Hey folks! I'm setting up my small shop for home projects and have recently picked up a planer and joiner to complement my miter and table saw. I'm gearing up to build a workbench and I'm a bit torn on the best wood to use. Should I stick with the big box stores like Lowe's or Home Depot for their 4sp selections, or is it better to check out a local lumber yard if they're offering kiln-dried options? The prices and dimensions at the lumber yard confuse me a bit, and I definitely don't want to overpay or seem clueless. Also, are boards from places like Facebook Marketplace a gamble?
6 Answers
I recommend picking up some southern yellow pine 2x10s and ripping them down to your desired sizes. It's denser and stronger than standard construction lumber and usually has fewer knots. Start by rough cutting your lengths, joint one side, and then rip your boards to size—it gives you a bit of leeway for milling as needed.
Check Craigslist for local sawyers! They often have the best prices and quality. As for the workbench, you don’t need anything fancy; some folks are perfectly happy using a plywood top. I built mine with ash a while back, and while it's holding up great, I've heard that a lot of ash trees are coming down due to disease lately.
I avoid the big box stores like the plague. It's such a hassle digging through all those boards, and half of them are damaged. For straight, dry boards, go to a real lumber yard; they actually sort by grade. When it comes to Facebook Marketplace, I’ve had luck as long as I know what I'm looking for and can judge wood condition. Just keep an eye out for those 'old guy cleaning out the garage' sales—those can be real gems!
If your local hardware stores have quality wood, absolutely go for that! I spent weeks searching around, and I finally found a few decent 2x12s. I also found some high-quality southern yellow pine from a local store, but it was a bit pricey. I’m using a mix of both to learn as I go.
I personally prefer buying from a local mill. They usually offer better quality—strighter boards and better prices. Plus, developing a relationship with a local supplier can be really beneficial in the long run. But if you’re making boomerangs or need cheaper construction lumber, then the big box stores could work for you!
I just built my first workbench using 2x4s from Lowe's along with some 3/4” plywood I salvaged from a renovation project. It's held up pretty well so far!
Did you have to plane the boards from Lowe's to square them up?