Gotta love a glamour shot in the lumber aisle! I had the place to myself and that was part of my plan.
What was my time, mess and energy saving hack for those beautiful pedestals for my son’s wedding?
I asked for help with cutting the plywood from my friends at Home Depot. I have every tool needed to cut that wood…BUT why set up my sawhorses, run extension cords and try to balance an eight-foot long piece of wood if I can get the pros to do it for me. As much as I promote DIY independence, I also know how to be smart!
More of a visual person? Take a look at my YouTube video, “Plywood Cuts Done For You.”
If you want to get creative with woodworking–whether that’s for pedestals or maybe an upcycled project, like this patio table–here are a few tips:
Choose the Right Plywood
Choose wood based on it being painted or stained. Grainy and knotty woods have character but are not for everybody’s style. Whether you’re working on furniture, shelving, or a renovation project, consider factors like thickness, type of wood, and finish.
Pro tip: Opt for a durable plywood type, such as birch or oak, for furniture projects, while softer woods like pine can be great for the less pretty projects.
Navigate the Home Center Aisles
A lumber friendly cart is needed. I prefer the cart with the open upright center, rather then the flat carts. Flat carts are hard to steer and make it easy to knock over things. If you’re uncertain about which plywood suits your project best or need advice on sizes, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Park, pay and exit near the the lumber end of the store. Less people, shorter lines.
Get the Perfect Cut With Cutting services
Did you know that Home Depot offers cutting services for plywood? This service is a game-changer, especially if you don’t have the tools or space to make precise cuts at home. Simply provide the staff with your project dimensions, and they’ll trim the plywood to your specifications, saving you time and effort. THIS is a great hack for shelving but you need good measurements.
Load Up and Head Home!
Once you’ve chosen your plywood and had it expertly cut, it’s time to load up and head home to kickstart your DIY adventure. Don’t forget to double-check your shopping list to ensure you have all the necessary materials for a seamless and successful project.
Want to learn more about carpentry basics (and much, much more)? Explore my DIY Courses for Beginners!
I’ve got classes on painting, plumbing, electrical work, caulking, and a LOT more. My suggestion? Start with one of my free mini courses, like How to Save $500 With These Five Tips.
