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Home Depot and Lowes Lumber Prices?

BilljustBill | Posted in General Discussion on June 13, 2007 06:32am

  I needed an Southern Yellow Pine 8′ long 2X12′ to cut an additional stair stringer.  The local Lowes doesn’t carry 8′ long 2X12’s, however they sell a 16′ long 2X12″, including tax, is about $20.

  I went to Home Depot this afternoon to buy one 8′.  They stock them, but for $16.18, inc. tax.  I saw that their 16′ long 2X12’s for just over $25, tax inc.

  It seems that Home Depot’s overall lumber and plywood pricing is a noticeable amount higher.  Are you seeing the same thing around your area?  Any idea why?

  Thanks,

   Bill

Reply

Replies

  1. User avater
    JDRHI | Jun 13, 2007 06:35am | #1

    My lumberyard charges more than both, which I happily pay to avoid the headaches and heartaches of the big boxes.

    Consider this a mini-rant bump!

    J. D. Reynolds
    Home Improvements

     

     


  2. alwaysoverbudget | Jun 13, 2007 06:51am | #2

    everybody cusses the big box's but here they are as good as most lumber yards. there is a noticable difference between lowes and hd. the wood that lowes sells here is pretty darn good with there pressure treated being excellent[as straight as anybodys at any yard] hd you might dig through 20 2x's to find 2 nice one's. prices here are the same and if not they will match and discount 10% more.larry

    hand me the chainsaw, i need to trim the casing just a hair.

    1. User avater
      popawheelie | Jun 13, 2007 07:12am | #3

      I went to HD today and looked at presure treated 2x4s and 4x4s. They were very wet and moldy. I talked to the lumber guy and he said to sticker them. I was thinking of that. I asked if a board curves badly even if I sticker it can I bring it back? He said yes. I'll buy there for a lot of stuff if they treat me well. It's 2 miles from my house.

      They did have cedar for about twice the price. straight and dry.

    2. SteveSchoene | Jun 13, 2007 09:20am | #5

      I think the lumber in the big boxes varies dramatically depending on the location.  But look in the 2 x 4 stacks and count what percentage contain the pith of the tree.  That juvenile wood is half the strength of wood off the center a couple of inches and is almost destined to twist and curl.  At least around here, the borg gets the rejects, however nicely they look until they are freed from the bands.

      Lumber isn't the only thing--plumbing fixtures may have different insides compared to the ones that look the same from the plumbing supply store.  The Dewalt biscuit joiner from HD may have a different motor from the one from a tool store. 

       

      1. Sancho | Jun 13, 2007 01:15pm | #6

        I dont go to HD period. here the last time I drove by they had 40 illegals standing out in front.
        At least that was my count while at a stop light. Im sure there were more in theparling lot.Lowes on the other hand Ill go to for things Im inna hurry for after hours or on a Sunday.. for small items during biz hours Ill go to the local hardware store . For lumber/hardwood/hardware which is what I priarily work with, I'll go to a regular lumber supplier. Better service, mat'l and cost/quality. Plus they specialize in the finishing items I use. 

                     

        View Image    "We fight not to enslave ,but to set free"

        Thomas Paine

  3. slykarma | Jun 13, 2007 08:07am | #4

    The local Home Hardware gets my business. Big boxes in my region are 20-30% more expensive on lumber and don't have the delivery availability that my HH does. And their contractor account systems are more draconian. It goes on.

    Spend your money where you live. Don't get sucked in by loss-leader 'hot deals' at the big boxes - their margins are higher on most other things. Work on building a relationship with your local suppliers. Let them earn your business while you earn their respect. Loyalty is a two way street.

    Lignum est bonum.
    1. cliffy | Jun 13, 2007 04:57pm | #7

      I agree with the Home Hardware.  I got a house package bid from my guy at Home Hardware and the dude at home depot says give it to him and he will match it.  I don't think so.     

      I had a colonial door that was busted up out of the packaging, I called my guy (am 15 miles out) at about 3:00pm.  Next morining young buck shows up with a new door and takes the old one back.  Try that at your home Depot.

      Have a good day Cliffy

      Edited 6/13/2007 9:58 am ET by cliffy

  4. Porsche998 | Jun 13, 2007 10:56pm | #8

    For a framing package, I started off by asking for a lumber price from both HD and two local lumber yards.  Three quotes!  HD was about 5-10% less than the regular lumber yards but delivery was $50 extra.  I then happened across some 10 and 20% off certificates for HD along with some gift cards for 90% of face value.  From my caluclations - on at $35K lumber order, saved about 8K in my pocket (including delivery cost) by going with HD.  The lumber was all of high quality - even special ordered 24'  and 26' 2x12 at significantly less than others.  If you find someone at the ProDesk and develop a good relationship with them - you should save in the end.  The coupons at least for 10% off are readily avail. on the internet as are the gift cards.  It amazes me that there are so many builders passing up this money right to their pocket.

    Also one of the local yards I really have a problem with - they happen to have multiple branches - the commercial salesmen are always on another call - promise to call me back and never do. 

  5. woodturner9 | Jun 13, 2007 11:04pm | #9

    It seems that Home Depot's overall lumber and plywood pricing is a noticeable amount higher.  Are you seeing the same thing around your area?  Any idea why?

    Around here, Lowe's is consistently 20% higher than Home Depot, even though they are almost next door to each other.

    HD has great wood, if you have them pull a bundle for you that has not been unbanded.  The stuff on the racks tends to be what the "Harry Homeowner" types left behind.

    1. johnharkins | Jun 14, 2007 12:15am | #10

      great info Porsche 998FWIW - all HD quantity lumber packages were distributed out of closely situated MacMillan Bloedel in the south Puget Sound area / a Canadian Co known for their fine material
      they've since been bought out by Weyerhaeuser and do not know if HD continues to buy from them

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