After that, go back to your shop and finish your project! Dont go too far because the further you walk away, the less likely the associate is to be qualified. I had heard that Home Depot provided wood cutting service, but I've been hesitant because I am not knowledgeable about building materials or carpenty and was unsure how to go about utilizing the service. It is meant to cut wood down so that it easier to handle and fit inside your vehicle., Ma'am, this saw cuts all kinds of wood all day long. If there is no call button, one of three things will happen next: If you find yourself in the third situation, you are good to go! Park near the contractors entrance. I never even got a chance to speak with the guy who does the cutting. He is always homeward bound but never quite there yet. This is only one of hundreds of examples I have personally experienced at HD stores all over the midwest. ). The reason someone may stand there for a while is that the employees know, if they do go to cut wood, then a line forms and they are stuck there for all cutting, till finished. Doing so will instantly make you visible as associates dont want to get caught letting a customer mess with off-limit equipment. So I was away from my department for long time while the theives robbed away. Simply return the wood before you check out. It does not matter how patient, polite or helpful you are with any HD employee- their panel and radial saws are for general heavy construction cuts only and the employees are the worst. I have cut wood at both big boxes, going on for a few years now. I also save time and know I'll get the best service and cuts. Meaning you can't sell it, trade it, transfer ownership of it or in any way allow another person not in your household to take possession of the product. They dont make money on the plywood or the labor involved in cutting it. Have the associate cut the wood piece into smaller pieces. This is, after all, what Home Depot wants. Save yourself and the cashier the hassle of calling for a price check. Are the saws big enough to cut it lengthwise making two 2'x8' ?? The last straw for me doing these large cut projects (for non-teachers) was when a couple came in to recreate a bed frame they had seen someplace else, but did not want to pay for. Yes, some stores have carts inside the store. Their terms for the program do state that vendors can request product be returned after being reviewed during a period of 6 months after shipping the product to the reviewer. This was very helpful. By marking the cuts, you take away the guesswork and eliminate the possibility of miscommunication. This makes loading easier and reduces the risk of damage. You grabbed the right cart and you are ready to go get your plywood and get it cut. Question: Will Home Depot cut plywood with a jigsaw for a customer? This is a great article thanks! I am making a faux shiplap wall and a website describing the DIY project said that they had the cuts done at Home Depot. Sir, this saw cuts all kinds of wood all day long. I need to make a screen for my compost. Now, thanks to you Joel, I know how to prep and I wont worry about people muttering She thinks theyll cut stuff for her? Need Help? The sign above the station said that the first two cuts were free, additional cuts 50 cents. Going to try it outfor sure in future projects. This is a top notch guide on getting those cuts done right and the article is chock full of super tips. Very much appreciated. Well here's the tie-in! HD never gets the colors right. I also printed out the Lowe's price for a reason you will see later. Products shown as available are normally stocked but inventory levels cannot be guaranteed, For screen reader problems with this website, please call 1-800-430-3376 or text 38698 (standard carrier rates apply to texts). Everything you offer here is valuable info, and yes, for all the criticism the stores get, those employees who do such a good job in spite of their workloads deserve special thanks. I simply had to get another piece of plywood for the additional pieces. When I approach a staff member at say Home Depot, I usually say something like: "Excuse me, I'm sorry to bother you, this is my first time working with xyz and I need some help." I am about to venture into the land of "plywood bending" for a project with school. As an employee at one of these stores, people can be so unappreciative of what our day is like. Even had a assistant store manager "swear" he could compensate their radial saw that is a full 1/2" off. We should all realize, like it or not, Home Depot and Lowes are our generations Tom Thumbs Lumber. So be honest about your inexperience and your need for their assistance. THANK YOU! An inaccurate tape measure can throw your project off by as much as an eighth of an inch. For beginners such as myself, I have found that approaching employees/service professionsls from a place of humility goes a long way. Great article- you know the experience well. It turns a two-person job into a one-person job. Now, I hope it wont be so frustrating. As a result, the associates have been rewarded and are pleased to see me, knowing that I have the power to put bonuses in their pockets. From time to time, I am pleasantly surprised