A Booming Barn-Board Business

Article Tools

Image Gallery

Print

E-mail

Comments

RSS

THE FINANCIAL REWARDS

Once you learn how to estimate the value of a salvage operation, you'll begin to realize what a treasure each structure can be . . . because the old, weathered wood sells for much more than new lumber. Ours goes (quickly!) for $2.00 to $4.00 per foot, with hand-hewn beams selling at $10 per foot and more! (On one barn alone, we made a profit of over $2,000, while keeping enough wood to finish off two kitchens, four big rooms, and a large hallway . . . and give us free fuel for two years!)

Generally speaking, the smaller the lot of wood being sold, the higher the price you can charge per foot . . . whereas on a big order you should offer a "wholesale" deal. Yet because time (when you could be out demolishing another old structure) is money, you'll usually clear more cash—and avoid the nuisance buyer who will search for hours for the "right" boards to build a bookcase—if you sell your wood in one or two big lots rather than in a dozen small ones.

In our experience, an average income (after all expenses) of $500 per work week

Is about the least you should expect. The prices you charge for your lumber (and the wages you pay your help) will, of course, vary . . . but most hard-working barn-board salvagers can make much more than that minimum amount.

When starting out, pay your workers (if they agree) in wood rather than cash. Then—as we first did—market your excess lumber after you've used the best for your own home. A small ad that offers "authentic barn board and hand-hewn beams" brings in all the customers we need. Or, if you store your product in an area of fairly high traffic, you won't even have to advertise . . . people will constantly be stopping to ask if you'd like to sell "that old lumber".

EXPAND THE BUSINESS

In addition to peddling the scavenged product, you can—if you have at least modest woodworking abilities—expand your business by installing the boards. You need no special carpentry skills to create beautiful rooms with this antique lumber, because the beauty of such paneling is in its simplicity, and fancy work isn't necessary.

As a matter of fact, many professional carpenters don't like to work with used lumber, as hidden nails can damage their expensive equipment. We, on the other hand, use old power tools or—more often, since the aged wood is very easy to cut and work with—hand tools that we've picked up at flea markets and yard sales . . . and you can do the same! (Generally speaking, a hammer, saw, marking gauge, and square are the only tools necessary for installing barn wood.)

RSS | Comments | E-mail | Print