Where to get cheap wood?

[paulney]

Another school year, and I'm doing another project for the local elementary school. Last year I did the shelves, and they loved them so much, they asked me if I could build some more (under the same deal with the local union).

I also agreed to build them a few planter boxes for the garden the school is making.

Last year I bought all my wood at the local lumber yard, and while it wasn't terribly expensive for the pine, it wasn't cheaper than Home Depot either. I'll use the lumber yard for the shelves, but for the planter boxes - they could easily be constructed with recycled wood.

The question is - where do I get it? For example, those frames they build for pouring cement sidewalks and other temporary construction needs - what do they do with the wood after they are done? They probably don't discard it in the dumpster, right? How can I get my hands on it?

 

[skimple]

Check craigslist in your area for people that have dismantled decks or other home improvement projects. Or post an ad yourself that you'll come pick up lumber. Many people have to pay to dispose of leftover pressure treated or other lumber, so they might give the extra wood to you.

 

[highland145]

Ask the lumber yard for a freebie and take a letter from the school.

 

[SunnyD]

Where to get cheap wood?

I can't possibly type this reply with a straight face.

**snip** ... what do they do with the wood after they are done? They probably don't discard it in the dumpster, right? How can I get my hands on it?

Very carefully edited... for posterity.

 

[paulney]

I can't possibly type this reply with a straight face.

I know, I know Get your mind out of the gutter!

 

[vshah]

I know, I know Get your mind out of the gutter!

i send my mind to the gutter on purpose, always end up with free wood.

 

[SunnyD]

i send my mind to the gutter on purpose, always end up with free wood.

This man is onto something!

 

[paulney]

Ask the lumber yard for a freebie and take a letter from the school.

I doubt a freebie will fly, but they did give me a slight discount since it was for the school project. Still, even after that, it was on par with HD... At least I can pick and choose in HD to find a decent plank, and at the lumber yard you get what they load.

 

[SagaLore]

L&R

 

[BoomerD]

Come to my house this weekend...I have 2x4's, 2x6's, sanded plywood (4x8x3/4) lots of misc. small pieces of various kinds of wood left over from my architecture classes...most of it will get cut into pieces and tossed in the trash can before we move.

 

[paulney]

Come to my house this weekend...I have 2x4's, 2x6's, sanded plywood (4x8x3/4) lots of misc. small pieces of various kinds of wood left over from my architecture classes...most of it will get cut into pieces and tossed in the trash can before we move.

Aren't you in SoCal?

 

[EagleKeeper]

Concrete framing is usually reused.

If you can find ouit where a new development is being built; you may be able to get the GC to hand over leftover scraps.