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sflem849 02-23-2013 20:02:53 69.197.84.39 Report to Moderator	Not sure where to go, but this forum always has some good answers no matter the topic. A neighbor is converting a dairy style barn into a machine shed and is taking out the haymow. They were going to burn the haymow after removal so I asked if I could get some of the lumber. They said that would not be a problem. I took my gooseneck over and they loaded three large chunks of flooring on the trailer. This afternoon I spent some time taking the material apart. It takes about an hour to take a section apart without removing the nails from the 2"x12" The project yields 2"x12"x+16' boards and 1"x8"x5' shiplap boards. These are the true dimensions of the wood, not nominal thickness lumber. The 2"xs are not quite 12" the full 16' because they are notched about an inch to go over the beams. I doubt the 1"x boards are worth much because they are so short and kind of beat up. The 2"xs seem like they would have quite a bit of value. Does anybody have a clue on how to price them? My other option would be saving them to use when I convert my dairy barn to a shop. I could rip them down to 7.5" and use them as stringers for the tin. That way I wouldn't have to remove the nails either. (I could just cut the naily side off when I rip them) I'm not sure if I would be better to convert this lumber into cash for my project or just use these when I am ready. Here is a picture of the material. This post was edited by sflem849 at 20:03:13 02/23/13. [Reply]   [No Email]
Pops1532 02-25-2013 06:45:53 68.58.114.55 Report to Moderator	Re: Pricing salvaged barn lumber in reply to sflem849, 02-23-2013 20:02:53   You wouldn't want to run them through a planer either! So your market is basically someone that needs full size lumber. That's a very limited market. I think the fact that 3 out of 19 were cracked or broken shows that they are not of superior quality. Do you have a wood stove? [Reply]  [No Email]
sflem849 02-25-2013 07:35:32 69.197.84.39 Report to Moderator	Re: Pricing salvaged barn lumber in reply to Pops1532, 02-25-2013 06:45:53   Quoting Removed, click Modern View to see No that shows they were smashed with a skytrack. :D [Reply]  [No Email]
sflem849 02-24-2013 18:16:54 69.197.84.39 Report to Moderator	Re: Pricing salvaged barn lumber in reply to sflem849, 02-23-2013 20:02:53   Well, I got it all apart and off the trailer. All the good little boards are on a pallet and nail free. I'm not sure if they will be good for much, but I can keep them around for now. I ended up getting 16 big boards. I think it was 3 of them that were cracked and junk. They still have a million nails each in them. That job is terrible. I think I have 5 of the 16 90% nail free. There are some nails that broke off in them. I have no idea what to do with those nails. You wouldn't want to run any of them through a sawmill. [Reply]  [No Email]
ss55 02-25-2013 13:14:32 173.31.19.80 Report to Moderator	Re: Pricing salvaged barn lumber in reply to sflem849, 02-24-2013 18:16:54   Tearing up a set of planer knives or a saw blade on nails could cost more than the wood is worth. The two inch thick wood would be good and strong for a cattle coral or loading chute if you can drive all the remaining nails below the surface. Two of the heavy boards at body height to the cattle and lighter 1 1/2 inch lumber above and below those should work fine. Paint the rough wood so it doesn't give off as many slivers and to make it slicker. [Reply]  [No Email]
sflem849 02-25-2013 19:39:41 69.197.84.39 Report to Moderator	Re: Pricing salvaged barn lumber in reply to ss55, 02-25-2013 13:14:32   Quoting Removed, click Modern View to see I have a saw blade for just that purpose. :lol: One of those where it still cuts, but if you hit a nail you won't lose sleep. I guess some days it pays to be too cheap to throw anything away. :lol: [Reply]  [No Email]
GordoSD 02-24-2013 18:26:13 216.106.243.55 Report to Moderator	Re: Pricing salvaged barn lumber in reply to sflem849, 02-24-2013 18:16:54   Buy and old running gear, restore that , then use the 2x for a floor. Nail and glue 3 together for longitudinal rails (2 ea 6x12's). Don't bolt them down in the front. [Reply]  [No Email]
