Need advice on pricing some Wormy Chestnut

[Mark Gottesman]

I acquired a room's worth of Wormy Chestnut boards awhile ago. I have used it for various projects, but nothing I seem to be making these days calls for it. So, I'm trying to value it and send it on its way.

It is a variety of boards. All 3/4" (actual) boards range from 2.3" - 6" in width (mostly) and 2' to 6' in length. It is a real mix. I have pulled all the nails and most of the boards have one true edge ripped with a sled.

There are also 6-8 6'+ sticks of 3.5" molding that would be great for picture frames , small boxes or furniture molding.

My two main reasons for moving it on is that there is a lot of prep work in making wider boards and many of the boards need a lot of trimming to get a useable board (the original owner RIPPED them out). It is just a bit more work than I want to tackle on most days. It is gorgeous looking wood and would be good for frame and panel work.


So, how would I go about pricing up and selling the wood? Would advertise here and on CL. I've seen prices for $250 a square foot to +$8.00 a bd ft.

It would be good if I could sell it in one lot. I really don't want to part it out a few pieces at a time, so minimal would be to make up some sort of bundles.

Any and all thoughts, suggestions and input are appreciated.

And since everyone likes photos.

 

[Jeremy Scuteri]

Bundle all of it up into one lot and post it on craigslist. I wouldn't expect to get much more than a couple bucks per bd ft, but you never know. Start higher if you want and lower the price every week or so until someone bites.

 

[walnutjerry]

It will be worth only as much as someone is willing to pay. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder as they say, well so is value. It is a scarce specie which somewhat supports the price but you have to find someone that has a strong desire to have wormy chestnut. Good luck in finding a buyer.

Jerry

 

[chris_goris]

Are you sure thats Chestnut? a lot of it looks like old SYP

 

[Mark Gottesman]

Are you sure thats Chestnut? a lot of it looks like old SYP

Fair Question. I always thought it was, but maybe these photos will help sort it out. Please let me know if I am wrong.


Here is a finished and unfinished image. I always associated that open pore coarseness on the cathedrals to Chestnut.



Planed edge:



Planed end grain. Need to sharpen the block plane as it would not cut crisply.

 

[chris_goris]

Fair Question. I always thought it was, but maybe these photos will help sort it out. Please let me know if I am wrong.


Here is a finished and unfinished image. I always associated that open pore coarseness on the cathedrals to Chestnut.



Planed edge:



Planed end grain. Need to sharpen the block plane as it would not cut crisply.

you are correct! that certainly appears to be chestnut

 

[Jeff]

No help here on the recommended pricing but it may be better to price it as $/sq. ft. instead of bf. WC is rare these days and only available as "reclaimed" wood so the price is naturally higher; however, your stash needs a lot of work so don't expect a premium price.

WC flooring is available from these folks in 2 grades and dimensions that roughly match what you have. Their pricing is probably $/bf and you can calculate $/sq ft after dimensioning.

http://www.appalachianwoods.com/flooring/chestnut-flooring.htm

For example: You buy 5.25 bf @ $8/bf and 1" t = $42. Thickness plane it to 3/4" t (25% waste) and your real cost is $52.5/bf. That's $10/sq ft.

​

 

[Mark Gottesman]

No help here on the recommended pricing but it may be better to price it as $/sq. ft. instead of bf. WC is rare these days and only available as "reclaimed" wood so the price is naturally higher; however, your stash needs a lot of work so don't expect a premium price.

WC flooring is available from these folks in 2 grades and dimensions that roughly match what you have. Their pricing is probably $/bf and you can calculate $/sq ft after dimensioning.

​

Thanks for that. I am moving in that direction. I hate to do it, but I am going to put everything back on the shelf and when spring comes I will pull it, finish trimming it out, measure it and make up bundles. I am sure I wont get a premium price, but I think I will avoid some selling hassles if I do the above. Hopefully.

Onward and upward.