Salvage your own hardwood lumber and save big bucks

Don't discount the discards

Discarded furniture might be the most overlooked source for project wood. Just because it no longer looks like a board doesn't mean it won't have usable wood. Keep an eye out for garage-sale gems. When you see a going-out-of-business sale, skip the shoes and shirts and ask about salvaging the shelving. Even if you don't find any usable wood, you might come across cabinets or wall organizers for your shop. And if your city has a spring cleanup, hit the streets early-maybe even the preceding evening-for the big scores.

Great finds: Tabletops, headboards, broken pianos, and church pews, are the board-foot jackpot.
Steer clear of: Veneered woods masquerading as solid stock.