Common Questions: All Things KY Lumber
Have a question about anything related to Kentucky Lumber? Here are the most common questions we receive below. Click on one to be taken to the answer!
Are all Kentucky Lumber employees born with beards?
What kind of trailer do I need to pick up with?
Can you load X, Y, or Z trailer/truck?
What if I don’t have a truck or trailer?
What types of payment do you accept?
Can I return the lumber that I don’t use or find to be “waste”?
Can I sort through and pick out only the boards that I want?
Where is Kentucky Lumber located in comparison to a big city?
Kentucky Lumber is located approximately:
One and a half hour north of Nashville, TN
A half hour northeast of Clarksville, TN
One hour west of Bowling Green, KY
A half hour north of Springfield, TN
Fifteen minutes west of Russellville, KY
Do you have more than one location?
Our only location is in Allensville, Kentucky. We are Kentucky Lumber, LLC. Don’t get us confused with another lumber company located in Kentucky....you may be disappointed with what you find. We are not affiliated with anyone else, and we don’t compare with any where else!
Why aren’t you open on Sundays or Mondays?
We are a family-oriented and family-focused business. We take Sunday’s and Monday’s off to spend time with our families, to better love and focus on them, to improve ourselves, and to prepare for the busy week ahead. We may love working a 60-hour week, but we need time to rest too!
Can I just show up and pick out what I want?
We strongly discourage doing this if at all possible, and it’s for your protection! We move lumber at a tremendous pace every week while serving many customers each and every day. If you just show up without anything reserved, we can’t guarantee that we’ll have anything in stock, let alone have exactly what you need. We want to ensure that you don’t drive all this way only to leave empty-handed. Read more about scheduling an appointment and reserving lumber here!
How do I know you’ll have what I need when I get there?
Great question! We try to reserve everyone’s lumber ahead of their appointment. Our customers drive an average of 3-6 hours to purchase from us, so we have to make sure that we have what they need when they arrive. Once a reservation is made, the pack(s) can be held for one week, after which the lumber is released for other customers to get it. Read more about scheduling an appointment and reserving lumber here!
Does Kentucky Lumber deliver?
We do not deliver, since we stay so busy taking care of the customers that come here to pick up, and we work with a pretty small team. Our average customer drives 3-6 hours to keep their costs low and save on delivery.
Why does your average customer drive so far?
We have learned over the years that people like you will do anything get to get the job done, and if you can save a little money doing it while also experiencing a level of customer service and care that surpasses anything you’ve found before, all the better. Our average customers drives 3-6 hours to pick up their lumber because, as they’ve told us, it’s really hard to beat our prices, our consistency, and our beliefs as a company. You may find a cheaper price, a more easily accessible source for lumber, or someone you like more than us, but you won’t find the combination of the three anywhere else. When you come here, you’re not treated like a customer; you’re loved like family.
Tongue and Groove Knotty Pine
How are your prices so affordable?
Finish lumber doesn’t have to be expensive, but it’s so popular right now that many suppliers are able to charge a premium for their lumber and maximize their profits. We don’t believe in that. We want to maximize your budget and your experience! These are a few steps that we take to be able to provide you with affordable lumber:
We contract with mills to ensure consistency and reliability in pricing.
We buy and sell our lumber in bulk, which lowers the cost on both ends.
We carry lower grade lumber, which keeps the costs low and keeps the character high! We know that this works for our customers because people with character love to use wood with character.
We work with a very small team, and don’t work off of commission.
We strive to be good stewards of our money, and of yours. We stay out of debt, maintain our equipment and property, and only invest our profits where it positively affects you, the customer.
Are all Kentucky Lumber employees born with beards?
Yes. Including the women. They use pine sap to remove them. Next question please.
What kind of trailer do I need to pick up with?
This depends on many factors! The pack sizes vary widely, as does the weight of each species of wood. We generally encourage folks to plan on bringing at minimum a 16’ long trailer capable of hauling 5,000 lbs. This will accommodate most orders. We’ll help you make sure you can get here and back safely!
Can you load X, Y, or Z trailer/truck?
If your equipment can safely and legally handle the weight and the length of your order, we can load it. You don’t even have to get out of your car for this part! We got this.
What if I don’t have a truck or trailer?
Customers in the past have had great experiences with renting UHaul trucks and/or trailers! Their 16’ car haulers are a good option, and only cost about $50/day.
What types of payment do you accept?
We prefer cash or checks (with valid I.D.), but accept cards as well. We do not charge a card fee, and instead absorb this cost that we are charged by the card company for your convenience.
Can I return the lumber that I don’t use or find to be “waste”?
No. Because of the way our business operates, we are not able to process or accommodate returns, exchanges, or refunds. We work tirelessly to ensure that you get the perfect amount of lumber to meet your needs, and are diligent in explaining and preparing you for how “waste” may influence you and your project.
Can I sort through and pick out only the boards that I want?
Unlike many lumber yards, we do not allow any sort of culling. Company policy dictates that we must pull from the top of a pack when splitting out of one for you. The reason is a very simple one, born from a heart of selflessness: When someone culls through the lumber, the next customer is left with only the less-desirable pieces. That’s not fair to others. We set our prices low, and have a discussion early on about waste, so that customers are able to include an extra 10-15% to ensure that they can finish their projects when they choose not to use the sections of boards that they don’t like.
Can I bring my whole family?
Please do! We are a family-oriented business, and love getting to meet your whole crew! Don’t have a family to bring? We volunteer as tribute! Rest assured that whoever you bring with you will be safe around any one of us.