Lowes on 441
 

I want to buy a small amount of timber to make two bird boxes, but everything at Lowes comes in commercial "let's build a shed" sizes. Do you know if they sell off-cuts, or where else may?

I would have asked in store but I was in a rush and, as usual, the timber aisle was devoid of staff (whereas the appliances section was swarming with them)

Thank you

You should be able to purchase individual lengths of whatever lumber they carry. And for a small see they will cut it into shorter lengths.

Unless this has changed in the last 6 months, they sell their "furniture quality (hardwoods)" lumber by the foot. You take a 12' piece off the shelf and they provide a cutting table (as does Home Depot) and cut what you need. They also have 2x2 precuts and other sizes in the "better" hardwoods. As for large stuff like construction quality 2x4's or sheets of plywood I have never been charged for a cut but don't expect it to be "accurate" to the 1/4". They use a large circular saw and just slice. I think if you need more than 2 cuts they may (or used to) charge 50cents or a buck a cut after 2. By the "self cutting" table there usually is bunch of cut of pieces of 2x4, 1x3 construction quality stuff. If you are looking for precise woodworking measurements, you won't get that, Last time I bought stuff was about 6 mos ago so I guess it could have changed.

Thank you, Stu / Ed

Clearly another visit to Lowes bearing cash is needed

All of the hardware stores (ACE, Lowe's and HD) have smaller sheets of plywood usually 2' by 4' and 1/4 inch to 3/4 inch. They also have shelves anywhere from 6" to almost 18" and usually 5/8 thick but I have seen 1/4 inch in small sizes. I would go with plywood, properly sealed for weather for your project.
Hope this helps.

Thank you, VT

I do like to support the local ACE stores (against the Lowes/Home Depot behemoths) so will take a look there, too

Lowes has wood in precut shorter lengths too. It's usually in a divided box in the lumber section. It's usually like 2x4x4, 2x6 x4 etc.

Try the Villages wood working shops, there are two of them, I'm sure they have scrap wood that they would be glad to give away.

Thank you, JP.

I did see that box but didn't know if they would be willing to cost up those pieces, as they would come to just a few dollars

Lowes also offers free of charge in the 441 store PRE BENT LUMBER of varying sizes. It also provides this service for Molding as well. Good Luck.

small lumber
 

Check out Pat's sales in leesburg

For what you want, you need to go to an arts and crafts store like Jo-Ann's or Michaels. And in fact both of them usually have Bird box kits. !!! Or if you lucky and you go on the other blog a local neighbor will probably have some in their garage and probably even help you cut it up on their own equipment. As the last resort amazon.com

Check on the end of the aisles. Sometimes they have small pieces there

So one 8’ board is too big for you to fashion two birdhouses? Better get something weather resistant that won’t harm or be offensive to the birds. Also better buy the right size drill bit/ hole saw for the kind of bird you are trying to attract.

Buy a 12’ piece and cut it to the sizes you need. If you are building TWO bird boxes, you should need at least that much