Samuels68 02-24-2013 15:30:36 173.215.11.129 Report to Moderator	Re: Pricing salvaged barn lumber in reply to sflem849, 02-23-2013 20:02:53   I agree with several others here that if you have use for it, use it, but it may not be worth enough to justify cleaning it all up to sell it. Full dimension lumber is seldom used unless someone plans on it ahead of time, and has enough to complete their project, because mixing fill dimension and new dimension lumber can make more of a framing nightmare than it is worth. My father tore down old barns as a hobby and I have two barns full of used lumber, some full dimension and some nominal dimension. I built a 2-1/2 car garage with it and didn't even make a dent in the pile, but saved myself a bunch of money. I just had to plan for the different sizes that I had. If you think you might sell it, go on Craigslist and search for used lumber or barn lumber. In our area there is always some for sale. Otherwise, decide what you want for it and ask that for it. Anything is only worth what someone will pay for it. [Reply]  [No Email]
Jim in Ma. 02-24-2013 12:27:37 72.70.122.174 Report to Moderator	Re: Pricing salvaged barn lumber in reply to sflem849, 02-23-2013 20:02:53   Here in the North-East, old lumber sells for more than new. Mush better quality wood and used in restoration work. [Reply]  [No Email]
farmerjohn 02-24-2013 14:08:28 71.182.236.217 Report to Moderator	Re: Pricing salvaged barn lumber in reply to Jim in Ma., 02-24-2013 12:27:37   That depends on what it is, hewn beams, wide boards, chestnut, virgin pine, is worth more. [Reply]  [No Email]
farmerjohn 02-24-2013 11:32:21 71.182.236.217 Report to Moderator	Re: Pricing salvaged barn lumber in reply to sflem849, 02-23-2013 20:02:53   You could try to sell it but probably won't get much. Better off using it yourself and save from buying lumber. I've got and used a lot of used lumber in the past 30 years, sometimes it pays big, sometimes not. Depends on the removal work and prep time, if your time is not a consideration then you can't go too far wrong. [Reply]  [No Email]
Rich_WI 02-24-2013 11:20:19 50.50.77.31 Report to Moderator	Re: Pricing salvaged barn lumber in reply to sflem849, 02-23-2013 20:02:53   Do you have a planner? Guys at work have taken home salvage wood before and sometimes find real diamonds in the rough. Most ends up being hobby wood where the cut/planned size is not as important as just cleaning it up so the customer can see what they are buying. Some of the other bigger stuff ends up being mantles, knee wall caps or railings. Around here, its a big greenie community so they get a hard-on with recycled wood. If you tell the story of where the wood came from (pictures wouldnt hurt either) then you should have no problem getting 2x-3x hobby wood prices from Menard or Home Depot. [Reply]  [No Email]
GordoSD 02-24-2013 08:47:59 216.106.243.55 Report to Moderator	Re: Pricing salvaged barn lumber in reply to sflem849, 02-23-2013 20:02:53   I have a good friend that has over 25 years in as a full time fireman. I was going to use some of those dry weathered looking barn boards for some paneling in my shop. He said "Why don't you just line the shop with dynamite?" He said they burn old buildings for people and the old barns literally explode when torched.Told me not to even have one of those barn board picture frames in the house.Very dangerous stuff. [Reply]  [No Email]
Angle Iron 02-24-2013 08:20:18 69.242.192.117 Report to Moderator	Re: Pricing salvaged barn lumber in reply to sflem849, 02-23-2013 20:02:53   If I thought I may have a use for it in the next 10 years and had a place to properly store it I would keep it. If you keep, it clean the nails and stack it ready to use. Not just thrown in a pile or left as it is now. It will twist and warp like any other lumber if not store properly. I would think you would save some over new if you dont mind the work. Price a couple 2x12s that maymake up your mind, I wouldn't try to sell it. Angle Iron [Reply]  [No Email]
Pops1532 02-24-2013 07:52:30 68.58.114.55 Report to Moderator	Re: Pricing salvaged barn lumber in reply to sflem849, 02-23-2013 20:02:53   I'm not sure why the guy that gave him the lumber would care what he did with it. If the OP used it instead of selling it he would gain financially, so what's the difference if he sells it? I just think it was a waste of time. [Reply]  [No Email]
dr sportster 02-24-2013 07:43:31 69.113.80.120 Report to Moderator	Re: Pricing salvaged barn lumber in reply to sflem849, 02-23-2013 20:02:53   I bet thats lead paint on there . I have taken a lead abatment course. You may have a can of worms.All kinds of new responsibility if done right. [Reply]  [No Email]
