Frequently Asked Questions
We are open Tuesday thru Saturday from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM. We are closed on December 24th and 25th for Christmas.
Mill Outlet Lumber Return Policy
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Returns are accepted within 30 days of purchase with the original receipt.
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All material must be in the same condition as when it left our yard — no cuts, holes, or alterations.
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No returns on:
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Utility grade or #3 material
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Composite materials
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Shingles
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Special orders
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A restock fee of up to 30% may apply on eligible returns.
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We don’t offer shipping, however Fairlane Services will occasionally deliver for our customers. You can reach Michael with Fairlane at 253-376-2568. Please send a text message.
Utility grade lumber is material that does not meet standard appearance grading. It may include missing knots, splits, bug trails, or other defects that make it unsuitable for finish work but still useful for practical projects like sheds, fencing, or landscaping projects. Because these boards are sold at a steep discount and the defects are expected, all sales are final and no returns are accepted on utility grade materials.
No. We don’t sell any plywood, MDF, or plywood siding.
We sell Tacoma fire logs in 6 and 8 packs, as well as bulk pallets containing 696 logs. We sometimes also stock pallets of mill end shorts that are great for your fireplace or wood stove as well as bags of kindling and fire starters.
Tacoma Firelogs deliver clean, efficient heat at a fraction of the cost of presto‑logs. Each log is made from 100% compressed sawdust with no waxes or binders, providing a natural, reliable burn. Available in convenient packs or full pallets, Tacoma Firelogs are easy to handle, long‑lasting, and pack impressive BTU output—comparable to premium firewood or heating oil. Perfect for fireplaces, stoves, and fire pits, they’re the smart choice for affordable warmth.
At Mill Outlet, we offer Western Red Cedar and Alaskan Yellow Cedar shingles and taper sawn shakes. We offer both shakes and shingles in 16″ and 18″ lengths. Generally, the thick end of a shingle ranges from 3/8″ – 1/2″ while the thick end of a shake is 5/8″.
Click Here for Shingles and Shakes
We don’t offer bulk pricing or special pricing for contractors, however contractors can open an account to track their purchases and have a resale certificate on file for tax purposes.
We don’t do any custom cutting and we don’t allow customers to cut in our yard for safety and insurance reasons.
You should generally wait 4–8 weeks after installation before staining a new cedar fence, allowing the wood to dry and acclimate. The exact timing depends on your local climate and moisture levels—cedar needs to be dry enough to absorb the stain properly.
Why Waiting Matters
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Moisture Content: Fresh cedar often contains natural moisture. Staining too early can trap water inside, leading to rot or poor adhesion.
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Acclimation Period: Cedar needs time to adjust to outdoor conditions. A waiting period of about 1–2 months is recommended.
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Climate Factors:
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In humid or rainy regions (like Tacoma, WA), lean toward the longer end (6–8 weeks).
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In dry, warm conditions, 4–6 weeks may be sufficient.
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How to Know Your Fence is Ready
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Water Test: Sprinkle water on the boards. If it beads up, the wood is still too moist. If it soaks in, the fence is ready for stain.
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Visual Check: Look for signs of drying—no damp patches, consistent color, and no “green” look from fresh milling.
Best Practices for Staining Cedar
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Choose the Right Stain: Use an oil‑based or semi‑transparent stain designed for cedar.
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Prep the Surface: Clean the fence of dirt, mildew, or mill glaze before staining.
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Pick the Right Weather Window: Apply stain on a dry day with mild temperatures (ideally 50–80°F). Avoid direct sun or rain within 24–48 hours.
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