Q&A: “Can I legally profit from salvaging barn wood?”
Manage episode 516918754 series 2526728
What It’s About
Can salvaging wood from collapsing barns be a safe, legal, and profitable side hustle?
Notes from Chris
Episode 3226
Salvaged wood is catnip for DIYers and boutique builders: think $12-a-square-foot shiplap, coffee tables with 1890s nail holes, and that “farmhouse” aesthetic HGTV made famous. But nobody mentions the spiders, tetanus nails, and township inspectors who can shut you down. Alec’s eyeing those roadside relics for cash, but he’s worried a county official—or worse, a falling beam—will ruin the dream. Let’s turn that barn-yard fantasy into a safe, profitable workflow.
“Whenever I drive the back roads out here, I see half-collapsed barns with gorgeous old oak and chestnut boards. I’ve asked a couple of property owners if I could take the wood and they basically shrugged and said ‘sure, it’s trash to us.’ Could salvaging that lumber be a legit side hustle? I’ve heard some horror stories about permits and liability. If I get written permission from the owners, is it legal—and can it actually make money once I factor in hauling and cleanup?”
Listen to today’s episode to learn more…
SEE ALSO:
- Catholic Designer Creates Stylish Apparel Line: What shall it profit a man to gain the whole world but not sell any t-shirts? This designer cast his bread upon the waters and ended up with a profitable fashion line.
- Seattle Couple Creates New “Income LiveStream”: When a married couple runs into logistical problems at their wedding, it leads to an innovative service that other engaged couples need during the pandemic.
- Role-Playing Pastor Rolls The Dice On $2800/Month Hustle: Listener success story! This Presbyterian minister turns to his lifelong interest in role-playing games to set up a sustainable second income source.
Inspiration is good; inspiration combined with action is better. Now get back to work!
Yours in the revolution,

Resources
GET $625 IN FREE TRAVEL
Earn 50,000 travel rewards points (enough for 2 round-trip plane tickets or $625 in travel credit). You'll also earn 2x points on all travel and dining spend, with zero foreign transaction fees.
I use this card every day all over the world! ✈️ Learn More
CREATE YOUR ONLINE STORE
Create your online store with Shopify using an exclusive discount for Side Hustle School listeners. For a limited time, get a free 21-day trial and a 10% discount for a whole year.
Many Side Hustle School listeners are building sites using Shopify's easy-to-learn platform. Try it free today! Learn More
Sponsors & Gratitude
Learn More With Skillshare!
Supporting the sponsors keeps the show free. Today’s episode of Side Hustle School is brought to you by Skillshare. 📷
Skillshare is giving Side Hustle School listeners 2 months of unlimited access—for $0.99! Join the 2 million students learning everything from street photography to SEO on Skillshare today!
Get Started Here!
Like the Show? Leave a Rating!
Side Hustle School is for you! If you’re enjoying it, please take a quick moment to leave a rating or write a quick review. It's really easy and it makes a difference! ✅
It also makes a huge difference when you tell your friends about the show. Remember, it's 100% free and listener-supported.
Keep in Touch

There’s a new story every single day on Side Hustle School. Episodes are produced to be short and to the point—I know you’re busy. Be sure you subscribe to get instant notification of the day’s broadcast!
To infinity and beyond,
26 episodes