when an associate jumps in. Here is why. Nicely Written with all the photos and all but I must ask are you paid advertising mouth for Home Depot or why did you totally Bash Lowes every chance you got? "Hi, Dave. All of a sudden, you feel like you are in a ghost store. This is the closest entrance to the plywood and the easiest place to load after you are finished. Its also smart to mark these edges so that when you are home, you know off the bat which is straight/square. Even if just one of them helps, the pennies you save will certainly add up. I am a young woman just starting to experiment with diy projects. Lowe's has a wood-cutting service that is fairly similar to what Home Depot offers. Their salary depends on it! It makes the task of loading the panel saw much easier. I've not heard of anyone having to return product though through this program. Well, thanks to you I think I have my project set up for tomorrow. That was May 2013 and since then, every month I've gotten to select 5 products (4 normal + 1 premium) in addition to the numerous "bonus campaigns" (bargain under $10, cleaning supply, appliance, insulation, etc). Take the time to prepare and establish a relationship with the associate cutting your plywood. Going to try it out at Home Depot for my weekend project. Yes, they can do straight cuts (no angled cuts) for you. Joel Diffendarfer (author) from Jonesville on July 07, 2018: Thank you, Sharon! Answer: The official answer would be no, however, depending on the store management, there is a level of freedom that is granted to their employees to "do what it takes" to ensure a repeat customer. ".although I bet some will still try to help you. Because of the up-cut of the blade, less tear out will occur. You will find it written on their apron or vest. I left complete instructions with the service department to cut 20 shelves out of a sheet of maple plywood that cost me $50. I do shop at both weekly and do many projects and both have cut wood for me. 3. I had a plan and was just going to bring the extra bits home but the associate was helpful enough to use these bits instead of buying an extra board as i had planned. Dont be! Look around the lumber section to find the discount cart! You know H.D. Thank you, thank you for a very practical article that has made my day. Enjoy using this method to create great do-it-yourself wood projects! (If they cant help you they'll at least set you up with someone who can). For example, I am in the process of building cornhole games to give away as gifts and for profit. Then push it again if you dont get help in a reasonable amount of time. It may seem to be just a bit overkill, but it eliminates the guesswork. And yes, I knew right from the start that I would end up with pieces 1/16 smaller than that because of the thickness of the saw cut. After 3 pm, it also gets busy with general homeowner traffic. ~Janet. If this is the first time you're using their free cutting services or you are new to shopping at a big-box lumber store, the process may seem intimidating. You are awesome, thank you for the cutting 411. The associate I found and asked for help from informed me he couldn't make that kind of cut and could only cut in 12" increments. Score. As soon as you get out of your vehicle, scan the outside of the building for a shopping cart. I brought my angle grinder once when purchasing steel rebar. Why? I explain the project and the questions I have and then ask "is this something you could help me with?" All we need is someone to do the cutting. It turned out that Home Depot was almost a dollar cheaper on that particular day. I appreciate the detailed steps and strategic approach. I'm feeling great now. The frig I bought, I read that if there was a little nipple in the plastic on the corner of the door lining from where they insert insulation they were prone to crack. The remaining steps may seem a bit detailed, but there is a method to my madness. Home Depot also offers a table saw that you can use yourself to cut the molding. We are entitled to say no to project cuts. What a dream article. Heres what I need, 5. Yes, I especially agree with "marking" your factory edges and labeling parts as you go. Why? In the cull pile it went. In fact, you will find many of the good ones doing the same. All Rights Reserved. Will Home Depot cut MDF into multiple pieces into varying shapes for a subwoofer box? You turn around and find that your cart has mysteriously disappeared! I think people tend to forget, if you are a bad customer, you should not expect good customer service. They have a panel saw and typically offer the first two cuts for free. Thank you for the time you put in to writing it . just for other people. Its good to get to know the store manager, they are eager to help. Jason from Indianapolis, IN. Products shown as available are normally stocked but inventory levels cannot be guaranteed, For screen reader problems with this website, please call 1-800-430-3376 or text 38698 (standard carrier rates apply to texts), For cutting all types of small molding in PVC, MDF, and Pine, Built in angle finder for accurasy and eas of use. Your attitude is an excellent example of excellent customer service and, excellent customer