Hey everyone! I've recently started getting into woodworking after my parents gifted me a book on the topic. I'm excited to start my first project—a picnic bench for my housemates. I have all the required tools and feel pretty confident about it. But here's the kicker: I just looked up the cost of wood, and wow, it's way pricier than I expected! I need 9 pieces of lumber (each 2.4m long, 140mm wide, and 38mm thick), and the cheapest I found was around £115 at B&Q. Surprisingly, a ready-made picnic bench on their site costs just £120. I thought DIY would save me money, but now I'm not so sure! Am I missing something? Am I looking at the wrong materials or websites? Any advice would be great. Sorry for the mini-rant!
5 Answers
Wood isn't getting any cheaper, that's for sure. COVID had a serious impact on prices, and while things have come down a bit, they're still high. Even if you're not in the US, global prices can still affect you. Just remember that creating things yourself is often more about the love of craftsmanship than saving money!
Honestly, I just enjoy making things with my hands, even if it doesn't save me cash. It's all about the satisfaction of having something you crafted yourself, regardless of the expense!
So true! It’s all about scale—for big companies, buying wood is much cheaper than what you'll pay as a DIYer. One way to offset costs is to make custom items that fit unique spaces in your home, where pre-made options just won't work. Get creative with smaller projects to build your skills without breaking the bank.
You’ve got it right—bulk purchasing makes a huge difference in pricing. Retailers buy in massive quantities, which is why they can offer lower prices than DIY projects. Plus, wood prices have been rising steadily due to various factors, including tariffs and supply chain issues. It’s a frustrating situation for anyone trying to get into woodworking!
It's a tough reality, isn't it? When you factor in your time and the cost of tools, woodworking can get pricey fast. Making stuff for yourself can be rewarding, but it's hard to beat the prices of mass-produced furniture. Have you considered looking for reclaimed wood or using cheaper materials like boxing timber for practice pieces? It might save you some money!