Lumber and timber make up most of a house. Here is what happens to wood framing, which pieces are worth saving and which are not.
Wood is the main material in most Tennessee homes: studs, joists, rafters, subfloors, trim and decks. In demolition, wood is both the easiest material to take apart and one of the most varied to dispose of, because old-growth beams, painted trim and treated lumber all follow different paths.
Old-growth beams and heart pine are prized and can be sold or reused. Clean framing lumber can often be chipped or recycled. Painted, rotted or pressure-treated wood generally goes to disposal. Nails, screws and old hardware complicate reuse and need to be removed carefully.
Framing, beams, trim and treated lumber.
Heart pine and beams are prized.
Chipped or reused.
Handled and disposed of properly.
Removed for reuse.
Separated at the source.
Plan your debris, check your readiness or ballpark a budget.
Demolition Debris and Dumpster CalculatorPick the project and size to see the debris in cubic yards, the tons and the dumpsters or truckloads to plan for.Try it 
Demolition Readiness ChecklistCheck off the steps you have done to see how ready your project is and what to do next.Try it 
Demolition Project Budget PlannerPick a project and a size and get a ballpark planning range.Try it Often yes, if it is sound and free of rot. Old-growth beams are especially valuable.
It should not be burned and is disposed of properly.
In older buildings, it may contain lead. Test before reuse or recycling.
Material guideConcreteThe heaviest thing on most demolition jobs. Here is how concrete is removed, how much it weighs and…Learn more 
Material guideBrick and MasonryOld brick, block and stone walls are strong, heavy and sometimes valuable. Here is how masonry comes down…Learn more 
Material guideDrywall and PlasterDrywall is light and dusty. Plaster is heavy and dusty. Here is how each comes down and what…Learn more 
Material guideMetal and SteelSteel beams, pipes, wire and sheet metal are the most valuable things in a demolition. Here is how…Learn more Call us and we will walk the site and give you a clear plan and a written scope.
