have chemical preservatives
• Painted wood: Could contain lead paint

Always ask sellers about the wood's origin. When in doubt, avoid pieces from industrial sources.

Pricing Guide

Here's what you can expect to pay per board-foot:

Online platforms like RePackify:

• Range: $0.25 - $1.50
• Varies by: Species, grade, and availability
• Bulk orders: Often get better per-unit pricing

Comparison to new lumber:

• New untreated pine: $1.50 - $2.50 per board-foot
• Your savings: 50-85% with used lumber

Remember to factor in these extra costs:

• Transportation (truck rental or delivery)
• Preparation time (cleaning, sanding)
• Storage materials (tarps, blocks for stacking)

Environmental Benefits

Every 1,000 board-feet of reclaimed lumber you buy:

• Prevents 1-2 metric tons of CO₂ emissions
• Saves trees from being cut down
• Keeps wood out of landfills
• Reduces demand for new lumber manufacturing

Community reuse centers also create local jobs and offer skill-building workshops.

Practical Tips for Success

Before You Go Shopping

• Measure your project precisely
• Make a list of needed sizes and quantities
• Plan your transportation (rent a truck or trailer)
• Bring cash (many sellers prefer cash payments)

When You're There

• Inspect each piece individually
• Ask about the wood's history
• Check moisture content if possible
• Buy 10-15% extra for waste and mistakes

Getting It Home

• Use tie-down straps to secure loads
• Stack boards with small spacers between layers
• Cover with tarps if rain threatens
• Drive slowly and check straps frequently

Preparing for Use

• Store in a dry, elevated, well-ventilated area
• Let wood acclimate to your workspace conditions
• Sand or plane surfaces to remove old finishes
• Apply primer or sealant before installation

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Buying without measuring: Always know your exact needs
• Ignoring safety: Don't use treated lumber for food surfaces
• Skipping inspection: One bad board can ruin a project
• Forgetting transport: Plan how you'll get lumber home
• Rushing the process: Take time to evaluate each piece

Seasonal Considerations

Summer (May-September):

• Best selection as construction activity peaks
• Higher prices due to demand
• Easier transportation with good weather

Winter (October-April):

• Limited selection but better prices
• Difficult transportation in snow/ice
• Good time to plan and research sources

Getting Started

Start with these steps:

Define your project: Know what lumber sizes you need

Visit Matsu Valley Rebuild: See what's available locally

Check RePackify: Browse online options and compare prices

Plan your first small purchase: Buy materials for a test project

Learn from experience: Each purchase teaches you something new

Final Thoughts

Used lumber offers real savings and environmental benefits for Wasilla residents. Success comes from careful inspection, proper planning, and patience to find the right materials. Start small with your first purchase to learn the process, then tackle bigger projects as you gain experience.

The key is building relationships with local sources and understanding that inventory changes frequently. Regular visits to places like Matsu Valley Rebuild and consistent checking of RePackify listings will help you find the best deals and materials for your projects.