When it comes to buying lumber for your next home improvement or construction project, you want to get the best quality materials at the lowest price. Many homeowners find themselves debating whether to purchase lumber from a traditional lumber yard or a big box home improvement store like Lowes. There are pros and cons to both options that are worth considering before making a final decision.
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Key Factors to Consider
There are several key factors that impact the cost and value you’ll get when buying lumber at a lumber yard versus Lowes:
- Price per board foot
- Availability of specific types/sizes of lumber
- Overall quality and freshness of lumber
- Ability to buy in bulk or small quantities
- Delivery fees and minimum order sizes
- Customer service and expertise
Lumber yards and home improvement stores take different approaches when it comes to pricing, inventory, service and policies. Understanding the key differences in each of the above factors will enable you to determine the best source for your specific lumber purchase.
Price per Board Foot
The most important factor that homeowners consider when buying lumber is the price paid per board foot. A “board foot” is defined as a square piece of wood that is 1 inch thick and 12 inches long on each side. This allows lumber to be priced in standard units at different lengths and widths. The price per board foot is determined by the type of wood, grade, size and other attributes.
Both lumber yards and Lowes price lumber by the board foot, but there are some key differences:
- Lumber yards often provide better bulk pricing per board foot because they buy lumber directly from mills.
- Big box stores like Lowes tend to have higher per board foot costs due to their overhead and distribution costs.
- Lowe’s does run frequent promotions and discounts which can temporarily bring their lumber prices down below lumber yards.
- For specialty woods and grades, lumber yards still tend to have better availability and pricing.
When comparing board foot pricing, be sure to get current quotes from both sources and calculate total project costs. A few cents difference per board foot on a large project can add up.
Availability of Specific Lumber
When starting a building project, you likely have specific lumber types, grades and sizes in mind based on your plans. The availability of the exact lumber you need can vary between local lumber yards and national chains like Lowe’s.
Some key differences include:
- Lumber yards often carry a wider selection of specialty lumber like cedar, redwood, poplar etc.
- Large home centers like Lowes tend to focus on selling the most popular types like pine, spruce and plywood.
- For common boards like 2x4s and plywood sheets, Lowes and other big box stores usually have adequate supply.
- For specialty cuts and unique woods, lumber yards have the advantage in selection.
It’s a good idea to check with both your local lumber yard and Lowe’s ahead of time to ensure they carry the exact lumber types, grades and sizes you require for your project.
Lumber Quality and Freshness
The overall quality and freshness of lumber is directly related to how and where it is stored by the supplier. There are some important differences between lumber yards and home centers:
- Lumber yards often buy direct from sawmills and lumber is delivered in smaller batches, ensuring fresher wood.
- Big box stores can have lumber sitting outside exposed to elements for longer periods, potentially warping boards.
- Quality of board cuts and grading accuracy is sometimes better at specialty lumber yards.
- Home centers do sell quality product, but it pays to carefully inspect boards for issues like knots and warping.
Again, it’s smart to inspect and hand select lumber at either location to get the best quality boards for your project. Don’t assume all lumber is created equal.
Buying Small Quantities vs. Bulk Orders
Depending on the size and scope of your building project, you may need to buy lumber and supplies in bulk or just small quantities. The ability to buy lumber one or two boards at a time versus truckload orders can impact where you shop.
Key considerations for small vs. bulk purchases:
- Lowe’s allows you to buy lumber one or two boards at a time for small projects or repairs.
- Lumber yards often have minimum order sizes or only sell full unit bundles.
- For large projects, lumber yards can offer better bulk order pricing and potential delivery.
- Lowe’s has delivery for large orders but lumber yard service is often better.
If you just need a few boards or sheets of plywood, Lowes is usually more convenient. For big jobs, check lumber yard bulk order policies first.
Delivery Fees and Requirements
When ordering large quantities of lumber, the supplier’s delivery capabilities, minimums and fees can determine the best place to buy. There are tradeoffs between lumber yards and Lowe’s when it comes to deliveries:
- Lumber yards often provide free delivery for bulk orders over a minimum dollar amount.
- Lowe’s charges a delivery fee based on your order size, distance and other factors.
- For DIY pickup, lumber yards usually require you to haul lumber yourself.
- Lowe’s offers convenient loading of smaller purchases.
If you need lumber delivered to a job site, lumber yards can save you money. For smaller DIY projects, Lowe’s pickup and loading services are handy.
Expertise and Customer Service
The level of expertise and customer service you receive can influence where you want to buy lumber depending on your needs:
- Lumber yard staff are more knowledgeable about wood properties and grades.
- Big box stores may lack the same level of expertise with lumber and woodworking.
- Lumber yards provide specialty services like milling, planing, assembly, etc.
- Lowe’s stores offer some specialty services but selection is limited.
For DIY projects, both Lowe’s and lumber yards have helpful staff. But lumber yards excel when you need skilled expertise about wood and assistance with custom millwork.
