Anyone ever sell an old barn?

[robertwhite]

I have a huge (66x80) barn that is at the point where I have decided against converting it into a shop. Just doesn't have high enough ceilings, floors would need to be poured, etc.

I am seriously thinking about selling it for the wood. All the beams, joists and flooring are Oak and around 50 years old. The roof and siding is tin. Upstairs floor, etc is right around 5K sq ft. with about 50/50 wide plank vs. regular width.

I figure any money I get would go right back into building a proper 40x40 steel shop (or maybe 40x60)

I know there are wood salvage companies that do this, but wanted to hear from any first hand experience.

 

[Paisley Canoe]

Where are you located?

 

[robertwhite]

Where are you located?

Barn is in SW TN

 

[StumpFJ40]

Some links on where to sell it... good luck!
http://www.thebarnpages.com/
http://www.old-barn-wood.com/old_barns_for_sale.htm

 

[jake00]

I can tell ya, I've been paying about a buck a foot for "barn wood" beams to make flooring out of

 

[mikefromme]

I own an aerial lift and often help take down old barns/houses. The guy I work for usually gets the structure for free or a nominal fee (<$1000)

The interior trim/doors/mantles in old houses is where the good money is, but is easy for anyone to salvage. Taking down a building requires a lot more in labor, equipment, cranes etc. Most people are happy to see the barn come down with out having to pay anything.

The guy I work for makes his money by reselling the frame.

 

[tkiranch]

Why dont you look into having the barn picked up and raised? I would think that if you are going to build a 40 X 40, a raised 60x80 would be better, but just a thought

 

[robertwhite]

Why dont you look into having the barn picked up and raised? I would think that if you are going to build a 40 X 40, a raised 60x80 would be better, but just a thought

Pick up and raise a 10,000 square foot barn? Not going to happen. Thanks though.

 

[rowdyhillrambler]

where in SW tennessee? I know 3 different people around here that buy barns. Most of the time it is less than you think, if you were to take it down and sell the lumber, it would be a lot more money.
The idea is that you are going to pay someone to take it down or push it over or whatever, so anything they are doing is money you are not spending. Usually barns are $500 to $1500, but that is better than paying someone $1000 to bring a backhoe and destroy it. You are probably never going to find anyone that will offer you crazy money for it, but you never know.

 

[Corvette Cave]

I sold this 24' x 24' metal building on Craig's list for $300

 

[rieferman]

Can you share a picture? My first thought would be that a 50 year old barn would not have the type of construction and lumber that barn/barnwood enthusiasts would pay big bucks for, but those could be incorrect assumptions

 

[robertwhite]

A couple of photos to get an idea of the wood type.

 

[rieferman]

Doesn't look "historic" to me. Looks like pole barn style of construction (vs. mortise/tenon etc.) and milled wood (vs. hand hewn) so I'm thinking if someone would take it down for an even swap (they get whatever they want to salvage, you get the building gone, no money changes hands) I'd jump at it. But you may even have to pay a couple bucks.

Then again, I'm not an expert, just a decently informed hobbyist. And it's tough to decide from web pics. Just my two cents.

edit: although I'd keep some of the barn boards from the third picture to build a workbench out of. Even if not historic, they'll clean up nice and look neat.

 

[Jpfreak33]

Wish I was closer I would love the material.
rieferman is right though, from what I can see it looks like most if not all is made from manufactured wood vs hand cut. Not as much demand for that as far as someone willing to PAY. But someone local should be willing to tear it down and move it for you Im sure.

 

[nolatoolguy]

YES YOU CAN DEFFINITLY GET SOME MOENY FOR IT

the value mainly depends on the grain an if termites have got to it

ime not sure on how much but if you find the right buyers they will pay for it and come remove it themselves

ide recomend calling up some wood salvage compines

ime pretty sure they sell it on ebay to

but with this economic state you might be best just dismantling it storing it properly under a tarp but put some plywood on the gorund first and wait for the econmy to get better then try to sell it.

 

[robertwhite]

Doesn't look "historic" to me.

Didn't say it was historic or really old, just about 50-60yrs old.

Looks like pole barn style of construction (vs. mortise/tenon etc.) and milled wood (vs. hand hewn)

Yup, pole barn style, but the boards themselves are all rough cut. They do not in any way look like milled boards you would buy today. I don't think they were hand cut, but possibly cut by a portable mill on site?

although I'd keep some of the barn boards from the third picture to build a workbench out of. Even if not historic, they'll clean up nice and look neat.

I gave some thought to taking the upstairs planking and having it refinished to use in a 1500Sq ft renovation I am doing to the house, but I have a feeling it would cost more than I could buy finish sanding oak floor planking for.