wood shavings for sale

Wood Shavings for Sale: A Comprehensive Guide

wood shavings for sale, Wood shavings are a versatile byproduct of woodworking and lumber processing, commonly used for animal bedding, gardening, crafting, and industrial applications. If you’re looking to purchase wood shavings in bulk or small quantities, this guide will help you understand the types available, their uses, and where to buy them.

What Are Wood Shavings?

Wood shavings are thin, curly pieces of wood produced when wood is planed, sanded, or processed. They are different from sawdust (finer particles) and wood chips (larger chunks). Wood shavings are lightweight, absorbent, and often used in various industries.

Types of Wood Shavings for Sale

  1. Softwood Shavings (Pine, Cedar, Spruce)
    • Ideal for animal bedding (horses, poultry, rodents) due to their absorbency and pleasant aroma.
    • Cedar shavings have natural insect-repellent properties.
  2. Hardwood Shavings (Oak, Maple, Birch)
    • Often used in smoking meats (especially hickory and oak).
    • Suitable for mulch and composting.
  3. Untreated vs. Treated Shavings
    • Untreated: Safe for animals and gardening.
    • Treated/Processed: May contain chemicals; used for industrial purposes only.
  4. Colored & Scented Shavings
    • Used in pet bedding (small animals, reptiles) for aesthetic appeal.

Common Uses of Wood Shavings

  • Animal Bedding: Absorbent, comfortable, and reduces odors.
  • Gardening & Mulching: Helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
  • Composting: Adds carbon to balance nitrogen-rich materials.
  • Crafts & Packaging: Used in DIY projects and as cushioning material.
  • Industrial Applications: Fuel for biomass boilers, particleboard production.

Where to Buy Wood Shavings

Wood shavings are available from:

  • Local Sawmills & Lumber Yards (often sold in bulk)
  • Farm Supply Stores (Tractor Supply Co., Rural King)
  • Online Retailers (Amazon, eBay, Etsy for small quantities)
  • Landscaping Companies (for mulch-grade shavings)
  • Specialty Pet Stores (for small animal bedding)

Pricing Factors

  • Type of Wood: Cedar is more expensive than pine.
  • Quantity: Bulk purchases (by the truckload) are cheaper per pound.
  • Processing: Kiln-dried or dust-extracted shavings cost more.

FAQs About Wood Shavings for Sale

1. Are wood shavings safe for all animals?

Most are safe, but avoid black walnut shavings (toxic to horses) and chemically treated wood. Cedar and pine are popular for pets but may cause respiratory issues in some rodents—aspen is a safer alternative.

2. Can wood shavings be used as mulch?

Yes! They decompose slowly, enriching the soil. However, fresh shavings may temporarily deplete nitrogen, so compost them first or mix with fertilizer.

3. How much do wood shavings cost?

Prices vary:

  • Bulk (per cubic yard): 10–50
  • Bagged (pet bedding): 5–20 per bag
  • Specialty (colored/scented): 10–30

4. How should I store wood shavings?

Keep them in a dry, covered area to prevent mold. Use sealed containers for small quantities.

5. Can wood shavings be used for smoking food?

Only use untreated hardwood shavings (apple, hickory, oak). Avoid softwoods (pine, cedar), which can impart a bitter taste.

6. Are wood shavings biodegradable?

Yes, they break down naturally and can be composted.

7. Do wood shavings attract pests?

If used as mulch, they may attract termites. For animal bedding, keep areas clean to avoid insects.

8. What’s the difference between wood shavings and sawdust?

Shavings are larger and fluffier; sawdust is finer and more compact. Shavings are better for bedding, while sawdust is used for filler or composting.