You think you know how to visit a lumber yard and get the best deal, but do you really? There is more to buying lumber than pointing at a stack, paying for it and loading it into the truck. Learn how to buy lumber the right way – and save money in the process.
Premium, Select or Common?
Lumber prices vary, depending on whether you opt for the higher grades or the lower common grade. Common grade lumber still features a good quality wood but it does showcase some imperfections that affect the overall look of a project.
If you plan on painting the finishing product, common grade may still be acceptable. For clear-coats only, premium lumber may be more aesthetically pleasing.
Tip: Do not buy lumber at a higher grade than absolutely necessary.
Give It to Me Straight
Improperly stored wood will bend and warp over a period of time. Building a fence with bowed slats is tough, if not impossible. Although a reputable lumber yard will properly store its lumber (see: How to Store Lumber) the same cannot always be said for the discount home improvement store.
Tip: Place questionable pieces of wood onto the ground. If both ends touch the ground and the board lies flat, buy the lumber. If one end hovers above the ground — or there is a noticeable curve in the boards — it is better to pass.
Capitalize on Flaws
Now that you know that when buying lumber you should be on the lookout for straight pieces; note that there is an exception to the rule. For example, if you are looking for not just long but also shorter pieces, you might be able to negotiate down the lumber prices by buying a few odds and ends that feature a couple of feet of warped wood.
The Family Handyman explains that cutting out the defect still allows for the good wood to be used (and the lumber yard might give it to you cheaper than for what you could buy a shorter piece).
Tip: Know exactly the sizing of all the boards you need when buying lumber. Tolerating a bit of flawed wood can result in good-sized savings.
Buying Lumber Online
Would you buy from a virtual lumber yard? You may be interested to know that buying lumber via the Internet is no longer just for the obscure woodworker with the eclectic taste in hard to find exotic woods. Instead, it is possible to search for, price and order wood via the ‘Net.
Wood Finder operates a site that helps the weekend warrior shop for mail order lumber, locate wholesalers and find traditional lumber yards. Find specialty lumbers for carving or veneers, boatbuilding or instrument manufacture.
Tip: Do not discount the online marketplace for competitive lumber prices. Just because you have never shopped online for lumber before should not hold you back from giving it a try.
Sources
Family Handyman: “How to Buy Deck Lumber”
Wood Finder: “Find Sources of Hardwood Lumber et al.”
