Getting Logs to The Sawmill

Here are some common answers to questions regarding getting your logs to the sawmill— either for sale or for milling.

Do you buy logs?

We only buy cedar logs. Specifically, we buy solid cedar logs that are over 9” in diameter and over 8’ long in batches of six or more. We do not buy any other species.

Do you offer portable milling services?

We do not offer portable milling services.

Will you take logs for free if I bring them to you?

In some cases, yes, we will take logs delivered to the sawmill for free. They must be from healthy living trees, clear with no knots, 16” inches in diameter and over, and cut at 8’6” or 12’6”. We do not take sweet gums, pine tree tops, short sections, branches, or red oak logs over 30” diameter. 

If I bring you logs, will you mill me a small amount of lumber then keep the rest of the logs as payment?

No, we do not barter sawmill services for logs.

If I bring you logs, can you unload my trailer or truck?

In most cases, yes, we can offload your truck or trailer. We charge our normal machine rate of $140 per hour. You must contact us before bringing your logs.

When can I bring my logs to you?

You must call or text to confirm a drop-off time. In most cases, we are available weekdays from 9 until 5. We are never open or available on weekends.

Can my arborist bring you my logs?

Yes, we work with dozens of local arborists. Many deliver to the sawmill and we make dumping easy for them, even after hours.

I need someone to pick up my logs. Do you pickup?

We do not pick up logs. See our Local Contacts section to find one of our log hauling contractors.

Can you recommend someone to pick up my logs?

Sam Garrett, Leland Reilich, or Damon Jones all pick up and drop off logs at the sawmill. Lots of arborists pickup and drop off to us as well. It is almost always cheaper to have your arborist drop off your logs on the day that your trees are felled.

Which arborists locally deliver to you?

Local arborists that deliver to us are Skillin Tree Care, The Treeist, Bartlett, Ludy’s, DA Jones, Hunter Lilly, Wright’s Brothers, and others.

Which arborists do you recommend?

For Durham-Chapel Hill jobs, Skillin Tree Care and The Treeist can handle most large and medium sized jobs. DA Jones and Ludy’s are good for jobs that do not require a crane.

Do you require a deposit, or payment before milling?

In most cases, you pay us when you pick up your lumber. We can provide you with an estimate for the cost via text or phone beforehand. We require pre-payment for milling logs that are either not commercially-viable (under 12” diameter) or labor intensive (over 36” diameter).