Buying Lumber From Mills

Purchasing lumber through a middleman can be very costly for large orders, and buying lumber from a discount store may mean getting low quality lumber. Instead, you can buy lumber directly from a lumber mill. You will receive good lumber and also save a lot of money on large projects.

1. Contact several lumber mills in your area and inform them of the quantity of lumber you want to buy and also the sizes of the pieces that you want. You may also inquire about purchasing custom sizes if they offer that option.


2. Get lumber price quotes from the lumber mills that you contact. It is always a good idea to shop around and compare price quotes from different suppliers. When you determine the one that offers you the type and quantity of lumber that you want at the best price, purchase it from them. Before placing your order, be sure to find out whether they deliver or if you'll need to pick it up yourself.


3. Dry the lumber before you use it. This is because lumber that comes from a lumber mill usually contains a significant amount of water. You can use a lumber kiln to dry the lumber that you have bought, or you can air dry it by putting it outside in stacks. It is also essential that you place all of the lumber in each level in such a way that they run in the same direction, and be sure to have 2 to 3 pieces in between each level that run perpendicular to increase airflow to the stack. Be sure to order your lumber early so that it can dry in this way for about four to six weeks before using it.