Whether constructing a new house or remodeling different parts of your home, one essential element to consider is building supplies, such as lumber. Many places carry various wood options, one of which is big box stores. But, while shopping there can offer convenience, choosing a local lumber yard offers many benefits. Read this article to learn more.
What Is a Lumber Yard?
A lumber yard is where wood is processed, stored, and sold for building and construction purposes. Some also offer services, like tools rental, which typically includes saws, nail guns, and even large machines, like chippers and mixing systems.
What Are the Benefits of Shopping at Lumber Yards?
If it’s the first time you’ve heard about lumber yards or are unsure if shopping there is better than at big box stores, it’s best to learn about their advantages. Here are some of them:
- Assistance from Lumber Experts
Lumber yards are usually staffed by individuals with extensive knowledge and experience working with wood. So, you won’t have to worry about not knowing what type of material to buy from the get-go. Compared to employees in general hardware stores, lumber experts have the expertise to find the best materials that suit your construction needs.
Lumber professionals know about wood types, grains, and textures, as well as which stains and cuts are most effective for your design and project. Working with them also allows you to get tips and guidance on proper wood usage and maintenance, ensuring a more successful build.
- Extensive Wood Selection
While you can find popular wood types at most big box stores, lumber yards offer a more diverse and varied selection. Because of this, you are sure to find the materials you need for your construction and remodeling project.
With a more extensive selection of wood, you can find rare materials you won’t find anywhere else. In addition, contractors and DIYers will be able to discover new and different lumber types that could fit or elevate a new or upcoming project.
- Access to Custom Cuts
General hardware stores can cut wood materials for you, but they’re only limited to standard modifications like reducing the length and width. Meanwhile, lumber yards can provide more custom cuts that will best fit your project’s needs.
Although wood cutting can be done by yourself, having professionals do it for you allows a safer process and guaranteed results, saving you time, effort, and money. Still, if you’re a contractor or DIYer with sufficient experience in cutting wood, you can also rent professional tools at some lumber yards.
- High-Quality Wood
Local lumbers understand the importance of using high-quality materials for construction, renovation, and other woodworking projects. They are also capable of identifying the best quality wood. That said, they make sure to source lumber from reliable suppliers that offer materials meeting quality standards for durability, appearance, sustainability, and suitability for intended uses.
In addition, lumber experts are skilled and experienced in the proper methods of caring for and handling various wood materials effectively. They also consider environmental conditions when storing them, as each lumber type has varying requirements. These methods help ensure wood quality is retained and not compromised.
- Better Pricing
Compared to big box stores, lumber yards offer a more competitive pricing. Since they often purchase wood in bulk and sell them to customers directly, the additional cost of middle men is eliminated. This allows for better deals and more affordable prices on common and specialty woods without sacrificing quality.
That said, choosing local lumber suppliers is ideal if you are on a budget or want the best value for your money. If you are still unsure, you can also canvas the prices of the materials you need and compare the costs between lumber yards and general hardware stores.
Choosing the ideal lumber materials for your home and construction project is crucial to ensure durability, longevity, and optimal functionality. Now that you know more about local lumber yards, you can better decide whether to shop there the next time you need building supplies. If you need more information, you can always reach out to an expert or visit a lumber yard to see the wide selection of wood options to choose from.
