Buy Used Lumber in Winston Salem

Find Quality Used Lumber in Winston-Salem: Save Money on Your Next Project

What you'll get from this guide: Learn where to buy used lumber in Winston-Salem, save 30-70% on materials, and find unique wood for your projects.

Used lumber gives you two big wins: you save money and get wood with character. In Winston-Salem, you can find everything from basic 2x4s to historic barn beams. Here's where to look and what to expect.

Why Buy Used Lumber?

Money savings: Used lumber costs 30-70% less than new wood

Unique character: Aged wood has texture and color you can't buy new

Environmental benefit: Keep good wood out of landfills

Quality: Older lumber is often better quality than new wood

Building Supply Centers with Used Materials

Several regular lumber yards also carry used materials:

Smith Phillips Building Supply

• Salvage section with end-cuts and returns
• Delivery and pickup services
• Mix with new materials for budget optimization
• Service guarantee

Rugby Architectural Building Products

• Occasional salvage inventory from local contractors
• Quality assurance processes
• Delivery options
• High customer ratings

Plyler Supply Building Materials

• Dedicated rack for surplus and reclaimed wood
• Personalized service
• Advice on applications for imperfect boards
• One-stop for new and used materials

What to Look For When Buying

Structural integrity check:

• No rot or soft spots
• Minimal warping
• No insect damage
• Check for metal (nails, screws)

Moisture content:

• Should be below 19% for indoor use
• Ask for moisture testing if available
• Wet wood will shrink and may develop mold

Species identification:

• Hardwoods (oak, maple) cost more but last longer
• Softwoods (pine, fir) are cheaper and easier to work
• Ask about the wood's original use

Money-Saving Tips

Compare prices:

• Nonprofit stores: Usually cheapest
• Antique shops: Premium for historic pieces
• Mills: Mid-range with quality assurance

Buy in bulk:

• Many suppliers offer discounts for large orders
• Split orders with neighbors or friends

Bring your own transport:

• Delivery fees can add 20-30% to costs
• Rent a truck if needed

Shop regularly:

• Best pieces sell quickly
• Build relationships with suppliers
• Ask about upcoming inventory

Common Projects and Wood Needs

Furniture making:

• Look for hardwood planks
• Need consistent thickness
• Check for defects that affect joinery

Flooring:

• Wide planks are most desirable
• Check for consistent species
• Factor in waste (buy 10% extra)

Beams and structure:

• Verify load-bearing capacity
• Check building codes
• Consider engineering review for major projects

Decorative elements:

• Barn boards for accent walls
• Reclaimed trim for character
• Mix species for visual interest

Questions to Ask Suppliers

About the wood:

• Where did this come from?
• How old is it?
• What was its original use?
• Has it been treated?

About services:

• Do you offer delivery?
• Can you mill to specific dimensions?
• Do you test moisture content?
• What's your return policy?

Getting Started

Start small: Try a small project first to learn the process

Build relationships: Good suppliers will save better pieces for regular customers

Be flexible: Used lumber requires adapting your plans to available materials

Inspect everything: Don't buy sight unseen

Used lumber in Winston-Salem offers real value for both your wallet and your projects. Start with the nonprofit stores for basic materials, then explore specialty suppliers as your needs grow. The key is knowing what to look for and building relationships with suppliers who understand your needs.

Remember: the best pieces don't last long, so visit regularly and be ready to buy when you find something perfect for your project.