Small timber framing yard

Local builders, joiners, renovators, owner-builders and landscapers who want stock on hand and quick pick-up.

You sell timber at a margin over your bulk buying price, with extra charges for cutting, treatment and delivery. Trade accounts with local builders give steady repeat sales.

• Knowing framing timber grades, sizes and treatments
• Managing stock and cash flow
• Customer service with trades
• Safe use of saws and forklifts

• Zoning and council approval for a yard or industrial unit, so check with your local council
• Forklift and other high risk work licences, and workplace health and safety duties, so check with your state's WHS regulator
• Stock tied up in timber can strain cash flow, especially if builders pay late
• Structural timber must meet the right grade and treatment standards, so check the relevant Australian Standards
• Check rules on legally sourced timber, especially if you import
• Insurance such as public liability, property and stock cover, and workers compensation once you hire

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $200,000, depending on your premises, the amount of stock you hold and equipment such as saws and a forklift. Treat these as estimates and get quotes before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $20,000 to $100,000, depending on your stock, pricing and how many trade customers you win. The estimates assume at least about 40 hours a week. Stock costs and late-paying builders can strain cash flow.

Check zoning and council approval for a yard or industrial unit. Check forklift and other high risk work licences and WHS duties with your state's regulator. Also check Australian Standards for timber grade and treatment, rules on legally sourced timber if importing, and insurance.