I'm curious about the wholesale prices for hardwood lumber, specifically kiln-dried varieties like walnut, cherry, and maple. If anyone in the community has insights, especially regarding prices in the northeast DMV area (D.C., Maryland, Virginia), that would be super helpful. I'm trying to figure out what kind of profit margins lumber yards might have for each board foot they sell.
4 Answers
From what I've seen, retailers like Woodcraft and Rockler mark up their prices significantly—sometimes by a staggering 1000%! Even local hardwood dealers are marking up at least 200-300%. If you're considering selling your own wood, just keep in mind that these shops cater to a specific demographic, often retirees with disposable income, which plays a big role in their pricing. The pandemic increased demand for woodworking supplies, so prices have stayed high. It's a competitive market, and understanding those dynamics is key.
In NEOhio, the cost for full logs of cherry, walnut, and oak is surprisingly low. It really depends on the operation; if the yard handles everything from felling to drying, costs go up. But if you're sourcing logs directly, you might be able to get a good deal. Just keep an eye on local operations that might not be as well-known for those hidden gems!
In my experience, many sawmills source their own timber through bids for land clearing projects. You can look up the Timber Market Report from Penn State University for some up-to-date stumpage values if you're in Pennsylvania. You will need to do some calculations to translate those into board feet, but it’s a good starting point. It's a complex process with plenty of market factors at play!
That sounds like a solid resource! I'll definitely check it out. Thanks for the tip!
The actual cost fluctuates quite a bit depending on local availability and demand. If you're seeing decent prices in your area, it may also be worth exploring partnerships with local mills to source your materials at lower rates. It's all about building those connections!
That's interesting! I didn't realize how much the markup was. Do you think there’s a viable market for selling directly without going through the middlemen?