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

Build three and sell one and recoup your material cost entirely! Gees I am brilliant this morning

I've seen racks of 2"x4" cut to 2' and 4' lengths in both Lowes and Home Depot...

Woodcraft.com, rockler.com, hobby lobby all have what you are looking for.

All good advice, thank you team

(I forgot to mention, I'm in a golf cart so need manageable sizes to avoid attracting Smokey's attention)

I just sided my house with LP Smart Siding, which I think would be perfect. I have leftovers that I'll share. Sent you a PM.

You will get rats with birds
 

You can get scrape wood from them to build your bird feeders, but your neighbors will hate you because feeders draw rats here and other unwanted critters. Put in a bird bath or hummingbird feeder.

yes, our neighbor five doors down has a feeder spilling seed onto the ground and she has raccoons, rats, mice and ducks vacuuming up what the birds scatter

I'm looking to build a couple of replacement bluebird houses to replace the two that are falling apart

they have lots of wood, I assume if you are going to build a bird box you have a saw? They can cut for you but most wood boxes need lots of cuts so a saw is required. But you can buy all kinds of wood at lowes or home depot

Home Depot gave me some cut off's for free

Lowe’s will cut lumber to your specifications, no charge. Ace hardware has small finish grade boards too.

"Two that are falling apart." Choice of materials. proper construction are the difference between something that will last and something that won't. Typical construction lumber is PINE and it does not last long exposed to the weather. Pressure treat is probably not good for the birds. Cedar is a good choice. Hardwood? The box stores sell planed lumber. If, you choose that route the COST will be shocking. Bird houses? Should you bill them for materials and charge them a bond plus a mortgage they will advise you they are on a fixed income of zero.

Final update: found a nice piece of 2x4 planed (for the upright) that was around 3' long with a fractured break at one end. Took it to be priced. Scanned at $14 for the original and the lumber-man told the cashier to "put in 25". I assumed that meant 25% of the scan, or $3.50, which sounded reasonable. It actually meant 25c, which didn't seem too bad, either :)

Paid a lot more for the box-parts as there was nothing suitable in the off-cuts trolley, but ended up with two smart-looking bluebird boxes that I'm sure will attract a long line of prospective renters.

Here in UK I have made a lot of bird nesting boxes, hedgehog hibernation boxes, and compost bins with recycled pallet timber.
The leftovers are kindling.
All good stuff and free.

Arctic Fox, waiting for pictures!

Put the final coat of paint on this evening - wanted them to match the house so they'd feel at home - so just waiting for two families to start renting them

I wasn’t thinking of the neighbors, I was thinking of OP himself. Just today I had Massey out to check on the palm rats or roof rats who like the attic (also love bird feeders) and they showed me tooth marks on the cover outside where the water comes into my house. But nothing inside, thank goodness! The pest control guy said, I can show you similar marks on practically every other property in TV. Lots of rodents around.

go to a dumpster where they are building new homes.. ask if you can grab a few pieces of plywood or 2x4"s .. I never had an issue getting small pieces

Take out the lower screw and the front door swings up and open for box-cleaning

Have attached photo of same (while unpainted) and component parts