I'm planning to build an outdoor table with a cedar top and I'm trying to decide between cedar from a big box store and what I can get from a local lumber yard. I found cedar deck boards at Lowe's for $14.98 (which is 5/4 x 6" x 8ft, typically measuring around .75" x 5.5" x 8ft), which works out to about $5.45 per board foot. In comparison, my local yard sells cedar at $8.75 per board foot for 5/4 and $8.50 for 4/4. Are there significant differences in quality between these options? I know it's better to source hardwood from local yards, but the pricing for cedar at big box stores seems appealing. Also, I don't like the rounded edges on the construction lumber, so I'd likely square off the edges and router a new round edge myself, potentially sacrificing some length. Does anyone have experience or thoughts on whether the deck board cedar would be suitable for this project?
2 Answers
5/4 is usually pretty close to a full inch thick, so you'll have that thickness. Your local lumber yard might offer a higher quality product, which can explain the price difference. Plus, big box stores often benefit from lower shipping costs due to their buying volume, so that could also contribute.
You might actually be looking at different types of cedar. My local hardwood store has Spanish cedar that’s often used for humidors, while the big box stores typically carry western red cedar, which is generally meant for outdoor use. They sound similar but are used differently. You might want to check exactly what you're getting, as the prices you threw out look pretty standard for those types around central Ohio.
That’s interesting! My hardwood dealer has Spanish cedar at similar prices. They also have Alaskan Yellow Cedar, which tends to be a bit pricier. I doubt big box stores offer that species.