Why be cheap when you can get it for free? Put on your mask and snorkel, it's time to go dumpster diving! Cabinet shops can be a great source of free wood. Usually they are more than happy to get rid of leftovers. Heating and Air shops often get large units in crates. Many places give away free pallets. College students throw out tons of furniture at the end of the year. Construction sites can be a goldmine. Lumber Liquidators throws away odd bits of flooring. You'd be suprised how many places toss wood away. Of course you have to ask first, and never ever leave a mess behind.
"WoodWorld on TI Blvd has a great selection but they are a bit pricey. When you get ready to buy, this is probably the place (or something like it). Less retail oriented. http://www.hlcdallas.com/. Browse at WoodWorld and buy at HLC." I haven't been to either place, but he's built several pieces of furniture.
He also said " If Home Depot has the boards you want in decent quality then they would be cheaper for sure", then encouraged me to use oak or maple which aren't easily found at Home Depot.
Check out local lumber yards. They're usually cheaper, and the wood is generally better quality. You'll have to check the internet or yellow pages, but worth the effort.
I'm in Fort Worth and we have Sutherland's...they're pretty competitive with Home Depot and Lowe's. I made this Excel spreadsheet where I track lumber info (sizes, prices, stores, etc.) when I visit the stores, so I can have fairly accurate info when I design and plan.
Dan K
Mon, 02/21/2011 - 20:53
Habitat for Humanity has ReStores that sell second hand building materials at a discount. http://www.dallasareahabitat.org/
Why be cheap when you can get it for free? Put on your mask and snorkel, it's time to go dumpster diving! Cabinet shops can be a great source of free wood. Usually they are more than happy to get rid of leftovers. Heating and Air shops often get large units in crates. Many places give away free pallets. College students throw out tons of furniture at the end of the year. Construction sites can be a goldmine. Lumber Liquidators throws away odd bits of flooring. You'd be suprised how many places toss wood away. Of course you have to ask first, and never ever leave a mess behind.
natsmom
Tue, 02/22/2011 - 11:34
I asked a friend this yesterday. He said ...
"WoodWorld on TI Blvd has a great selection but they are a bit pricey. When you get ready to buy, this is probably the place (or something like it). Less retail oriented. http://www.hlcdallas.com/. Browse at WoodWorld and buy at HLC." I haven't been to either place, but he's built several pieces of furniture.
He also said " If Home Depot has the boards you want in decent quality then they would be cheaper for sure", then encouraged me to use oak or maple which aren't easily found at Home Depot.
claydowling
Tue, 02/22/2011 - 13:15
Check out local lumber yards. They're usually cheaper, and the wood is generally better quality. You'll have to check the internet or yellow pages, but worth the effort.
biz_kid1
Wed, 03/16/2011 - 21:06
I'm in Fort Worth and we have
I'm in Fort Worth and we have Sutherland's...they're pretty competitive with Home Depot and Lowe's. I made this Excel spreadsheet where I track lumber info (sizes, prices, stores, etc.) when I visit the stores, so I can have fairly accurate info when I design and plan.
gjpugal
Sat, 05/28/2011 - 11:33
Hi everyone!!
I just wanted to tell everyone thank you sooo sooo much for all of your suggestions!! they have been very helpful!