Buy Used Lumber in Tennessee

How to Buy Used Lumber in Tennessee and Save Money

You can cut your lumber costs in half while helping the environment — and get beautiful, one-of-a-kind wood for your project. Here's everything you need to know to find, evaluate, and buy quality used lumber in Tennessee.

Why Buy Used Lumber?

You'll save 50-70% compared to new lumber prices. Plus, you're keeping good wood out of landfills. And reclaimed wood has character you can't buy new — weathered barn boards, old-growth grain patterns, and historic patina.

What to Look For (Quality Check)

Before you buy any lumber, check these things:

Good Signs:

• Straight boards without major warping
• Solid wood with no soft, spongy spots
• Minor nail holes and scratches (these add character)

Bad Signs:

• Cracks that go all the way through the board
• Soft, rotting wood that you can dent with your fingernail
• Active insect damage (fresh sawdust around holes)
• Strong musty smell (could be mold)

Example: A weathered barn board with nail holes and gray patina is perfect for accent walls. But avoid boards with large splits — they'll break under stress.

Specialty Reclaimed Wood Suppliers - For Special Projects

If you want historic barn wood or specific species, these suppliers do the work for you. They remove nails, dry the wood, and grade it by quality.

Tennessee suppliers include:

• Smoky Mountain Vintage Lumber (Knoxville)
• Southern Barnwood & Salvage (Loudon)
• Old Farm Reclaimed Lumber (Johnson City)
• Born Again Barnwood (Franklin)
• Atlantic Reclaimed Lumber (Elizabethton)

These cost more than salvage yards but save you prep time.

What You'll Pay

Used lumber costs about 1.5 to 2 times more than new lumber — but you're still saving money compared to buying similar character wood new.

Price factors:

• Wood species (oak costs more than pine)
• How much prep work is done (de-nailed and planed costs more)
• How much you buy (bulk discounts available)
• Delivery distance

Example: Reclaimed barn wood might cost $3-8 per board foot. New hardwood flooring with similar character could cost $12-20 per board foot.

Getting Your Wood Ready to Use

Most used lumber needs some prep work:

Clean it — Remove dirt and old paint or stain

Check moisture — Wood should be around 6-8% moisture for indoor use

Mill if needed — Plane to consistent thickness, sand smooth

Treat for pests — Kiln drying kills bugs and larvae

Many suppliers offer these services for an extra fee. Or do it yourself with rented equipment.

Legal Stuff (Important)

Always make sure the wood is legally obtained:

• Get a receipt showing where the wood came from
• Avoid wood from demolished buildings without proper permits
• Ask about treatments or chemicals used on the wood
• For large purchases, get a written agreement

Example: If someone offers you "barn wood" from their property, make sure they actually own the barn and have the right to sell it.

Your Action Plan

Start with Stores — Best prices, quality guaranteed

Check online marketplaces — Good for specific needs

Visit salvage yards — Best for large quantities

Consider specialty suppliers — When you need specific grades or species

Remember: Buy a little extra — used lumber sizes aren't always standard, and you might find defects during your project.

Used lumber in Tennessee gives you authentic character, saves money, and helps the environment. Start with the simple sources like Stores, learn to spot quality wood, and don't be afraid to negotiate on price for larger purchases.