Local timber yard for builders and carpenters

Builders, carpenters, fencers and landscapers, plus renovators and DIY customers in your area.

You buy in bulk from mills and wholesalers and sell at a markup. Extra income comes from cutting, treating, delivery fees and trade accounts.

• Knowing timber grades, species and uses
• Selling to trade customers
• Stock control and cash flow planning
• Safe handling of heavy materials

• No general licence is usually needed to sell timber, but check with your local council that the premises are zoned for a timber yard and whether you need development or change-of-use approval, and ask about noise and traffic conditions
• Anyone operating a forklift or similar equipment may need a high risk work licence; check with your state or territory WHS regulator, as this applies to individual operators rather than the business
• Public liability and stock or property insurance, and workers compensation once you hire
• Heavy upfront stock and slow-paying trade accounts can squeeze cash flow
• Timber must meet the right standards and treatment for its use, check the supplier's documentation

Startup costs are typically around $60,000 to $250,000, depending on your premises, the amount of stock you hold and your equipment. These are estimates, and your own costs will vary with location and the size of yard you set up.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $20,000 to $90,000, depending on your location, trade accounts and stock range. That is revenue rather than profit, and the estimates assume at least around 40 hours a week.

Check with your local council that the premises are zoned for a timber yard and whether you need approval, including noise and traffic conditions. Forklift operators may need a high risk work licence, so check with your WHS regulator. Also check insurance.