Buy and Sell Logs in Kentucky

• Free to post - No fees, no commissions
• Direct contact - Buyers call you, no middleman
• Local focus - Based in Greenup, KY - we know the area
• Find truckers - Connect with log haulers nearby
• All species - White Oak to Poplar, veneer to pulp

Kentucky is one of the most timber-productive states in the eastern United States, with approximately 12.4 million acres of forestland — roughly half the state's total land area. The vast majority is privately owned, and hardwood species dominate almost entirely. The Daniel Boone National Forest anchors the eastern highlands, while rolling farm country in the central Bluegrass and river bottoms in the west and north produce some of the finest White Oak and Black Walnut in North America.

The Kentucky timber economy is anchored by several large buyers. The bourbon industry creates steady, premium demand for tight-grained White Oak stave bolts — major cooperages operate throughout the state and in neighboring Indiana and Tennessee. International export markets, particularly in Europe and Asia, actively compete for high-grade Black Walnut and Red Oak veneer logs. Sawmills ranging from large operations like Sierra Forest Products (Barbourville) to dozens of smaller family-run circle mills process millions of board feet of Poplar, Oak, and Maple annually.

Log prices in Kentucky vary significantly by species and grade. Veneer-quality Black Walnut regularly commands $1.00–$4.00+ per board foot at the stump depending on diameter and form. White Oak stave bolts for bourbon barrels fetch a premium over standard saw-log prices. Yellow Poplar is the workhorse species — high volume, consistent demand, and reliable prices from $180–$280/MBF for #1 and #2 saw logs. Cherry and Hard Maple remain specialty markets with strong pricing when clear, large-diameter logs are available.

• Sort your White Oak by ring count: Cooperages paying stave-bolt premiums want 8+ rings per inch. Marking tight-grain logs separately can significantly increase your check.
• Know your Walnut grades before calling buyers: A veneer-quality Walnut log (18"+ diameter, 8'+ length, minimal defect) can be worth 5–10x more than the same log sold as saw timber. Get multiple quotes.
• Consider the river system: Loggers in northeastern Kentucky near the Ohio River have access to buyers in Cincinnati and Huntington, WV — compare prices across state lines before committing.
• Poplar markets fluctuate seasonally: Late winter and early spring typically see higher Poplar demand as mills rebuild inventory. If you can hold, timing sales can add $20–$40/MBF.
• Use JMLogMarket to post before you haul: Posting your load while still in the woods lets buyers find you — reducing dead hauls and giving you negotiating leverage on price.