Adirondack case guy 02-24-2013 09:02:37 74.69.160.79 Report to Moderator	Re: Pricing salvaged barn lumber in reply to dr sportster, 02-24-2013 07:43:31   Here is the old time recipy for white wash. in a suitable sized pail 5gal for small batch, dump in 2 gal. water. slowly mix in a combination of 3 large coffee cans of hydrated lime and a small cofee can of salt. Keep it stired and slop it onto wood with brush. Around here in dairy country, there were guys that did custom white washing. they had a tank on a truck like a concrete batch mixer and sprayed on the mixture. It stuck to everything that wasn't covered including windows and cobwebs. I think you have been white washed by your instructors and have lead in your brain. This practice may be older than you are. Loren, the Acg. [Reply]  [No Email]
dr sportster 02-24-2013 10:42:37 69.113.80.120 Report to Moderator	Re: Pricing salvaged barn lumber in reply to Adirondack case guy, 02-24-2013 09:02:37   While you are 100% correct and my posting 100% incorrect that fact that you have to add an insult to your post reflects somewhat negativly on your character. [Reply]  [No Email]
Adirondack case guy 02-24-2013 12:37:18 74.69.160.79 Report to Moderator	Re: Pricing salvaged barn lumber in reply to dr sportster, 02-24-2013 10:42:37   Sorry about my characterization, but it makes little sense to me why so much time and money has to be spent to remove lead and asbestos, and bag it with proper labling, from say an old building, only to have it taken to an "Approved" land fill, and pushed into a hole with a dozer or wheeled compactor. ripping the bags all apart anyway. My gripe is with the system, not necessarly you. Sorry again, I should have posted a smiley face at the end of my post. Loren, the Acg. [Reply]  [No Email]
dr sportster 02-24-2013 14:51:51 69.113.80.120 Report to Moderator	Re: Pricing salvaged barn lumber in reply to Adirondack case guy, 02-24-2013 12:37:18   And I will have myself checked for lead poisoning. { to prevent further brain malfunctions] [Reply]  [No Email]
sflem849 02-24-2013 09:18:33 166.181.3.37 Report to Moderator	Re: Pricing salvaged barn lumber in reply to Adirondack case guy, 02-24-2013 09:02:37   Quoting Removed, click Modern View to see Our guy still does it like that. [Reply]  [No Email]
Adirondack case guy 02-24-2013 08:38:28 74.69.160.79 Report to Moderator	Re: Pricing salvaged barn lumber in reply to dr sportster, 02-24-2013 07:43:31   It is more than likely white wash, that was required by milk inspectors back in the day. no lead in it, Milk paint was also made back in the day, again no lead. Loren, the Acg. [Reply]  [No Email]
Retired Farmer 02-24-2013 07:08:59 207.200.116.12 Report to Moderator	Re: Pricing salvaged barn lumber in reply to sflem849, 02-23-2013 20:02:53   If all you got is what is on the trailer, doesn't look like it would be worth the time and effort. [Reply]  [No Email]
sflem849 02-24-2013 08:48:36 69.197.84.39 Report to Moderator	Re: Pricing salvaged barn lumber in reply to Retired Farmer, 02-24-2013 07:08:59   Quoting Removed, click Modern View to see There are 4-5 more trailer loads. It was starting to get tippy so we quit at three chunks. I am a lot younger and poorer than you are so it is worth a little more to me. :lol: If I treat them as cheap Menards lumber they are worth around $14/board. If you consider them a higher grade like DSS (that is what Menards called their Southern Yellow Pine good lumber) they are worth $25/board. If you look at it that way I am making $100s/hour. [Reply]  [No Email]
Retired Farmer 02-24-2013 12:31:19 207.200.116.12 Report to Moderator	Re: Pricing salvaged barn lumber in reply to sflem849, 02-24-2013 08:48:36   I don't think you will find any lumber today that will compare to your lumber, at Menard's or HomeDepot. It is all second and third growth pithy stuff. What you got is original growth lumber, way better. Boss just had a complete new roof put on a cow shed last week. Two by fours cost around eight hundred dollars. Been me, I wouldn't have bothered dragging the stuff home. Crooked, split and split most everywhere they drove a nail. [Reply]  [No Email]
sflem849 02-24-2013 04:26:04 166.181.3.86 Report to Moderator	Re: Pricing salvaged barn lumber in reply to sflem849, 02-23-2013 20:02:53   What does he care? He was going to burn it. I also have a lot of time invested in taking it apart and turning it into something useful. So that time is worth nothing? [Reply]  [No Email]
Brian G. NY 02-24-2013 06:30:19 64.22.47.130 Report to Moderator	Re: Pricing salvaged barn lumber in reply to sflem849, 02-24-2013 04:26:04   I don't see any problem with selling it, after all, your neighbor was only going to burn it. You saved him the trouble and I doubt he would have a problem with whatever you do with it. [Reply]  [No Email]
