Recycling & Processing
Transforming waste wood into valuable, reusable building materials.
Let's Build Something Sustainable Together
Whether you need reclaimed beams for a renovation or want to sell salvaged lumber, our team is ready to help. Fill out the form and we'll respond within 24 hours.
“Every board we reclaim is a step toward a greener Los Angeles.”
— Rafael Cortez, Founder
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The Lifecycle of Reclaimed Wood
We take discarded lumber through a comprehensive recycling process that transforms waste into premium building material. Our facility processes over 500,000 board feet annually, diverting thousands of tons of wood from Southern California landfills while creating high-quality reclaimed lumber for builders, designers, and homeowners.
Collection & Sorting
Incoming lumber is sorted by species, size, and condition. Contaminated or unusable pieces are separated for biomass. Our sorting team identifies species visually and with grain analysis, separating hardwoods from softwoods and premium material from utility-grade stock.
Denailing & Cleaning
All fasteners, nails, and foreign objects are removed. Metal detectors scan each piece for hidden hardware. Our pneumatic denailing stations process up to 2,000 board feet per hour. Concrete, paint, and surface contaminants are scraped and wire-brushed.
Grading & Assessment
Each piece is graded for structural integrity, appearance, and best use. Our graders follow NHLA standards. We assess moisture content, check for insect damage, measure warp and twist, and determine whether each piece is best suited for structural, appearance, or character-grade applications.
Processing & Milling
Lumber is planed, sanded, cut to size, and finished according to its designated end use. We can produce tongue-and-groove flooring, shiplap siding, dimensional framing lumber, and custom profiles. Kiln drying is available for interior applications requiring low moisture content.
Board Feet Processed Annually
Diverted from Landfills
Material Recovery Rate
Processing Steps
Our Complete 12-Step Recycling Process
Every piece of reclaimed lumber goes through a rigorous multi-stage process before it enters our inventory. Here is exactly what happens from the moment wood arrives at our facility to the moment it is ready for your project.
Receiving & Intake
Incoming loads are weighed, photographed, and logged in our tracking system. We record the source, date, and initial condition assessment for every batch.
Hazardous Material Screening
We test for lead paint (pre-1978 structures), asbestos, CCA treatment, creosote, and other hazardous substances. Contaminated material is separated and disposed of per EPA and CalRecycle regulations.
Primary Sorting
Lumber is sorted into broad categories: structural timbers, dimensional lumber, boards, siding/paneling, and specialty items. Severely damaged or rotted material is diverted to our biomass partner.
Species Identification
Our wood scientists identify species through visual grain analysis, density testing, and when necessary, microscopic examination. Accurate species ID is critical for grading and pricing.
Denailing Station
Pneumatic nail pullers, pry bars, and end nippers remove all visible fasteners. Each piece passes through our process twice to catch anything missed on the first pass.
Metal Detection
Industrial metal detectors scan every piece to find hidden nails, staples, screws, and embedded metal. Pieces with deep-embedded metal are either extracted with specialized tools or downgraded.
Cleaning & Surface Prep
Wire brushing removes dirt, old paint, and surface debris. Power washing is used for heavily soiled material. The goal is a clean surface that allows accurate grading of the wood itself.
Moisture Testing
Pin-type and pinless moisture meters measure internal moisture content. Material is categorized as green (above 19%), air-dried (12-19%), or kiln-ready (below 12%). This determines storage and processing paths.
Grading
Certified graders assess each piece following NHLA and ASTM standards. We evaluate for warp, twist, cup, bow, knots, checks, splits, and structural soundness. Each piece receives a grade stamp.
Drying & Conditioning
Air drying in our covered stacking yard brings moisture to equilibrium. For interior applications, our kiln reduces moisture to 6-8%. Kiln schedules are species-specific to prevent checking and warping.
Milling & Processing
Based on end use, lumber is planed to smooth surfaces, ripped to width, cut to length, or milled into profiles (tongue-and-groove, shiplap, etc.). CNC capability for precision cuts.
Inventory & Storage
Finished material is labeled with species, grade, dimensions, and moisture content, then stored in our organized warehouse. Inventory is updated in real time on our system for customer browsing.
Equipment & Capabilities
Our facility is equipped with industrial-grade processing equipment purpose-built for reclaimed lumber. We can handle everything from delicate antique boards to massive structural timbers.
Industrial Metal Detectors
Metso brand, dual-head scanning
Detects ferrous and non-ferrous metals as small as 1/16" diameter embedded up to 6 inches deep in lumber. Conveyor-fed for high throughput.
Pneumatic Denailing System
2,000+ board feet per hour capacity
Air-powered nail pullers and pry stations designed for high-volume denailing. Ergonomic workstations reduce operator fatigue during long shifts.
Wide-Belt Planer
36" capacity, dual-head
Planes both faces of wide boards simultaneously. Variable feed speed handles both softwoods and dense hardwoods. Produces smooth, consistent surfaces ready for finishing.
Kiln Dryer
5,000 board foot capacity per cycle
Computer-controlled dehumidification kiln with species-specific drying schedules. Brings moisture content to 6-8% for interior applications. Each cycle takes 7-14 days depending on species and thickness.
