Roanoke Wood Exchange

The Roanoke Wood Exchange is a pro-bono community wood exchange program offered by Wallace Brothers Woodworking. We hate seeing perfectly good wood go to waste, and we want to help local woodworkers access Virginia's amazing hardwood lumber without breaking the bank.

The solution? A free wood exchange! No money is needed. Just bring those dusty boards from the back of your shop, the ones that have been waiting for a perfect project for years now. Turn them into exchange points, and then redeem those points for the wood of your choice!

All wood has value, but not all wood is the same. Our exchange calculator is based on units of board feet, with different values assigned to different species. For example, Tulip Poplar is 1 point per board foot, while Black Want is 2.5 points per board foot.

At the end of the day, a fair and open exchange system like this benefits everyone who needs to swap lumber. It also helps avoid waste. Thanks to donations that we receive and the sponsorship of Wallace Brothers Woodworking, each transaction is more than fair. We sometimes get wood for free, so in turn we give it away to you!

If you don't have wood to swap, come visit us anyway.

Nobody leaves this place empty-handed!

Wood species in stock

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Black Locust

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of wood do you accept?

Wood should be dry, stable, and free from metal or significant rot. Since we are trying to assist the woodworking community in the Roanoke area, we prefer Virginia hardwoods like Oak, Walnut, Cherry, Maple, etc.

However, we also love stocking exotic pieces of wood, unusual wood shapes, and new species that we don't have yet. We can also accept some small pieces if they are suitable for turning on a lathe.

In short, if it's in your shop or garage, we probably accept it! If you have any questions, give us a call.

In the near future, we will also be adding a construction materials category for everyday pine 2x4's, plywood, and other wood materials that DIY folks and homeowners may need to tackle a project or improve their property.

Do I have to bring wood to take wood?

While it's a wood exchange, we believe in supporting the community. If you are just starting out, visit us anyway—nobody leaves empty-handed!

We made a small donation box labeled "Board Bucks," and for small transactions, we will give you the wood and simply ask that you make whatever donation you feel is appropriate. All the "Board Bucks" we receive are used to purchase more lumber to stock our shelves.

How are points calculated?

Points are based on board feet and species value. For example, Tulip Poplar is 1 point/sq ft, while premium species like Black Walnut are 2.5 points/sq ft. Use our online calculator to get an estimate of the points you can earn with your trade in, or how many points you'd need for that beautiful maple slab you want to pick up.

While the species and board feet are standardized, we may apply point modifiers for unusually large pieces, S4 pieces (finished on all 4 sides), and otherwise exceptionally figured wood. Alternatively, if boards are in poor condition, unusually small, or otherwise defective, we may deduct points to reflect the overall usability of the wood.

Can I donate wood?

Yes! Donations are what allow us to be extra generous with newcomers. We appreciate any quality wood you wish to contribute to the community.

Can I save my points?

Absolutely! Points do not expire. You can bring wood today to earn points and save them for a future project when the specific piece of lumber you're looking for becomes available.

What if I don't have enough points for the wood I want?

If you're short on points, you can either bring more wood to exchange or combine your points with a donation to our "Board Bucks" box.

Are you a non-profit organization?

No. The Roanoke Wood Exchange is a free community service offered by Wallace Brothers Woodworking. We don't make money on this, and in fact we donate the majority of all lumber available for trade. We believe that "a rising tide lifts all boats," and we're trying to boost the woodworking community in the Roanoke area and Southwest Virginia.

We also don't particularly like paperwork, and prefer shop time over office time!

What's the catch?

Fair question, and one that we've already been asked by incredulous woodworkers.

There is no catch. We just don't like good wood going to waste, and we want local folks to have access to quality materials for their projects without breaking the bank. That's why we salvage and share as much wood as we can.

What do we get out of it? Goodwill in the community, a good reputation among local woodworkers, and lots of good vibes every time lumber comes in and out of our shop.