willie in mn 02-24-2013 03:23:13 67.142.168.20 Report to Moderator	Re: Pricing salvaged barn lumber in reply to sflem849, 02-23-2013 20:02:53   Couple experiences with used lumber. Many years ago I answered an ad for free lumberyard building, take it down & haul away, approx 25 x 90, 30 ft end enclosed office etc, 60 ft open bay. Took it apart, hauled good stuff home & cleaned up the trash. Had enough to build a large garage & sold left over 2x's & 4x's. Friend in lumber business advised worth half of new stock. Last spring at auction I ran across some 2 x 6 lumber, 8, 10, 12, 16 long. Got bid at 3 bucks each for choice. Took all the 16's. Auctioneer asked if anybody else at that price. One guy took all the 10's & 12's, third guy took the rest. IMHO on free stuff you can do whatever you want, use it or sell it. If the giver gets upset about selling it, he should have sold it himself. Saves the hassle of hauling it away if busy with other things. Willie [Reply]  [No Email]
da.bees 02-23-2013 21:51:07 72.181.183.240 Report to Moderator	Re: Pricing salvaged barn lumber in reply to rabbit, 02-23-2013 20:02:53   Quoting Removed, click Modern View to see You have me rethinking the wisdom of giving or taking items free because the last thing I would have happen is a falling out over it. In order to get some hazards and mess cleared away I occasionaly offer free scrap metal knowing full well the guys go straight to recycler and sell it. I have allowed a neighbor cut and bail a field that has more weeds than I like or when I don't have time and want the grass gone because of fire risk. Before a land owner cleared 10 acres of timber,he allowed my nephew and me to push out some large walnut and white oak which he knew we would sell for a consideriable amount. What damage,harm or other undesiriable result can come out of the above free things that put money in our pockets? [Reply]  [No Email]
Pops1532 02-23-2013 21:12:21 68.58.114.55 Report to Moderator	Re: Pricing salvaged barn lumber in reply to sflem849, 02-23-2013 20:02:53   Other than patching up barns there's not much market for full dimension lumber. If that's lead paint that will also make it tough to sell. On a good day, with all the nails pulled, that amount of used lumber would sell in the $25-$35 range at auction around here. This post was edited by Pops1532 at 21:14:35 02/23/13. [Reply]  [No Email]
sflem849 02-24-2013 04:54:34 69.197.84.39 Report to Moderator	Re: Pricing salvaged barn lumber in reply to Pops1532, 02-23-2013 21:12:21   Quoting Removed, click Modern View to see You must not be in dairy country. :lol: That is a product called whitewash. It is a slurry of very fine lime that is sprayed on the inside of the barn to seal up the wood and prevent disease. The milk inspection program requires it. You have to do it every 5 years or so. [Reply]  [No Email]
dr sportster 02-24-2013 07:51:36 69.113.80.120 Report to Moderator	Re: Pricing salvaged barn lumber in reply to sflem849, 02-24-2013 04:54:34   I believe it was called whitewash due to the white lead it was made from. Only a lead test stick will tell. [Reply]  [No Email]
Pops1532 02-24-2013 07:49:23 68.58.114.55 Report to Moderator	Re: Pricing salvaged barn lumber in reply to sflem849, 02-24-2013 04:54:34   Quoting Removed, click Modern View to see The only dairy operation left around here belongs to my wife's uncle. Everything he has is covered with FRP. Yes, I know what white wash is. Seen plenty of it in farm buildings. Also seen paint in some farm buildings. I'm in the construction industry and lead paint is a big no-no. [Reply]  [No Email]
sflem849 02-24-2013 08:46:19 69.197.84.39 Report to Moderator	Re: Pricing salvaged barn lumber in reply to Pops1532, 02-24-2013 07:49:23   Quoting Removed, click Modern View to see Yeah, FRP is the modern method. Any parlor setup is FRP or something very similar. There is no paint in the milking area, only the milkhouse. [Reply]  [No Email]
Justin SE IOWA 02-23-2013 20:56:15 166.182.3.220 Report to Moderator	Re: Pricing salvaged barn lumber in reply to sflem849, 02-23-2013 20:02:53   You got it for free and now you want to sell it? You must not have much respect for your neighbor. He might be a litle pissed to know you did that. I have a "friend" that has done that to me a couple times. We hardly ever speak anymore. I would rather have burned it than give it to a friend/neighbir just to have them sell it. [Reply]  [No Email]
showcrop 02-24-2013 04:56:38 75.67.231.80 Report to Moderator	Re: Pricing salvaged barn lumber in reply to Justin SE IOWA, 02-23-2013 20:56:15   Quoting Removed, click Modern View to see Justin, I have known a few people who appear to gauge a deal by how much better they get than the other guy. I, and I believe most people, are happy to see others make something or even to do well, especially when it means little or no loss to them. [Reply]  [No Email]