Learn how to Promote Driftwood for Money: Pricing, Prep & The place to Record (2025)

Where to Sell Driftwood (Online & Locally)

If you want your driftwood to actually sell (and not just collect dust in your garage) you’ve got to list it in the right places.

Different buyers hang out in different spots, so where you post your driftwood matters just as much as the piece itself.

Here are the best places to sell driftwood online and locally, plus what type of driftwood sells best on each one.

1. Etsy

• Best for: Decorative pieces, unique shapes, aquarium-ready driftwood, and anything that looks “artsy.”

You can pretty much sell anything artsy on Etsy. Some of these pieces go for way more than you’d expect, which is great if you’re the seller!

Buyers here love driftwood that’s clean, interesting, and ready to use in crafts or home décor.

Twists, curves, branching “antler” shapes, or smooth weathered lines?

That’s your Income-maker.

Why Etsy works well:

• People already come looking for driftwood
• Higher price tolerance
• Perfect for premium or one-of-a-kind pieces
• Tags make your listings easy to find

If your driftwood looks Pinterest-ready, this is the place to sell it.

For more tips on setting up your shop, check out our full guide on how to make money on Etsy.

2. eBay

• Best for: Bulk lots, odd-shaped pieces, large heavy driftwood you don’t want to price individually, and natural “raw” wood for aquariums or terrariums.

eBay is still one of the easiest ways to make money online without building a full website.

It is awesome when you’ve collected a big batch from a riverbank, lake, or beach and want to sell it fast. It’s perfect for selling driftwood online in bulk or moving unique, natural pieces that aren’t polished.

Aquarium hobbyists, terrarium owners, and DIY crafters frequently browse eBay for driftwood that’s ready for tanks, reptile habitats, or craft projects.

Why eBay works well:

• Easy way to sell rough, unpolished driftwood
• Buyers looking for aquarium wood and terrarium logs are always active
• Auctions can boost your profit
• Ship nationwide to reach more collectors

It’s also great for small branch bundles, like “10-piece driftwood lot,” “assorted craft driftwood,” or “natural aquarium wood pieces.”

3. Facebook Marketplace

• Best for: Big, heavy, oversized driftwood pieces that are too costly to ship.

Found a chunky log or a long, decorative branch?

Facebook Marketplace is where you want to sell it!

Local buyers love picking up driftwood in person, especially for home décor, DIY projects, or garden displays.

If you prefer cash in hand, check out our guide on the best apps to sell stuff locally.

Shipping massive pieces is a headache, but Marketplace makes it easy to sell driftwood locally and avoid shipping costs.

Why Facebook Marketplace works well:

• Quick local pickup
• No shipping fees
• Fast sales and cash in hand
• Great for DIY decorators, landscapers, and home stagers

Driftwood tends to move fastest in spring and summer when people are sprucing up patios, decks, or lake houses with natural, rustic décor.

4. Local Fish Stores & Reptile Shops

• Best for: Driftwood pieces for aquariums and terrariums (think smooth surfaces, branchy shapes, hollow logs, and unique roots.).

A lot of local fish shops buy driftwood to resell. Same with reptile stores.

They don’t need huge pieces, they want wood that can fit in a glass tank.

Why these stores are great:

• Instant cash for your driftwood
• Repeat buyers if your pieces are consistently good
• No shipping or online listing hassle
• Good opportunity to build relationships with local shop owners

Bring a box of pre-cleaned, dried driftwood and ask if they buy or trade wholesale. Many local shops are happy to take them for resale or aquarium décor.

5. Craft Stores & Local Boutiques

• Best for: Polished, sanded, or bleached driftwood (anything that fits a coastal, beachy, or modern home décor style.).

Not every craft store or boutique buys driftwood, but some love picking up unique, eye-catching pieces for displays or décor.

If your wood has interesting shapes, smooth finishes, or a clean coastal look, these shops will often pay a premium.

Why this works:

• Higher price for decorative or collectible driftwood
• No shipping or platform fees to deal with
• Great for unusual or artistic driftwood pieces

Think driftwood that looks at home in a minimalist pottery store, a beach-themed boutique, or even a local home décor shop, pieces that catch the eye immediately.

6. Aquascaping & Terrarium Groups

• Best for: Aquarium-safe wood, branch-heavy pieces, spider root driftwood, and anything with dramatic, eye-catching shapes.

Aquascaping and terrarium setups are huge hobbies, and enthusiasts will pay top dollar for driftwood with character.

Pieces with lots of branches, twisting roots, or spider-like shapes are especially in demand.

