I think it's a wonderful idea. We've had several large walnuts and hickories come down and have considered doing something similar. We just never had the time when they came down.

Buckhead Hillbilly did this exact same thing. Not sure how often she comes on here but she built a beautiful farmhouse and the pictures of her house should be on here if you search under her name. . .

It's a good idea for sentiment's sake, but for someone on a budget, it's higher priced and more risky than buying regular unfinished red oak from a reputable flooring contractor. You won't get as much usable material out of that as you think, plus you will need a crane and BIG truck or trailer to haul those logs. You're not going to just throw them over your shoulder and into a pickup bed.

We had considered doing the same with a big sycamore that we took down, but in the end, it was way more trouble than it was worth for not very much usable material.

How about having someone make furniture for you from it, or a custom door? Something requiring less material and less critical to your schedule. You'd still have the story, the connection to your site.

Holly
The nice thing about my job is that I actually do have access to a crane and big truck. I would have to pay for fuel, but aside from that, it's just my time. The hardwood mill has an excellent reputation. I can't actually take credit for coming up with an original idea. A buddy of mine at work had a huge maple come down in a storm and he wanted to do something with it other than burn it. He had it made into flooring and laid/finished it himself. I don't plan to lay or finish, just drive it from sawyer to kiln to house...

The mill sells their red oad flooring for 3.25 per sq ft. I thought their price was decent for quality stuff. Again, this is kiln dried and finished out... planed, sanded, milled and ends squared. I've got $8 budgeted for hardwoods and that price leaves me a little wiggle room if I have to buy some to make up for any shortfalls. I'm still debating and haven't committed to doing this whole hog yet. I really wanted to hear from anyone who had first hand experience to share.

Sorry about the upside down picture. I swear it was right side up in the preview. Darn gremlins are at work on here again...

Saftgeek-

Since you have machinery that most folks don't......GO for it! It would be something to talk about for many years.

I'm going to try to use some of our red oak as well. In addition to clearing, something is killing red oaks in this area, so a number of them had to come down. A friend brought his portable mill here, so I'll be cutting them myself. Time will tell if I can get enough usable wood, or if it is worth the trouble. I already have a Plan B in place, so I may end up just using a small amount of the lumber, rather than flooring the whole house.

If it were me... I would sell or build into something else. I recently purchased 4" (had the choice of 5") red oak, unfinished flooring, direct from a mill for $2.00 and free shipping. It is not select, but it is everything else in lengths 4'-11'.

To avoid fungus stains, get the sawing and drying done immediately. It is not so urgent in cold weather-- but the hot weather is here.

I think it's a great idea.

My cousin had her kitchen redone by a friend of theirs who cut the ash and the hickory trees off his property and sawed them into the wood to create the cabinetry. It was fabulous....

I can get unfinished #1 red oak for 1.89 builder price, delivered locally and I just need a trailer to pick it up. If I need more than 3K square feet, the price goes down even more. Not #2 or #3. I know that pricing is regional, and I live in a low priced area, but you aren't that far from me and ought to be able to find it for not too much more from a wholesaler.

Since you have access to a crane and truck, I would go for it. It gives you a great story about your home.

Found a different custom sawyer today closer to home and half the price. He can start immediately and charges .25 per bd ft. That really knocks it down there. I also found a retired gentleman with a bobcat and large truck who will haul for his time/fuel... $100 or so. He will load on Sunday evening and deliver Monday morning. I can take it from there.

Looks like we are actually going to do it. My wife suggested I cut up a really large white oak to mix in but I think that may look odd. I don't mind varying sizes but not really keen about species. Thoughts on her idea???

BTW we stake the house in a day or so and start digging next week. Super excited!!

Saftgeek-