How to Sell Logs in Latvia : Baltic Pallet Timber
Selling logs from your forest can be straightforward and profitable — if you know what you’re selling, how it’s measured, and how to choose a fair buyer. This guide walks Latvian forest owners through the essentials.
Know what you’re selling
The value of your timber depends first on species and assortment. In Latvia the main species are coniferous — pine and spruce — and deciduous, such as birch, aspen, alder and oak .
Each log is sorted into an assortment based on size and quality:
- Sawlogs — the highest value, used for sawn timber and pallets
- Veneer logs — top-quality birch and other species
- Pulpwood — smaller or lower-grade wood
- Packaging / pallet wood — logs suited to pallet and packaging production
- Firewood — the lowest grade
The better you (or your buyer) sort the logs, the more you earn — mixing grades usually means being paid at the lower rate.
Two ways to sell
- Standing timber — you sell the trees before felling. Simpler for you, but usually a lower total return, and you rely on the buyer’s harvesting and measurement.
- Harvested roundwood — you sell logs already cut and sorted, measured at the roadside or on delivery. More work, but typically a better price because value is clearer.
Legal steps you can’t skip
Before felling, you generally need a felling permit from the State Forest Service, and you have reforestation obligations afterwards. Rules depend on the type of cutting and your forest, so confirm the current requirements with the State Forest Service before you start. Keep your ownership and origin documents — a legitimate buyer must verify legal origin (EU rules require it).
How logs are measured and priced
Timber is bought by volume in cubic metres (m³), assessed by length, top diameter and quality. Price per m³ varies by species, assortment, quality class and current market demand. Common quality factors that lower value include rot (trupe), frost cracks, excessive curvature, large knots and mechanical damage.
This is where transparency matters most. Ask any buyer:
- How and where are the logs measured?
- Will I receive a detailed measurement report?
- Is the price per assortment clearly broken down?
- What are the payment terms and timeline?
A trustworthy buyer answers all of these clearly and gives you documentation you can check.
Timing and transport
Season matters. Winter often gives better forest access on frozen ground and can mean stronger demand. Transport is a major cost — a buyer who arranges collection and logistics for you removes a big headache and protects your margin.
Selling your logs to Baltic Pallet Timber
At SIA Niedrāji MR (Baltic Pallet Timber), we provide competitive, transparent log procurement for forest owners across Latvia. We buy coniferous and deciduous logs and packaging blocks, offer custom transport solutions, pay strong market prices, and give you full transparency through detailed measurement reports — all in line with FSC responsible-sourcing standards.
Want to sell your logs? Contact our procurement team to arrange measurement, transport and payment — and get a fair, clear deal for your timber