Resaw / Band Saw
42" throat, 20HP motor
Resaws thick timbers into thinner boards, maximizing yield from large beams. Can produce bookmatched pairs and sequential slicing for consistent grain patterns.
CNC Router
5x10 foot bed, 3-axis
Precision cutting for custom profiles, mortise and tenon joints, decorative elements, and complex geometries. Programs stored for repeat production runs.
Moulding Machine
4-head, 8" capacity
Produces custom profiles including tongue-and-groove, shiplap, crown molding, baseboard, and any custom profile from reclaimed stock. Quick knife changeover for varied runs.
Timber Framing Equipment
Chain mortiser, slick sets, boring machines
Purpose-built tools for cutting traditional timber frame joints in reclaimed beams. Mortise and tenon, dovetail, scarf joints, and more.
Dust Collection System
15,000 CFM central system
Industrial dust collection keeps the air clean and meets SCAQMD (South Coast Air Quality Management District) regulations. Sawdust is collected and provided to local farms for animal bedding.
We Recycle All Types of Wood
Construction Waste
- Framing lumber (2x4 through 2x12)
- Plywood and OSB
- Trim and molding
- Studs and joists
- Roof decking
- Subfloor sheathing
- Engineered beams (LVL, glulam)
Commercial Waste
- Shipping pallets (all sizes)
- Industrial crates and skids
- Dunnage and blocking
- Warehouse racking
- Display fixtures and shelving
- Office furniture wood components
- Wine and spirits barrels
Residential Waste
- Fencing (redwood, cedar, pine)
- Decking boards and framing
- Furniture (solid wood only)
- Cabinetry and vanities
- Hardwood flooring strips
- Door and window frames
- Pergolas and arbors
What We Cannot Recycle
For safety and quality reasons, we are unable to process the following materials. We can refer you to appropriate disposal facilities for these items.
Recycling & Processing Pricing
We offer processing services for clients who want their own salvaged lumber recycled and returned, as well as purchasing lumber outright for our inventory. Pricing depends on the level of processing required.
Custom Processing (Your Lumber)
We process your salvaged material and return it to you
Denailing only
Price varies with nail density
Denailing + metal detection
Guaranteed metal-free
Denailing + planing (S2S)
Surfaced two sides, smooth finish
Full processing (denail, plane, grade)
Ready-to-use material with grading report
Full processing + kiln drying
Interior-ready, 6-8% moisture content
Custom milling (T&G, shiplap, etc.)
Custom profiles from your reclaimed stock
Resawing (thick to thin)
Price per board foot of output material
Grading only (no processing)
NHLA standard grading with documentation
We Buy Your Wood Waste
We purchase salvaged material outright and process it for our inventory
Clean dimensional lumber (2x stock)
Higher for larger dimensions and fewer nails
Hardwood boards and planks
Premium for oak, walnut, maple, cherry
Heavy timbers (6x6 and larger)
Premium for old-growth and verified species
Barn wood / weathered siding
Depends on character and species
Hardwood flooring (strip/plank)
Higher for tongue-and-groove in good condition
Mixed construction waste (bulk)
Unsorted, we handle everything
Pallets (bulk)
Any condition, minimum 50 pallets
Clean wood chips / shavings
Must be untreated, no paint or finish
Minimum order for custom processing: 100 board feet. Volume discounts available for orders over 1,000 board feet. Prices may vary based on species, condition, and current demand. Contact us for a specific quote.
Processing Turnaround Times
Our turnaround depends on the processing steps required and current shop load. Rush processing is available for time-sensitive projects.
Denailing Only
1-3 days
Simple denailing for clean material is the fastest processing we offer. Heavily nailed stock may take longer.
Standard Processing
5-10 days
Denailing, metal detection, planing, and grading. The most common service for contractors processing their own salvaged wood.
Full Processing + Kiln Drying
2-4 weeks
Complete processing plus kiln drying. Kiln cycles run 7-14 days depending on species and thickness. Interior-ready material.
Custom Milling
2-3 weeks
Custom profiles, tongue-and-groove, shiplap, or specialty milling. Includes setup time for custom tooling and test runs.
Rush Processing Available
Need it faster? Rush processing is available at a 50% surcharge. Rush denailing can be completed same-day. Rush full processing takes 3-5 days. Rush kiln drying is limited by physics but we can prioritize your material in the next available kiln cycle.
Environmental Impact
Wood recycling is one of the most impactful things you can do for the environment. Here is the measurable difference our recycling operations make every year.
3,000+
tons/year
Wood Diverted from Landfills
Every ton of wood in a landfill produces approximately 0.7 tons of methane-equivalent emissions as it decomposes anaerobically. Our diversion prevents over 2,100 tons of CO2e annually.
18,000+
trees/year
Trees Saved
Each 1,000 board feet of reclaimed lumber we process replaces an equivalent amount of virgin timber, saving approximately 36 mature trees per year for every 1,000 BF processed.
4,800
metric tons
CO2 Emissions Prevented
Combining landfill methane prevention and virgin timber harvest avoidance, our operations prevent nearly 5,000 metric tons of CO2-equivalent greenhouse gas emissions annually.