Price Comparison Example
To illustrate the potential price differences, let’s compare sample lumber yard and Lowe’s pricing for a common board:
| Lumber Item | Lumber Yard Price | Lowe’s Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2 x 4 x 8 Standard Pine | $4.25 per board foot | $4.99 per board foot |
Based on this example price comparison of an 8-foot 2×4 pine board:
- The lumber yard price per board foot is $4.25
- Lowe’s price per board foot is $4.99
- This represents an approximately 15% lower price per board foot at the lumber yard
So for this particular lumber product, the lumber yard offers significantly better pricing. You can use this table template to compare your own local pricing at lumber yards and home improvement stores.
Pros of Buying at a Lumber Yard
Some of the potential benefits of purchasing lumber at a traditional lumber yard rather than a home center include:
- Lower per board foot pricing, especially on bulk orders
- Greater selection and availability of specialty woods
- Higher quality boards and better grading practices
- Ability to select and inspect individual boards
- Knowledgeable staff with lumber and woodworking expertise
- Potential for free delivery on large orders
- Established relationships and customer loyalty discounts
- Ability to custom mill and prep lumber onsite
The combination of competitive pricing, product selection, quality and service makes lumber yards an attractive option for many dealers and DIYers. Establishing a relationship with a local lumber yard can provide benefits over the long term.
Cons of Buying at a Lumber Yard
Some of the potential downsides of buying lumber only from a traditional lumber yard include:
- Minimum order sizes may be larger than big box stores
- No small quantity sales – must buy full bundles or units
- Typically must be prepared to haul lumber yourself
- May have outdated business practices and lower technology use
- Less convenience if you need tools, hardware and other supplies
- Can’t make small purchases for minor projects or repairs
- Less uniformity in practices and pricing between different yards
For giant commercial jobs, lumber yards still reign supreme. But for average DIYers and smaller contractors, the minimum order sizes and lack of mixed product offerings can be a challenge.
Pros of Buying at Lowe’s
Some of the advantages to purchasing lumber from a large national home improvement chain like Lowe’s include:
- No minimum purchases – can buy one board at a time
- Easy online ordering and delivery coordination
- All hardware, tools and supplies in one place
- Discounts and promotional pricing to compete with lumber yards
- Uniform pricing and policies across all stores
- Can buy lumber along with all other project needs
- Readily available common boards and sheets
- Convenient loading assistance and DIY-friendly
The sheer size and buying power of Lowe’s and other big box lumber sources makes them convenient one-stop shops. For average homeowners tackling DIY renovations, this can outweigh the pricing and product advantages of lumber yards.
Cons of Buying at Lowe’s
Here are some of the disadvantages or drawbacks to purchasing lumber from a large supplier like Lowe’s as opposed to a local lumber yard:
- Pricing per board foot is often higher
- Less selection of specialty and higher-end woods
- Oversized stores can make locating lumber time consuming
- Quality and board grading accuracy may be lower
- No custom milling services available
- Lumber sitting outside can warp and degrade
- Staff expertise in wood and lumber is lower
- Minimum delivery fees and requirements
While the big box lumber model appeals to DIYers, the pricing, product selection and service factors still tend to favor traditional lumber yards for large projects.
Key Considerations by Project Type
Some final tips on getting the best lumber value based on your specific project:
Major Home Building and Construction Projects
For major home building projects like new construction, renovations and additions, lumber yards often provide the best value, selection and service. Their discount bulk pricing, wider product inventory, custom milling abilities and expertise cater to pros. Establish a relationship with a full-service lumber yard for your long-term needs.
Deck and Fence Building
Deck and fence projects require specialized lumber like cedar and pressure-treated pine boards. Lumber yards provide better selection and knowledge of these wood types. Calculate total project costs, as bulk order discounts at a lumber yard can outweigh the convenience of Lowe’s for big jobs.
Interior Remodels and Finishing
For interior projects involving finished carpentry, trim, cabinets and furniture, the specialty wood selection and milling abilities of lumber yards are invaluable. The expertise of yard staff in fine carpentry and woodworking translates into better results.
DIY Repairs and Small Projects
For minor home repairs, closet builds, shelving and other small DIY jobs, having the convenience and mix of products at Lowe’s and other home centers is hugely helpful. Skipping the minimum order requirements and hauling lumber is a bonus.
Conclusion
Determining whether it’s best to buy lumber at a traditional lumber yard versus a big box retailer like Lowe’s depends on your specific project requirements. For major construction jobs, bulk orders, fine carpentry and specialty woods, full-service lumber yards generally provide better pricing, selection and service. The ability to custom mill lumber onsite is also a major advantage.
For average DIY projects and repairs, Lowe’s is easier and more convenient thanks to no minimum purchase requirements, mixed product offerings and loading assistance. But you may pay a price premium for that convenience. Understanding your needs in terms of budget, lumber types, delivery, project scale and required expertise will guide your decision. With some planning and price comparisons, either lumber yards or home centers can supply quality materials for your building success.