Even though reclaimed wood is high-quality and durable, some people woodn’t want to pay a premium for second-hand wood. You can get reclaimed wood for free or cheap at construction sites, local salvage yards, the roadside, old barns, and more.
This article will show you how and where to obtain reclaimed wood for your DIY projects without breaking the bank, including free and cost-effective sources.
1. Check Online
If you’re trying to get reclaimed wood for free or cheap, your first step should be to check listings online or on the media. The listers are usually people who’re remodeling their homes, clearing out their garages, or just have old furniture that they want gone.
Get on your phone or computer and check out online marketplaces like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Reddit (your local subreddit). You can also check out newspaper classifieds, both print and online. These platforms usually have listings for reclaimed wood.
| Quick Tip: When searching these platforms, use keywords like “reclaimed wood”, “free reclaimed”, “barn wood”, or “old pallets”, and make sure to check posts frequently. |
If you see something that catches your eye, don’t hesitate to reach out to the seller, even if the price is slightly above your budget. Most sellers may be willing to reduce their prices or renegotiate if you reach out to them, especially if you’re buying multiple pieces.
If checking classifieds does not work, you can consider posting your own “wanted” ad on these platforms. You can let people know what type of reclaimed wood you’re looking for and your budget range.
2. Visit Construction Sites
You can get reclaimed wood for free or cheap the old-fashioned way. That means buckling up your trusty boots and finding the nearest construction site.
Builders or contractors usually have excess reclaimed wood materials that they would otherwise throw away. If you speak with them, they might be willing to let you take the wood off their hands for free.
When approaching construction sites, the trick is to be polite and professional. Let them know what you want to use the wood for and remember that it’s not compulsory they give you the wood.
| Warning: Don’t try to cart away reclaimed wood from construction sites without letting anyone know. Besides being illegal, the contractors may have further use for the wood or may have promised it to someone else. |
You could also check if there are any upcoming demolition projects in your area. Demolition companies usually have access to large quantities of reclaimed wood that they need to dispose of after tearing down a structure. They may give you a reduced price since it’s better than sending it all to a landfill.
3. Go to Local Salvage Yards
Salvage yards collect and sell materials from demolished buildings. They have different sections and wood types, giving you a lot of options.
Granted, you won’t get free wood here, but you sure can get reclaimed wood at prices much lower than new lumber of the same species. Plus, the staff can be incredibly knowledgeable and can help you find exactly what you need for your project.
| Tip: When you go, take time to browse through the different sections. Sometimes, the best reclaimed pieces are tucked away in less obvious spots. Just remember to check the wood carefully for signs of damage or pests before making a purchase. |
You can also come with the measurements and specifications of your project so you can visualize how the reclaimed wood will fit in.
4. Ask Neighbors and Local Contractors
Reach out to your friends, neighbors, and family and let them know you’re looking for reclaimed wood for your project. Who knows? They could have a pile of wood they need cleared out. And if they don’t, they could give you pointers on where you can get it.
Beyond that, if your neighbors or anyone has broken fences, old sheds, worn-out decks, and more, ask them if they have any plans for it. If they don’t plan to repair, you can lug off the wood for use in your projects.
Additionally, consider networking with local woodworkers or builders. Why?
- They usually have leftover pieces from their projects that they’re willing to sell or give away for free.
- They’re often one of the first to know when buildings are being demolished or renovated.
- They’re usually the ones responsible for removing materials, including wood, from old structures.
Even if they don’t have any spare wood, they can give you tips and advice based on their experiences working with reclaimed wood.
5. Scour the Roadside
You’ll be surprised by the things people throw away. In my neighborhood, it’s common to see discarded furniture or wood piles by the roadside. They are usually left there for trash collection.
If this also happens where you live, it’s not a bad idea to collect them and disassemble them for use in your next project.
Keep in mind: Not every piece you find will be useful for your project. For instance, you may have to cut off the legs of a table with a ruined top or have to break up a cabinet to get the piece you need.
6. Find Old Barns
You can get reclaimed wood from old or abandoned barns or farms. Most of these farms have upgraded and have old furniture and structures that they no longer use.
Many farm owners will be happy to have you take their dilapidated barns off their hands. Old barns have strong boards and beams that can come in handy in several projects. This makes them a quality source of reclaimed wood.
However, barn wood can be dangerous since it often has rusty nails, pesticides, animal droppings, and dangerous chemicals, so be cautious.
Editor’s note: Make sure you identify the owner of the land and ask permission to salvage on their property. Home Gnome does not endorse trespassing!
7. Check With Reclaimed Wood Suppliers
Reclaimed wood suppliers are similar to salvage yards, but they’re different because reclaimed wood is their specialty. They usually have experts who go out to “hunt” for wood from old buildings, barns, construction sites, and more.
The downside with getting your reclaimed wood from these suppliers is that they tend to be pricier, which is why this option is at the bottom of the list.
That said, reclaimed wood suppliers are still a great source for getting reclaimed wood, especially if you’re keen on quality.
Note: You should always consider the total cost of purchasing reclaimed wood. For instance, getting free wood is not cost-effective if the transportation costs outweigh the cost of buying wood nearby.
8. Ask Your Contractor
If your home improvement project involves a contractor, interior designer, or construction crew, they may have their own source for reclaimed wood at wholesale prices. Home improvement professionals can often pass on lower material costs to their clients.
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