interaction. However, even coming from a 5Star/5Diamond training background, I still have to remind myself, smile - at the saw , you are helping the customer with their project and the store with sales. You do not have to take the top sheet. This means the hook end is usually bent or the inside/outside variance is worn. I went through 4 sets of shoes in one month, to find a pair that allowed me to not hobble so bad to my car at the end of a shift. Trust me because it works! Be prepared when you go to buy lumber and have it cut at Home Depot. That being said, research and prepare as much as you can before you go to buy materials. This was just the information I needed today! You won't get pressure treated lumber cut in California. I get out my tape and pencil and mark exactly where I want the cut(s). In my experience, people generally want to help others; but they also want to be respected and appreciated. Perhaps it will pay for your gas going to the store or allow you to buy one more tool! I didnt even work in lumber but because they knew I could run the saws, I was called there often. Thanks, Joel. Most people carry pens or permanent markers because pencil points break, and sharpies are a mainstay of various other tasks they perform. From their pricing to their employees. HD employees are some of the worst in the retail industry, and have ruined many, many cuts on the simplest, easiest, and most basic cuts. I'm still confused about "ripping" though. There are many projects I'd like to take on, but I often dont have the equipment to make the necessary cuts (maybe some day I'll invest in a table saw, but first I want make sure I at least have some talent for diy & am not all thumbs so to speak). Home Depot didn't answer the phone so I went online and got all my questions answered by your article - even as to why they didn't answer (busy time of day - I'll cut them some slack). No, not just any cartchoosing the right cart does make a difference to the person who will be cutting your plywood. The cuts today are free!" Sometimes, cut plywood can make it hard for a cashier to know what the product was before it was cut. Thanks for helping me to learn. If you experience any issues while you're in the store, feel free to ask for a manager so they can straighten it out for you. This is also a good way to connect with a well-connected handyman or helper for a bigger project. I would not recommend getting anything cut at Home Depot. I get wood cut at home depot all the time, mostly to fit into the back of my 4runner. We are ready for the cutting to begin! relationship between the two of you. And I cant say the same about Home Depot! First, can you cut the sheet in half on that line, and then flip it over and make the other two cuts?. Good job to both you and the cutter! The main reasons are because of accuracy and respect. Policies vary by store, but most locations seem to charge up to two dollars for a cut. Only who has been struggling to get a proper cut knows what youre talking about. I cut it and put in my Corolla and drove away. Generally, these are the slower hours, and sales associates are more likely to be relaxed and not feel rushed when it comes time to serving you in the cutting section. Cant wait to go pretend im gonna cut my own wood. On the other hand, you may find that the first sheet has some damage but wont affect your current project. I come back to my studio satisfied and will continue to buy not only my plywood from Home Depot, but also the nuts, bolts, and tools I need in the future. A well-managed store will bend over backward to sell me a carriage bolt or, better yet, a new jigsaw. 2000-2022 Home Depot. The smart thing to do is to know what you want before going shopping. Awesome! If in doubt, get the cutter to write down the SKU on a piece of paper and initial it. You would be surprised how many overqualified craftsmen work there for various reasons. It states a few things: The person cutting your wood will likely point the policy out to customers who are belligerent and, in most cases, will be glad to offer the reasons why the policy is in place. They are relatively inexpensive, and you'll find it invaluable for future projects. But, I really enjoy the job, research and helping customers. Thank you. I truly appreciate your article! It is all about attitude and qualifications. The trick here is to point out the damage to an associateas part of their cull process, lumber associates are empowered to discount damaged merchandise. After reading this article I know (generally) what to expect which gives me much more confidence to tackle the problem. In this way I acknowledge the person's superior expertise in this subject and create a tutor/student dynamic. Joel - Thanks for this detailed post. Both were great but Lowes did go above and well beyond in that dept when I had a small complaint - actually check this out! HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. You could bring a circular saw or portable jobsite table saw and cut it yourself. He apologized, stating that he could only cut to 12 inches, but happy to do four inch cuts until the piece was 12 inches. Thanks! Menards will cut lumber but not plywood. If you are concerned that an associate will stop you, dont