wood cost question (lowes/home depot)

Submitted by jlenny on Sun, 12/14/2014 - 09:27

I finished assembling my first side table (sometimes wobbles but stops when I rotate it, I'll take that as a victory).

Looking to build something like this:
http://ana-white.com/2013/09/plans/updated-simplest-console

My question is what kind of wood is this where you can get
3 - 1x3 @ 8 feet long
2 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long
3 - 1x4 @ 8 feet long
for about $20?

I priced out select pine boards at Home Depot and it was almost $60.

jgbreeden

Mon, 12/15/2014 - 12:38

The cheap pine is known as furring strips. The name refers to strips of wood you put behind a surface material to bring it out level with another surface, so they are basically intended as filler. Note that they often measure up just slightly smaller than the good lumber, so adjust measurements accordingly. It will be located away from the good pine, and you'll need to pick more carefully for good pieces.

ncderemer

Mon, 12/15/2014 - 18:06

I would definitely say you could use furring strips for the sections you are going to paint but I would recommending spending a few extra bucks for the top boards that you are probably just staining. The cheap boards also often have slightly rounded edges so it would be another reason to invest for the boards on the top. They will need more extensive sanding. I would definitely prime everything to get a nice finish but you can use the furring strips to build some nice looking stuff.

jlenny

Wed, 12/24/2014 - 09:29

Previously I tried using the furring strips and wasn't a fan. The rounded edges really threw me off, especially when making the 90 degree joints for the legs. The pine I got most recently used had didn't have the rounded corners but was about 7x the cost of the furring strips. Maybe I have to give them another shot since I am still learning.

jhancock42

Wed, 12/24/2014 - 17:10

Remember lumber can vary in cost based on location. Also check the grade of the lumber. I know that the blue store sells less of a variety in my area and is more expensive. The orange store sells a lesser grade but about the same quality for much less. If you are looking at clear pine, its going to be almost twice the cost of #2 pine boards.

I would first check to see if you have any lumber yards in your area and their prices, I know local lumber yards in my area are slightly cheaper and their quality can be a step up. Remember, lumber mills do not make stock that is "finished and ready to stain", especially with pine that can be blemished if you look at it the wrong way( even if their customer is blue or orange). You are going to have to work almost all lumber in some way unless you are covering it with wallboard. I always assume the factory edges are crap and joint them or just quickly rip them down 1/16th or 1/8th on my table saw to a) make my edge gluable or presentable and b) eliminate that rounded edge. If you don't have a table saw, know someone with one, many areas have a wood working clubs where you can use their tools for a nominal fee per month (and get scads of advice and help, serious woodworkers are a talkative and helpful bunch). This would be primo as then you can buy local roughcut lumber and just quickly mill it down ( its easy). I get my rough 1x12s for 6 dollars a 12 foot board, and it takes me about 10 minutes to make it into usable lumber., so in essence I can make this plan for about 12 bucks or less.

And then think of the upsides. For 60 bucks you are going to have a custom table(not press wood) you made. You aren't gonna find that or the satisfaction at any furniture store for that price.