Good places to list your driftwood include:

Why these groups Work From Home:

• Buyers understand driftwood quality and value unique shapes
• They’re willing to pay higher prices than general marketplaces
• Pieces sell fast once listed

If you ever come across driftwood with lots of branching “arms” or unusual roots, list it here first. You’ll usually get the best price.

Who Buys Driftwood?

If you’ve ever wondered who actually buys driftwood, the answer is: more people than you might expect.

Driftwood isn’t just beach décor, it’s in demand across several hobbies and industries, and each buyer is looking for something specific.

Here are the kind of people who buy driftwoods:

1. Aquascapers & Planted Tank Hobbyists

• What They Want: Interesting shapes, “spiderwood” with multiple branches, and pieces that sink easily. They avoid softwood that decays quickly in water.
• Where to Find Them: Etsy, eBay, Facebook aquarium groups, and forums like PlantedTank.net. These buyers pay the highest prices per pound.

2. Reptile & Terrarium Owners

• What They Want: Thick, sturdy branches for climbing, hollow logs for hiding spots, and driftwood that’s safe for reptiles.
• Where to Find Them: Local reptile stores, reptile expos, and Facebook Marketplace. Specialty terrarium forums are also a good spot.

3. Crafters & Interior Decorators

• What They Want: Clean, sanded, sun-bleached, or smooth pieces with character (unique curves and weathered textures perfect for macrame, wall art, table centerpieces, and coastal home décor.). Sometimes they combine it with free furniture to make rustic home decor pieces.
• Where to Find Them: Etsy as “supplies,” craft fairs, boutique consignment shops, and Instagram décor accounts.

4. Wholesale Buyers & Landscapers

• What They Want: Large, heavy pieces for garden features, or bulk boxes of smaller sticks for resale, DIY projects, or furniture makers.
• Where to Find Them: Direct B2B sales to garden centers, floral shops, furniture makers, and local landscapers.

By knowing which of these four groups your driftwood appeals to, you can create a listing title that grabs attention, like “Reptile Climbing Branch” for terrarium owners versus “Decorative Driftwood Log” for crafters or home decorators.

How Much Is Driftwood Worth?

Driftwood prices can vary widely because value depends on size, shape, weight, condition, and who you’re selling to.

Sometimes a small, eye-catching piece can fetch more than a big, plain log.

What Makes a Piece of Driftwood Valuable?

Finding free materials is the key to high profit. It’s just like knowing where to get free pallets for woodworking projects; if you get the material for $0, everything else is pure profit.

Now, not all driftwood is worth Income.

Before you load up your truck with driftwood from the beach or river, look for these Income-making traits.

High-Value Characteristics (Income Makers)

• Unique Shapes: Spiderwood or multi-branch roots, pieces with dramatic twists, curves, arches, or antler-like branches sell best to aquascapers, terrarium hobbyists, and crafters.
• Specific Species: Hardwoods like Manzanita, Mopani, Malaysian Driftwood, and other dense woods are prized because they sink well, last longer, and are durable in aquariums and terrariums.
• Interesting Textures: Weathered, sandblasted, or ocean-polished wood commands a premium for home décor, macrame, wall art, and tabletop centerpieces.

Low-Value Characteristics (What to Skip)

• Soft & Rotting Wood: Easily dented pieces, or wood that smells swampy, will decay in tanks or break in craft projects.
• Standard Straight Sticks: Ordinary straight sticks rarely sell unless bundled in bulk for wholesale buyers or DIY crafts.
• Evidence of Bugs: Avoid wood with fresh boreholes, frass, or any sign of active insect infestation.

What Driftwood Actually Sells For

Curious about real numbers?

Seeing actual sold prices can give you a realistic idea of what you can earn from your driftwood finds.

Here are ten representative examples of recent sold listings from Etsy, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace:

These examples highlight the range of prices driftwood can fetch, depending on buyer type, platform, and the uniqueness of the piece.

From small craft pieces to large decorative logs, there’s real Income to be made if you know where and how to sell.

How to Prepare and Clean Driftwood for Sale

You can’t just grab a stick from the beach and expect to sell it.

Buyers pay more for driftwood that’s clean, safe, and ready to use in aquariums, terrariums, crafts, or home décor.

Here’s how to get your driftwood sale-ready:

Step 1: Cleaning

Use a stiff brush and water to scrub away mud, sand, algae, or soft rot. Remove any loose bark that could fall off. Clean driftwood looks professional and increases buyer confidence.