worry, they are used to it. Usually, I plan on them not being as free or willing to help as the more likely scenario. Sounds pretty stupid, doesn't it? Local store prices may vary from those displayed. I realized that this was taking customer service too far. Aren't its layers made with the grain going both ways? When he was done, I thanked him and asked how to note the additional cuts when I approached the registerhe stated, "it must be your lucky day. I appreciate it! do expect quality on free cuts. Next stop is Lowe's to see if I can be polite enough to get some help of this sort. If you cant find someone, go to any cashier. Instead of a never ending time sucking level in Dante's inferno where someone never sees the light of day and time stands still. I do not rely on the cut person. You should not burn or consume even the more recent varieties of pressure-treated lumber. We've been doing a two phase major home addition projecthuge DIY undertaking. The big #1 rule for the program though is that the products you request are yours, and yours alone. In my experience, this happens more frequently at Home Depot than at Lowe's. If you don't want a product at some point, it has to be destroyed. In many cases, being willing to take this sheet will get you a discount of up to 70%, especially at Home Depot. Learn how to get great wood cuts from Home Depot, whether it's your first time doing so or not! I'm a DIY rookie on my way to Home Depot and was intimidated about buying lumber let alone having it cut before reading this post. The tape measures they have are usually jostled around and dropped many times throughout the day. Utilizing these edges to their best extent requires more work by the associate, of which I always offer a helping hand. My most recent experience reaffirms that the process works. Joel is a history-loving hobo who travels, usually on foot, across the United States. Also, with plywood does it even matter? In this case, I drew a piece of plywood and laid out where I wanted the cuts and added the dimensions. buy a quality circular saw and learn how to use it. Let the cashier know as they have a button that will automatically send out a page for loading assistance. I only drive a RAV4 so it needed to fit on the passenger side. I just didn't have the patience to seek out and talk to a "manager.". So, before we begin this step-by-step guide to getting your wood cut, keep in mind that the associate who operates the saw usually doesnt want to do it. I, now hold the number of cuts to 12 ( store policy), unless you are willing to come back later to pick it up. Thanx. You can see what to look for in the reference photo above. You rock! The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers to this website may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. If there is a button, push it. It's best to load your plywood with the face of it to the back of the saw. FYI, for simpler cuts like cutting in half to fit smaller sedans, the contractor entrance to Home Depot has electrical outlets outside. Thank you for understanding what we deal with on a daily basis and for teaching people how to be a great customer! Make sure you choose the best time to go to Home Depot. HD corporate will ALWAYS state they do not/will not make precision cuts; which to them means cut to exact length. You are thorough and wise. He was polite. Marking it first saves us SO much time, headache, and money! Awesome article, you just helped me get my game plan ready for tomorrow. I don't enjoy doing the big projects for teachers either, the only reason I do is because I know how much they spend out of pocket for their classes and they need to catch a break whenever possible, but rarely are they prepared and never do we see them mark the wood first. This causes missed breaks and lunch. After all, I know their name and submitted their name to corporate for excellent customer service experience. The height of the cart is close to the height of the panel saw. However, what if you pushed your cart into the aisle and then walked away to inspect the lumber choices? All the advise so accurate and true. Local store prices may vary from those displayed. The amount of walking, lifting and work is immense. Nowadays, the internet makes it pretty simple. It seems like I have vertical and horzontal mixed up -LOL. Thank you for the tips. Home Depot employees are trained to get involved with a customer and understand the project that they are trying to accomplish. sells precut corn hole boards? 2022 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. Within reason. I had trouble getting Home Depot to take back a $100 life time warranty garden hose that blew out in less than a month with a receipt!! The panel saw is only meant to be used to cut lumber down enough to fit it in a vehicle. Also, the saw is usually locked-out and requires a passcode to start in most cases because of liability issues. If you are anything like me, I dont have a money tree growing in my backyard. There used to be a time that cut stations had a call buttonnowadays, it's not as likely. Just consider them abandoned when you sell your home, unless of course if you love your appliances and take them with you to your next home! They will also only make convenience cuts, meaning they will only cut your lumber so it can fit in your car. I generally tip the associate about $5-$10 depending on how many cuts. Hopefully, you did not have to resort to the last scenario. Thanks for the article. 