I recently took a beginner woodworking class where the instructor mentioned that the quality of wood at big home improvement stores like Home Depot or Lowe's can sometimes be acceptable for carpentry projects, but not really for finer woodworking. I have a lumber store nearby, but it's a bit of a trek. For simpler projects, like building some floating shelves in my laundry closet to hold detergent, would it be okay for me to just grab wood from one of those stores? I know I wouldn't want low-quality wood for fine furniture, but as long as the boards don't have any major bowing or warping, is it a feasible option? Also, is the price difference significant for something like poplar?
3 Answers
Totally up to you! Just remember, big box stores usually charge more for lower quality wood. When you shop, check for straightness and even thickness. Make sure there are no cracks or knots, and that any bowing or cupping is something you can manage. Those checks apply no matter where you buy from.
Sure, it’s definitely okay! Just keep in mind that the quality may be lower compared to specialty stores. You may want to also check sites like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist for deals!
If you’re in a rush and don’t have a planer, getting S4S wood from Home Depot works for small projects. Just so you know, your options may be limited to species like red oak and poplar. Another place to consider is Woodcraft for a wider selection.