I’ve come a long way since being a starving student in art school, but I still like to save a few bucks (or even better, save ALL my bucks) when I make my unique furniture pieces. I feel the same way about using salvaged material as I do towards adopting pets. Just as an animal who doesn’t get adopted will wind up in a shelter, building materials that don’t find a use will often wind up in the landfill, so by being thrifty when it comes to your projects you are also being environmentally friendly. Here are my top 5 tips for getting material for next to nothing. Or, for nothing at all.
1. Construction and Renovation Sites
I’ve read statistics that as much as 40% of the waste in our landfills is generated by the construction industry, so you can feel good about scoring some free wood here. Just make sure you find out who’s in charge (the general contractor, site supervisor, foreman, manager, etc…) and get the OK before you take anything. You can often find 2x4s and planks of various widths, among all kinds of other pieces of wood and material. Again, find someone important and ASK! (This is also where bribery in the form of coffee and muffins may go a long way) They’ll probably be happy to save $ on disposal fees by filling the back of your vehicle with some scrap wood. And if you offer a bribe, they may even load it into your vehicle for you. TIP: go either at a typical break time or at the end of the day. You don’t want to be a nuisance by interrupting productivity.
2. Woodworking Shops
Here’s another place where a little charm and sometimes bribery can go a long way. These include but are not limited to Furniture Makers, Cabinet Makers, Millwork Shops, and Wood Flooring Companies (this is where most of my material comes from, because I conveniently work for one), just to name a few. Most of these companies will have piles of off-cuts and shorter pieces that they can’t use, and a busy shop will likely value the space they take up more than the worth of the wood itself.
3. The “As Is” or discount section
Building supply stores, lumber yards, and even Ikea sell materials and products that have been used for display, slightly damaged, returned, discontinued, leftover from off-cuts… The list goes on. You can find a variety of materials that can inspire your next project for up to 90% off. I’ve actually started checking the “as is” section (ask for “off-cuts” if you’re looking for pieces of wood at a lumber yard or building supplier) before I buy what I went shopping for, just for the off chance I can find what I needed there. These areas are usually a little hidden, so just ask the friendly staff where the discount section is and bring a little creativity to what you find for a fraction of the price you would normally pay.
4. Craigslist “FREE” Section.
You can find all kinds of stuff here, but you need a little luck because if it’s worth your while there are always others who are interested as well. I’ve found some really well made old pieces of furniture here which I’ve re-finished or painted. I’ve had the best luck scoring pieces later in the evenings or by refreshing the page every few minutes. When something you could use comes up, send a response immediately and offer to pick the item (s) up either at their convenience or ASAP.
5. Wood Pallets.
This one is no secret, but there is a good reason why Pinterest is inundated with pallet wood projects. It’s simply solid wood, and there are enough pallets being tossed away on the daily that you should be able to find them for free pretty easily. You can usually find pallets in droves around industrial areas. If they’re near a disposal bin, I’d say help yourself. If you can see a stack of them but aren’t sure if you should take them, put on a smile and ask someone. You will probably NEVER be turned down. I would recommend pallets for projects that incorporate the whole pallet or portions thereof, because I personally think they require too much effort to break down into usable lumber form. Be prepared to put in a little (or a lot) of labour to de-construct them if that’s what you’re intentions are. My advice: Wear gloves, and don’t cry if you break a nail.
So there you have it. My 5 favourite ways to save a buck while saving the environment in your DIY adventures. If you have any other tips on the subject, please feel free to share!
Signing out,
WoodshopGirl
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