Buy Used Lumber in Los Angeles

Save Money on Quality Used Lumber in Los Angeles - Your Complete Guide

Why This Matters: You'll save 30-70% on lumber costs while helping the environment. This guide shows you exactly where to find quality used wood in LA, what to expect to pay, and how to avoid costly mistakes.

What You'll Get From Used Lumber

Used lumber gives you three main benefits:

• Save money: Pay $3-18 per square foot instead of $25-40 for new wood
• Better quality: Older wood is often more stable and has unique character
• Help the environment: Keep good wood out of landfills

Where to Find the Best Used Lumber in LA

1. Reclaimed Wood Specialists

These shops clean, dry, and prepare used wood for your projects.

Angel City Lumber (Boyle Heights)

• What they have: Oak, eucalyptus, cedar from LA trees
• Prices: Slabs start at $850, flooring at $18 per square foot
• Address: 251 S Anderson St, Los Angeles, CA 90033
• Hours: Tuesday-Friday 9 AM-5 PM, Saturday 9 AM-4 PM

TREELINE

• What they have: Douglas fir beams, barn siding, custom cuts
• Bonus: Free delivery on orders over $500
• Hours: By appointment, Monday-Friday 7 AM-2 PM

Vintage Timberworks

• What they have: Two million board-feet of beams, siding, flooring
• Call for current prices and what's available

2. Habitat ReStores (Best for Budget Projects)

These nonprofit stores sell donated lumber at huge discounts.

• Savings: 30-70% below store prices
• Locations: Mid-Wilshire (1071 S La Brea Ave), Bellflower (8739 Artesia Blvd), Torrance (18600 Crenshaw Blvd)
• Hours: Daily 9:30 AM-6:30 PM
• Good to know: Your money helps build affordable housing

3. Salvage Yards (Best for Basic Projects)

Salvage Demolition Lumber (El Sereno)

• What they have: Basic lumber, flooring, doors
• Address: 5230 Valley Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90032
• Hours: Monday-Friday 8 AM-5 PM, Saturday 8 AM-3 PM
• Bonus: Staff helps you load

4. Online Options

• RePackify: Check their local sellers database for new and recycled stock
• Community sites: Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace for DIY finds

How to Buy Smart

Before You Go

Measure twice: Know exactly what sizes you need

Set a budget: Used lumber ranges from $2-25 per piece

Bring tools: Tape measure, flashlight, magnet (to check for hidden nails)

What to Look For

• Avoid soft spots: Press on the wood - it should feel solid
• Check for straight boards: Warped wood is hard to work with
• Look at the ends: Dark or crumbly ends mean rot

What to Ask

• "Is this wood dried?" (Important for indoor projects)
• "What type of wood is this?" (Different woods have different strengths)
• "Do you deliver?" (Many offer delivery for $50-100)

Quick Price Guide

• Basic dimensional lumber: $2-8 per linear foot
• Reclaimed flooring: $8-18 per square foot
• Live-edge slabs: $850-1,250 each
• Barn siding: $5-12 per square foot
• Beams: $15-40 per linear foot

Start Simple

If you're new to used lumber, start with a small project from a ReStore. You'll learn what to look for without spending much money. Once you know what good used lumber looks and feels like, you can tackle bigger projects from specialty shops.

Your next step: Visit the ReStore closest to you this weekend. Bring a tape measure and see what's available. Most people are surprised by the quality and selection.