Step 2: Sterilizing

• Boiling: Perfect for aquarium wood. Boil for 1-2 hours to kill bacteria, release tannins (the stuff that colors water), and make the wood sink. This is ideal for spiderwood or other intricate shapes.
• Baking: Best for decorative or dry-use driftwood. Bake at 200°F (93°C) for 1-2 hours, checking constantly to prevent fire risks. This kills insects and dries the wood thoroughly.
• Bleach Soak: Soak in a 5% bleach solution for 24 hours to eliminate bacteria and pests. Rinse and soak in fresh water for 2-3 days to remove residual chemicals. If selling for aquariums, mention whether you’ve used bleach, as some buyers prefer chemical-free wood.

Step 3: Drying

Let your driftwood dry completely in the sun for several days (or longer for large logs). Wet wood adds shipping weight and can lead to mold or mildew during transit.

Important Legal Warning

Before collecting driftwood, check the rules in your area.

Picking up driftwood is often legal on public beaches, but it’s usually prohibited in National Parks, State Parks, or protected wildlife refuges.

Always verify local regulations or ask a park ranger before loading your trunk with driftwood.

How to Legally Collect Driftwood

Before you start gathering driftwood, it’s important to know that not every beach, riverbank, or lake allows removal.

Rules vary by state, city, and even by the specific park or shoreline.

Collecting driftwood illegally can result in fines or penalties, so take a few minutes to understand the basics before you fill your trunk.

1. Check Local and State Regulations

Some states allow small-scale collecting for personal or hobby use, while others restrict the removal of natural materials entirely.

Search for your state’s “driftwood collecting rules” or “beach natural materials removal” to find official guidelines.

National parks, state parks, and protected shorelines almost always prohibit taking driftwood.

2. Avoid Protected Areas

Many beaches and rivers are part of protected habitats.

Driftwood in these areas prevents erosion and provides shelter for wildlife. Removing it is illegal.

• National parks
• Wildlife refuges
• Marine sanctuaries
• Dunes and restoration projects

If you see signs that say “Do Not Remove Natural Materials,” respect them and move on.

3. Ask Before Collecting on Private Property

If the shoreline touches private land, you need permission to collect anything, even a small piece. Most property owners are fine if you ask politely, especially on lakefront properties.

4. Stick to Small Amounts for Personal Use

On public beaches where collecting is allowed, small amounts are usually okay. A few pieces at a time is fine, don’t try to fill a truck or trailer.

5. Avoid Heavy Tools or Machinery

Using saws, winches, or digging equipment is often illegal on public beaches because it can damage the shoreline. Stick to what you can lift and carry by hand.

6. Watch for Posted Signs

Many beaches post rules about what you can and cannot take. If driftwood collection is banned, it’s usually listed alongside restrictions on shells, rocks, and plants.

7. Ask When in Doubt

Local parks departments, city offices, or on-site rangers can clarify the rules. A quick question can save you from fines and protect sensitive ecosystems.

Collecting driftwood legally is simple once you know the rules. Stick to non-protected areas, respect private property, and only take what you can carry. This keeps you out of trouble and helps protect the shorelines and habitats you enjoy exploring.

How to List Driftwood So It Actually Sells

Once your driftwood is cleaned, dried, and ready, the way you list it is what determines whether it sells quickly or sits for weeks.

Buyers want clear photos, accurate sizing, and enough detail to know exactly what they’re getting.

Proper listings make all the difference.

The 6-Shot Photo Checklist

1. The Hero Shot: A clean, well-lit photo of the entire piece on a neutral background (white, concrete, or wood).
2. The Scale Shot: Place a common object (soda can, quarter, or ruler) next to the wood so buyers instantly understand the size.
3. The Use Case Shot: Stage the wood in a tank, terrarium, or on a shelf to show how it can be used.
4. Texture Close-Up: Zoom in on knots, grain, or weathered patterns.
5. The Wet Shot: For aquarium driftwood, spray or soak it to show how it looks when submerged—wood often darkens or deepens in color.
6. All Angles: Include back, bottom, and side views so buyers see the full piece.