2000-2022 Home Depot. After marking the cut points and double checking my measurements, pull a Drywall T-Square from the rack and literally draw the full length of the cuts. At least $5 and then roughly $2 per cut. The store is usually understaffed, the workers have a long list of things to do, they just cleaned up a mess a rude customer left for them, and now you have shown up. I have worked construction, roofing, home repair, security, EMS and others, and I will say, the Lumber dept is one of the most difficult jobs I have worked. However, we all WANT to help. Joel Diffendarfer (author) from Jonesville on September 08, 2018: A very good point, Brandon! Thanks Joel for writing this good artical. Don't bring me moulding and ask for precision cuts that are smooth. ElectroSawHQ from San Francisco on September 19, 2017: Excellent article! I always want to do the right thing for my customer, but we also have to do the right thing by our store. A lot of their reviews are based on customer satisfaction, which directly affects their bonuses at the end of the year. If the saw is 1/2 off, then you should have a 1/2 excess. Another great sweet spot is Sunday in the morning or late afternoon. Before I left for the store, I grabbed two other important things: a tape measure and a pencil. Designing two exterior doors for my daughter. This is by far the best and most informative set of instructions I have ever read on how to approach a project and how to deal with store employees. They will make a call directly to the person on duty or make an overhead announcement. Yay, youve arrived! Its all about the approach. One thing that I feel this article is missing, or maybe I overlooked it, is the fact that lumber has straight edges to start. The right thing, of course, is to put the T-Square back when you are done. Please call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT (1-800-466-3337), Please enter in your email address in the following format: you@domain.com. You have saved my project. After reading this excellent article I went cheerfully to my local Home Depot to get a piece of 2'X4' 3/4 exterior plywood for a shelf project. You must be pretty good looking as associates come running to ask if they can help. I never borrow a tape measure or pencil from a store associate even though most of them carry them and will lend them out. Here's what you might overhear them say: On the other hand, this same associate can and will make perfect cuts, not charge you extra for extra cuts, and, in some cases, offer you a discount on your material. The corporate management takes it very seriously, and the last thing store managers want is to get a customer complaint about bad customer service. Many of the lumber associates know me by name and dont even question or challenge my approach. Once I determined the store where I wanted to buy my wood, I printed out a copy of the listing. Only to have the customer refuse to pay. And you didnt have to feel like a jerk if you saw Sherms wife at the Shopsmart or sat near the family at church. This isnt really a step as much as it is helpful firsthand advice from someone who knows how the system works. So I told the manager I did not want one like that. Even though it may seem like extra work, put the sheets you dont want back on the rack. They make their profit on the accessories and add-ons. By simply placing an item on the cart you choose (such as a 2'x4'x8'), you are essentially reserving your cart. Its all about the approach. Now you are back to square oneunless you reserve your cart. Mistakes happen, and it is easier to fix the problem before you pay than after. That is the best instructions i have ever read. If you find an employee who is the "go to" guy and ask for additional help, like jigsawing, they will make it happen. I don't know much about woodworking but sometimes I have something simple in mind I want. Which I did, or course, in order to help this guy out. If you dont like it, dont buy it. Really appreciated your lumber cuts tips. The accuracy of the cuts are not guaranteed. If your project is large, however, an extra set of hands would be helpful. Please call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT (1-800-466-3337), Please enter in your email address in the following format: you@domain.com. Another great way to save money on projects if you're going to Home Depot for supplies is to write reviews (take pictures and record a YouTube video as well if you have the time) on the products you purchase at Home Depot. Ask for loading help if you need it at point of check out. Granted with items like insulation, large appliances, HVAC equipment (I have 2 tankless electric water heaters from Seeds) that are "permanently installed, they don't expect you to demolish your home if you move. If you googled the process of getting plywood cut at Home Depot (or even Lowe's for that matter), you would find an endless list of complaints and warnings about why you should not have them cut your plywood.