Buy Used Lumber in Arkansas

How to Find Quality Used Lumber in Arkansas (And Save Money on Your Next Project)

What You'll Get: Learn where to find used lumber in Arkansas, what to expect to pay, and how to make smart buying decisions that can save you 30-50% on your lumber costs.

Why Buy Used Lumber?

You get three main benefits:

• Save money (typically $4-7 per board foot vs. $8-15 for new)
• Find unique character and patina you can't get with new wood
• Help the environment by reusing materials

What These Places Offer

• Barn timbers and reclaimed beams
• Live-edge slabs (some up to 52 inches wide)
• Dimensional lumber for construction
• Tongue-and-groove flooring
• Architectural salvage pieces

What You'll Pay

Basic Reclaimed Lumber

• Softwood dimensional lumber: $4.00-$6.00 per board foot
• Mixed hardwoods (brown colors): $4.35-$5.35 per board foot
• Mixed hardwoods (gray colors): $5.05-$6.05 per board foot

Specialty Items

• Barnboard: $8.00-$12.00 per square foot
• Antique siding: $1.64-$3.27 per square foot
• Hand-hewn timbers: Around $6.00 per board foot

Money-Saving Tips

• Buy in bulk (1000+ board feet) to save $1-2 per board foot
• Consider raw lumber if you can do your own finishing
• Ask about volume discounts before placing your order

How to Buy Smart

Before You Go

Measure your project carefully

Calculate how many board feet you need

Decide if you want raw or finished lumber

Set a realistic budget

When You Visit

Inspect the wood in person when possible

Check for cracks, warping, and nail holes

Ask about additional services like kiln drying

Request samples if you're unsure about color or quality

Questions to Ask Sellers

• What species is this wood?
• Has it been kiln dried?
• Are there extra fees for metal detection or de-nailing?
• Do you offer delivery?
• What's your return policy?

Extra Costs to Consider

Processing Services

• Kiln drying: About $0.50 per board foot extra
• Metal detection and de-nailing: Varies by supplier
• Custom milling: Depends on complexity
• Delivery: Some offer free delivery within certain distances

Example: Real Project Costs

If you need 500 board feet for a project:

• New lumber: $4,000-$7,500
• Reclaimed lumber: $2,175-$3,025
• Your savings: $1,825-$4,475

Finding More Suppliers

Online Resources

• Check Repackify
• Check local classified ads
• Look for "lumber salvage" in phone directories

Local Connections

• Ask at construction sites about demolition materials
• Contact local contractors who might have surplus
• Check with sawmills about their waste wood

Making Your Purchase

Start Simple

Call suppliers and describe your project

Ask for quotes based on your specific needs

Visit to see the wood in person

Start with a small order to test quality

Before You Buy

• Confirm what preparation the wood has had
• Understand what condition it's in
• Ask about their quality guarantee
• Get delivery details in writing

Red Flags to Avoid

• Prices that seem too good to be true
• Suppliers who won't let you inspect the wood
• No clear return or exchange policy
• Unclear about wood treatment or preparation

This guide gives you the foundation to find quality used lumber in Arkansas while avoiding common mistakes that cost money and time.