If you’re a woodworker, you’re aware of how much lumber has increased in price recently. Many people have questioned whether it is worthwhile to mill their own lumber as a result of this. We’ll examine the benefits and drawbacks of doing your own lumber milling in this post to help you determine if it’s appropriate for you.
Let’s start by thinking about the benefits of milling your own lumber. One benefit is that you have total control over the size and quality of the lumber you produce. The best trees may be chosen, chopped to the precise sizes required, and properly dried and cured wood can be produced. Additionally, if you have access to cheap or free trees, milling your own lumber may be a cost-effective choice. In the long term, this can save you a lot of money, especially if you work with wood frequently.
However, there are several drawbacks to doing your own lumber milling. First of all, it can take a while. The process of felling a tree, chopping it into boards, and properly curing and drying the wood is labor-intensive. Particularly if you are new to woodworking, this can require a major time and energy commitment. Additionally, the cost of milling your own lumber might not be considerably less expensive than purchasing lumber from a provider if you don’t have access to free or affordable trees.
Let’s now think about whether you can profit from selling rough-cut lumber. Yes, however it depends on a number of different circumstances. First, be sure that the lumber’s quality is high enough to support the cost. You also need a market for the lumber you produce. This entails locating clients willing to pay for rough-cut lumber as opposed to purchasing it from a supplier. The price of milling and drying your lumber as well as any costs related to selling it (such as shipping and storage fees) must also be taken into account.
It’s difficult to predict with certainty if lumber prices will decrease in 2022. A number of variables, such as supply and demand, production costs, and general economic conditions, have an impact on the price of lumber. While some industry experts anticipate a long-term stabilization or perhaps a fall in lumber costs, others think they will continue to be high for the foreseeable future. It’s crucial to keep an eye on market developments and base decisions on the situation of the lumber market at the moment.
Why then are lumber prices in 2022 so high? There are a number of causes, including a rise in the number of home building and remodeling projects, supply chain delays brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, and levies on Canadian imports of softwood timber. These elements worked together to produce a perfect storm of exorbitant lumber costs that had an impact on both customers and woodworkers.
In conclusion, for woodworkers who have access to cheap or free trees and are prepared to put in the time and effort necessary to produce high-quality lumber, milling their own lumber can be a rewarding and affordable option. Before choosing a choice, it’s crucial to carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages. If you intend to sell rough-cut lumber, you should also make sure that there is a market for it and that you can produce it affordably. Finally, even though lumber prices may eventually stabilize or drop, it’s crucial to keep up with market trends and base decisions on the current situation.