12M+
gallons/year
Water Saved
Producing new lumber from harvested trees requires significant water for processing. Reclaiming existing lumber uses a fraction of the water, saving over 12 million gallons annually.
Our Zero-Waste Commitment
We aim for zero waste in our recycling operations. Here is what happens to every part of the material we receive:
68%
Reclaimed Lumber
Processed into reusable boards, beams, and milled products for sale
22%
Biomass / Wood Chips
Pieces too small or damaged for lumber are chipped for landscaping mulch, animal bedding, or biomass energy
7%
Sawdust & Shavings
Collected by our dust system and provided to local farms and equestrian centers for bedding and composting
3%
Scrap Metal
Nails, screws, and hardware extracted during denailing are recycled at local metal recyclers
Recycling Service Area
Our recycling facility serves all of Greater Los Angeles and surrounding counties. We accept drop-offs at our yard during business hours and offer pickup service for larger quantities.
For construction companies and demolition contractors, we offer on-site roll-off container placement. We drop a container at your job site, you fill it with wood waste, and we haul it back for processing. This is the most cost-effective way to recycle large volumes of construction wood waste.
We also partner with several waste haulers and transfer stations across LA County. If you are a waste management company interested in diverting wood from your stream, contact us about wholesale processing agreements.
Drop-Off & Pickup Details
Drop-Off Hours
Mon-Fri 7 AM - 5 PM, Sat 8 AM - 2 PM
Drop-Off Fee
Free for clean wood waste (no treated, painted, or contaminated material)
Pickup Minimum
500 board feet or 1 ton (whichever is less)
Pickup Area
All of LA County, plus Ventura, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties
Roll-Off Containers
20-yard and 40-yard containers available. $250-$450/haul depending on distance
Recurring Pickup
Weekly or biweekly scheduled service with volume-based pricing
Recycling Case Studies
Real projects that demonstrate the range and impact of our recycling services.
1920s Bungalow Renovation, Hancock Park
Material
Old-growth Douglas fir framing, heart pine flooring, redwood siding
Process
Complete 12-step processing. All material denailed, metal-detected, and graded. The heart pine flooring was carefully extracted, re-milled to tongue-and-groove, and kiln-dried. Reinstalled in the same home after renovation.
Saved the homeowner $14,000 vs. purchasing new heart pine flooring at retail prices.
Commercial Warehouse Demo, Vernon
Material
Heavy timber posts and beams (fir), industrial flooring (maple), roof decking
Process
Bulk processing over 3 weeks. Timbers were denailed and resawn into usable dimensions. Maple flooring was cleaned, graded, and resold to a hardwood flooring installer. Roof decking was chipped for biomass.
Diverted 14 tons from landfill. Demolition contractor received $8,500 credit for the material value.
Studio Set Recycling, Burbank
Material
Mixed construction lumber from film and TV set builds and teardowns
Process
Recurring weekly pickup of set-strike lumber. Material is sorted, denailed, and graded. Reusable lumber goes back into our inventory. Short pieces and damaged stock are chipped for landscaping mulch.
Ongoing partnership processing over 60,000 BF annually. Studio achieved LEED credits and waste diversion goals for their sustainability program.
Recycling vs. The Alternatives
See why professional wood recycling is the smartest choice for your waste wood, both economically and environmentally.
| Factor | LA Lumber Recycling | Landfill Disposal | Incineration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost to You | Free or we pay you | $40-$80/ton tipping fees | $50-$100/ton |
| Material Value Recovery | Up to $5/BF for premium wood | $0 - total loss | $0 - total loss |
| CO2 Impact | Carbon negative (stored + avoided) | Methane emissions for decades | Immediate CO2 release |
| Waste Diversion Credit | Yes - counts toward SB 1383 goals | No | Partial credit only |
| LEED Credits | Yes - MR credits for reuse | No | No |
| Turnaround | 1-3 day pickup | Same day with hauler | Same day with hauler |
| Documentation | Full chain of custody, weight tickets, diversion reports | Weight ticket only | Weight ticket only |
| Regulatory Compliance | Exceeds CA AB 1826 requirements | Increasingly restricted | SCAQMD permits required |
What Our Clients Say
“We send all our demo wood to LA Lumber instead of the landfill. They pay us for the good stuff and take the rest for free. Our waste hauling costs dropped by 40% and we hit our diversion goals for the city.”
Roberto S.
Owner, RS Demolition Inc.
“I brought in 2,000 board feet of fir from an old barn I was taking down on my ranch. They processed it all into beautiful tongue-and-groove paneling. It went back up in my new house as accent walls. Incredible transformation.”
Amy L.
Homeowner, Topanga Canyon
“The processing quality is outstanding. Their planer produces surfaces as good as any mill I have worked with, and the fact that it is reclaimed wood gives our restaurant designs a story that new wood simply cannot match.”
Michael C.
Interior Designer, WeHo
Recycling FAQ
Start Recycling Your Wood Waste Today
Whether you need a one-time cleanup or an ongoing recycling partnership, we have the capacity and expertise to process your wood waste efficiently and sustainably.