If you work with lumber regularly, there are many good reasons to establish a relationship with a wholesale lumber supplier rather than buying it from a retail lumber supplier.
No stores can provide the same variety of lumber as a wholesaler. Their staff must be familiar with a wider range of items, which means they lack the in-depth and specialized knowledge of lumber that those working in wholesale supply possess.
Wholesale lumber suppliers typically offer higher-quality wood at lower prices as well. However, it is important to choose a reliable and professional wholesale lumber supplier.
Look For A Reputable Company
If you want to ensure you are getting the best quality, seek a company that has a good reputation within the industry. Many businesses sell lumber wholesale, but not all will be a good fit for your business. Ask for recommendations or look online for reviews to guide your decision.
Talking to current or past customers is the best way to find out whether a wholesaler is reliable and trustworthy, and this is well worth the effort if lumber is an essential part of your business.
Don’t Overlook Quality
The quality of the lumber you use will directly impact the quality of the finished product, so be sure to find out precisely what type of lumber the suppliers you are considering are offering.
Find out where their lumber is harvested, processed and stored to get a better idea of the condition you can expect once you receive it. Be sure to ask about their inspection process and the steps they take to ensure a consistently high quality.
If you are planning to make a big order, ask if you can order a sample first to see if it meets your expectations. If the supplier is nearby, consider visiting their lumber yard in person so you can inspect it yourself.
Look At The Source
It is equally important to understand not only the source of a supplier’s lumber, but also whether or not they get that lumber directly from the source. When a middleman is involved, you could end up paying a higher price than necessary for the lumber. In addition to finding out where it comes from, you should ensure that the lumber is being obtained legally.
Know What You Need
Before choosing a wholesale lumber company, you should have a good idea of the types of lumber your project requires. For example, construction work requires good quality wood, whereas furniture making requires a very high grade of wood.
If you are unsure, ask the wholesalers you are considering for recommendations. If you tend to need a wide variety of lumber types, look for a supplier who maintains a large inventory as they are more likely to be able to fulfill orders of all sizes in a timely manner.
Consider Consistency
The production of lumber depends in no small part on Mother Nature, and there may be some limitations to the supply depending on the type of wood you need and its harvesting seasons. Ensure the provider you are considering will be able to provide you with an adequate amount of material to complete your projects throughout the year.
Pay Attention To Price
Be sure to compare the prices being offered by wholesalers in your area. You do not want to base your decision on price alone as higher prices do not necessarily correspond to higher-quality wood.
Consider how the supplier determines their cost in order to make a proper comparison as some use quarters and others use volume; quality must also be factored into this assessment.
Ask About Delivery
You should consider the delivery services offered by the wholesalers you are considering. If you are unable or unwilling to pick up your lumber yourself, you will need to make sure the company you choose is able to deliver the lumber you need to your desired location.
Experience Matters
A lumber supplier that has been in business for several years will have the experience needed to provide a quality product and make recommendations about the right type of lumber for different types of projects.
Consider The Environmental Impact
When it comes to lumber, it is important to consider the environmental impact.
Ensure your chosen company uses best practices to reduce their impact on the environment as well as their carbon footprint.
Reach Out To The Wholesale Lumber Experts
If you are looking for a reliable and professional wholesale lumber supplier in the Northern Virginia area, get in touch with the experts at Curtis Lumber & Plywood to find out how they can help you get the highest-quality lumber at the best price.