Upcountry Sawmill in Landrum: Reclaimed Wood and Custom Milling
What Upcountry Sawmill offers and where to find it
Upcountry Sawmill is a working sawmill in Landrum, South Carolina, in Spartanburg County near the North Carolina border. The operation specializes in reclaimed wood—timber salvaged from old barns, factories, and other structures—and also mills custom lumber from logs you bring or they source. You can buy finished reclaimed wood products, have logs milled to your specifications, or purchase rough-cut lumber for woodworking, flooring, or construction projects.
The mill is located in the Upstate region, roughly 30 minutes south of Asheville, North Carolina, and about 45 minutes north of Spartanburg. If you are working on a renovation, building a cabin, or need specialty wood for furniture or flooring, this is a destination worth the drive—especially if you want authentic reclaimed material or custom dimensions that standard lumber yards do not stock.
Key Takeaways
- Upcountry Sawmill specializes in reclaimed wood from old structures and also offers custom milling services for logs you provide or they source.
- The mill is located in Landrum, Spartanburg County, near the North Carolina border and accessible from both the Upstate and Asheville areas.
- You can purchase finished reclaimed wood products, have logs milled to custom dimensions, or buy rough-cut lumber for various projects.
- Reclaimed wood carries the character of its original use—weathering, nail holes, color variation—which appeals to restoration work and rustic design.
Types of wood and reclaimed materials available
Reclaimed wood at Upcountry Sawmill comes from a variety of sources: old barns, warehouses, factories, and other structures slated for demolition or renovation. Each piece carries the history of its original use—you may find old nail holes, saw marks, weathered surfaces, and natural color variation that new lumber cannot replicate. Common species include heart pine, chestnut, oak, and mixed hardwoods, though inventory changes based on what structures are being salvaged in the region.
Beyond reclaimed stock, the mill also mills custom lumber from logs. If you have a specific tree you want milled or need boards in non-standard dimensions, you can work with them to process it. This service is useful for woodworkers seeking particular thicknesses, widths, or lengths, or for builders who need material that matches existing reclaimed pieces in a renovation.
Pricing and what to expect when you visit
Reclaimed wood typically costs more than new lumber from a standard building supply store because of the labor involved in salvage, cleaning, and milling. Prices vary based on the species, condition, and dimensions of the material. Heart pine and chestnut command higher prices than mixed hardwoods. Custom milling services are priced based on the volume of logs and the complexity of the work.
When you visit, bring measurements and sketches of what you need. If you are planning a large project—flooring for a room, siding for a barn, or structural beams—contact the mill ahead of time to discuss availability and lead time. Reclaimed inventory is finite, so popular species or dimensions may not always be in stock. The mill staff can advise on whether they have what you need or how long it might take to source it.
Best uses for reclaimed wood in South Carolina projects
Reclaimed wood from Upcountry Sawmill works well for barn renovations, historic home restoration, and rustic interior design. In the Upstate and surrounding regions, many older homes and agricultural buildings benefit from matching reclaimed materials during repair or upgrade. The authentic weathering and patina appeal to homeowners and designers seeking character that new wood cannot provide.
Reclaimed wood is also popular for flooring, wall paneling, mantels, shelving, and furniture. Woodworkers and craftspeople often seek it for one-of-a-kind pieces. If you are restoring a historic property in South Carolina or building something with intentional rustic or vintage character, reclaimed material from a local mill connects your project to regional building traditions.
How to contact and plan your visit
Upcountry Sawmill operates as a working mill, not a retail showroom with set hours. Before visiting, call ahead to confirm they are open and to discuss your project needs. This also gives them time to pull inventory or discuss custom milling options. The mill is in a rural area, so GPS coordinates or detailed directions from the owner are helpful.
Bring photos of your project, measurements, and a sense of the look you are going for. If you are matching existing wood in a renovation, bring a sample if possible. The staff can advise on whether reclaimed material is the right choice for your application and what species or finish might work best. If you need a large volume or custom milling, expect a lead time of several weeks depending on their current workload.
Reclaimed wood care and finishing
Reclaimed wood often arrives with surface dirt, old finishes, or minor damage from its previous life. Some pieces are cleaned and ready to use; others may need sanding, planing, or refinishing depending on your project. Ask the mill what preparation has been done and what you will need to do on-site. If you are unfamiliar with finishing reclaimed wood, the staff may offer guidance on sanding, staining, or sealing to protect the material and bring out its character.
Reclaimed wood can be harder and more brittle than new lumber because of age, so cutting and fastening sometimes require different techniques. If you are working with a contractor or carpenter, let them know the material is reclaimed so they can adjust their approach. The effort is worth it for the unique look and durability that old-growth wood often provides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to bring my own logs to have them milled?
No. You can bring logs you have, or the mill can source material for you. Discuss your project and budget with them, and they can advise on what is available and what custom milling would cost. Lead time depends on whether they have suitable logs on hand.
Can reclaimed wood be used for outdoor projects?
Yes, but it depends on the species and condition. Some reclaimed wood is naturally rot-resistant and weathers well outdoors. Other pieces are better suited to interior use. Ask the mill staff which material they recommend for your specific outdoor application, and whether sealing or treatment is needed.
How far in advance should I plan if I need a large amount of reclaimed wood?
For large projects, contact the mill at least a month ahead. Reclaimed inventory is limited and sourcing enough material for flooring an entire room or siding a building takes time. The mill can give you a realistic timeline once they understand the scope of your project.
What is the difference between reclaimed and salvaged wood?
The terms are often used interchangeably. Both refer to wood recovered from old structures. Reclaimed typically means the wood has been cleaned and prepared for reuse; salvaged can mean the raw material as it came out of the building. Upcountry Sawmill handles both stages.
Can I visit just to look, or do I need a specific project in mind?
It is best to call ahead regardless. The mill is a working operation, not a retail space with browsing hours. If you have a general interest in reclaimed wood or want to see what is available, the staff can tell you when it is convenient to visit and what they have in stock at that time.