Specialty hardwood and lumber yard

Hobby and professional woodworkers, furniture makers, small builders, deck and fence installers, and homeowners with projects.

You buy from sawmills or wholesalers and sell at a markup by the board foot or piece. Extra income comes from milling, cutting to size and delivery fees.

• Knowledge of wood species and grades
• Buying and stock management
• Customer service
• Safe handling of heavy materials

• Zoning and any business licence your municipality requires for a yard or retail unit
• Commercial general liability and property insurance, including stock and fire cover
• Forklift and machinery training, and WCB/WSIB rules once you hire staff (they vary by province)
• Tied-up cash in stock, and wood moisture damage or warping if stored badly
• Check CFIA rules on moving untreated wood in regulated pest areas
• GST/HST registration once you pass the small supplier threshold

Estimated startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $90,000, depending on yard or unit size, how much stock you buy and any cutting equipment. Stock ties up cash, so budget for it carefully.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on your stock range, location and customer mix. Estimates assume at least about 30 hours a week.

Check zoning and any municipal business licence for a yard or retail unit, liability and property insurance including fire cover, forklift training, and CFIA rules on moving untreated wood in regulated pest areas. Also check WCB or WSIB rules if you hire.