Copy-Paste Listing Titles

When it comes to driftwood listings, descriptive wins over clever. Use templates like these to attract the right buyers and rank for search eTrafficLane:

• For Aquariums: “12-inch Aquarium Driftwood | Spiderwood Centerpiece | Sinks Fast | Sanitized for Fish Tank”
• For Home Decor: “Large 24-inch White Driftwood Branch | Natural Beach Decor | Coastal Macrame Hanger Supply”
• For Reptiles: “Sturdy Basking Log for Bearded Dragon | Large Sanitized Reptile Branch | Terrarium Decor”

Description Checklist

Include these five key details in every listing:

• Dimensions: Length, width, and height of the piece.
• Weight: Helps buyers estimate shipping and, for aquarium buyers, whether it will sink.
• Species: If known (e.g., Manzanita, Oak, Mopani) this adds value and trust.
• Preparation Method: Explain how it was cleaned or sterilized (boiled, sun-dried, baked, or bleach-soaked).
• Origin: Briefly mention “Hand-collected from [Location]” for authenticity.

Listing driftwood properly not only helps your pieces sell faster but also builds credibility with buyers, whether they’re aquascapers, crafters, reptile owners, or home décor enthusiasts.

How to Ship Driftwood Safely and Affordably

Shipping large, irregular organic items like driftwood is the trickiest part of selling.

Because driftwood is usually light but bulky, carriers charge based on dimensional weight (the box volume) rather than actual weight.

Proper packing is essential to prevent damage and keep costs manageable.

Step 1: The “Burrito” Packing Method

To ship delicate branching or “spiderwood” pieces without a massive box:

• Wrap Tightly: Use the burrito method, wrap the driftwood in several layers of bubble wrap. For long, thin branches, cardboard shipping tubes Work From Home well.
• Reinforce Sharp Points: Cover any sharp ends with scrap cardboard inside the wrap to prevent punctures.
• Cut to Size: Reduce empty space in the box. Cutting corners or trimming excess packaging can save $5-$10 on postage.
• Shake Test: Fill voids with kraft paper or newspaper. If the wood shifts when you shake the box, add more padding.

Step 2: Best Carriers for Driftwood (Current Rates)

Avoid paying full retail rates at the post office.

Tools like Pirate Ship give you commercial pricing and significant savings.

• Small/Light Pieces (Under 5 lbs): USPS Ground Advantage, ideal for 12-24″ aquarium or terrarium driftwood (~$8-$12).
• Medium/Bulky Boxes: UPS Ground, better for boxes over 18 inches (~$15-$25).
• XL Driftwood: FedEx Ground or UPS is required for massive logs. If shipping exceeds $50, consider listing the item as “Local Pickup Only” on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.

Pro Tip: Protect Your Profit Margins

Use “Calculated Shipping” on Etsy and eBay to charge buyers the exact rate based on their zip code.

Offering free shipping for large driftwood can backfire, cross-country shipments can eat up your entire profit.

Always price your listings with shipping in mind to stay profitable.

Selling Driftwood in Bulk: Turning a Hobby into a Business

If you have access to truckloads of driftwood, selling piece-by-piece on Etsy can be too slow.

The real profits come from wholesale, supplying stores, landscapers, and aquascaping businesses who need a steady supply.

How to Find Wholesale Driftwood Buyers

Target businesses that use driftwood regularly:

• Local garden centers and landscaping shops
• Aquarium and pet stores
• Wedding planners and event decorators
• Florists for arrangements and displays

These buyers want pre-cleaned, consistent driftwood, and they pay for convenience.

Wholesale Pitch Template: Send a short, professional email with clear photos:

“Hi [Shop Owner],
My name is [Name], and I’m a local forager. I have a collection of pre-cleaned, [Hardwood Species] driftwood that would be perfect for your [aquascape/floral] inventory. I can supply boxes of 20-50 pieces at [Price] per box, delivered directly to your store. Let me know if you’d like me to drop off a sample box next week.”

The Logistics of Scaling

• Storage is Key: Keep your inventory dry and pest-free. Wet wood rots, and moldy stock cannot be sold.
• Expect Lower Margins, Higher Volume: Wholesale prices may be $10 per piece versus $30 retail on Etsy. That’s okay, less shipping, no platform fees, and faster turnover.
• Consistent Supply Wins: Businesses value reliability. Having a steady flow of driftwood can turn a side hustle into a sustainable mini-business.

Frequently Asked Questions About Selling Driftwood

Final Thoughts on Selling Driftwood

The next time you’re walking along a beach, riverbank, or lake, take a closer look at the driftwood around you.

That weathered branch or twisted log isn’t just debris, it could be your next sale.

You don’t need a warehouse or a huge collection to get started. Begin small: collect a few eye-catching pieces, clean and prep them, snap clear photos, and list them on platforms like Etsy, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace using the listing templates from this guide.

Selling driftwood is a fun way to turn your morning walk into a little side hustle that pays for your morning coffee and maybe even more.

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