Just got back from my local hardware lumber supplier. I wanted 2 20′ pieces of Crown some window stool and a couple 16′ pieces of 1/4 round. Go in it’s thirty minutes to closing so naturaly everyone os scarce. I finaly get a manager to help. She has to talk to 3 different people to find out that they only have one 16′ piece of crown.And it took five minutes to explain what window stool is. They had that and the crown.
I told her to give me the quarter and the stool. She starts to ring it up. I tell her I want the builders discount. I tell her who I work for. We do a lot of business there and have a discount. she gets all befuddled and asks someone else if she can do that. He says no. they can only do it if it’s purchased through that account. That kind of irritates me, but I figure that’s what I get for trying to save a buck. Then I ask her if the quarter is preprimed? No and as a matter of fact all they have in the length I want is 3/4 shoe mold. Everything else is 8′ lengths. I ask if it’s pre primed. “No.” is the answer.
Now this place is a big supplier to local builders. They carry all this stuff for them. But they won’t go to the hassle to break it down for the little guy. So I tell them to forget it. I can get exactly what I want at Lowes, Heck Home depot will even let me cut the lengths I want. The thing that really annoys me is when this place was a small time yard they always made a big deal about shopping local and supporting your local merchant. The only reason I decided to deal with them today was I din’t want to make the twenty minute drive in my truck with no ac. Guess I’ll get up early before it get’s hot and go to a place that will give me what I want the way I want it.
Alright the rants over. I know Andy Clifford is behind me on this. Like I’ve always said. Use them for the purpose they are intended for, and you’ll never be let down.”
Rock the Tipi!
Replies
They were open on Sunday? Damm, I need a cap stapler somethin awful, Lowes no has, local mom and pop does but they shut off the lights at noon Sat.
I hear that HD is coming to Richmond, I hope so, Lowes also lacks 2" FOAM insulation, and HD wanted 75 bucks to deliver 20 sheets..Lowes wanted only to sell a whole frigging lift and 35 delivery. I finally got ABC in Lex to bring 20 for 15 bucks del. fee. But thay have a 500.00 min order. And I avoid driving the 350 up to Lex unless it is REALLY important. 7MPG. gets old fast.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
There is no cure for stupid. R. White.
I hear that HD is coming to Richmond, I hope so
Around here, we're looking forward to Lowes coming in. Home Depot is everywhere and universally despised.
When both of them are in the same area the service and quality goes way up.
Rock the Tipi!
Yea they are open noon to five on Sundays. Of course no one is motivated. These guys make right at minimum plus commision. They wait in the isles and prequalify people when they walk in. if they don't look like a big spender then they duck down an isle to avoid them. They don't want to get tied up on nickel and dime commisions and miss a bigger one. Total B.S.
Rock the Tipi!
ROFLMAO
busta :0)
You can get crown in 20' lengths?
The best we got is 16'.
and yer right- their service sucked.
The trim quality in both our box stores has gotten way better. I'm pretty impressed with it. I swear I saw 20' lengths there the other day. Don't know how I'm gonna get them home in my truck though. I might need lots of biscuits.
Rock the Tipi!
Edited 7/2/2006 7:59 pm ET by Gunner
I'm gonna have to ask my yard about the 20's.
It would come in handy at times.
Was that pine or MDF?
Pine. I believe they have it in MDF too. I'll know for sure tommorrow. I might be halucinating.
Rock the Tipi!
We use Congleton Lumber in Lex. sometimes all I can get is 20's. Next time yer in town stock up! LOL
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
There is no cure for stupid. R. White.
I don't mind competition, but I refuse to fund them.
You can get 20's , too?
Now I'm definitely gonna have to ask my yard.
longest we can get local is 16's. I know of a few places in KC I can order longer and pay a premium.
As for trim at HD.... For standard 3 1/4" colonial base and 2 1/4" colonial casing they are more then twice the cost of the local yard. I couldn't believe it.
I've found that on a couple different items.
I think what they do ... price high on the stuff the diy'er will just walk in and blindly buy, having no idea what anyone else is charging.
pretty good plan if ya ask me!
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
Yeah, pissed me off though...
sent guy to pick up trim at HD since he was already going to the paint store that is just across the street while the yard is across town, he brings back invoice, I thought he bought twice what I told him, then I looked at the quantity...
anyway it'll be returned on the next trip out to HD.
Can't really fault them, though I was tempted to bring it back with a ticket from the yard and get my price match + 10%
Jeff -
You are so right. I caught them banging people on hinges once. Local Lumber yard had them for like 4.50 and Depot was around $8.00/per. My dad was with me and said - "Leave 'em there."
It's interesting here (NY). Within 20 minutes we have 1 Loews and four HD's. Another HD opened three days ago, and a Loews is going to open soon (maybe days, maybe weeks).
I still buy as much as possible from the local lumber yard.
Don K.
EJG Homes Renovations - New Construction - Rentals
I've never bought lumber or trim at HD or Lowe's.
My regular yard treats me well, so they get my business.
Just this week I had a load of PT lumber for a deck I was starting. It was supposed to be there first thing, but the salesman forgot to write that on the ticket.
I called the yard foreman direct, and he had it there in 20 minutes.
I'm not a big customer. If I do 2-3G a month with them, it's a busy month for me. But they treat me like someone who does much more volume.
Yeah,
But aren't you using Huston Watchung? Them and the Oldwick yard are by far the exception to the rule.
Yup, Huston Watchung for 95% of my business.
I know of some guys who use Jaeger's, but Huston's is convenient AND helpful
A few months ago I was in Huston Oldwick and needed a few thigns for my own house.
It had been easily a year since I had been in and since January 2002 since I ahd used my account.
I set a few things on the counter and was asked " On your account?" when I responded that it was probably closed I got " We can take care of that".
I signed, put it in my truck and was on my way.
I reccomend to anyone in the area who has the chance to use Huston, Do it.
Only deviation to that is that Warrens doors are better. But you pay for how much better they are in how much their service sucks.
Thats FJ Cedar or pine. Redwood is not FJ and not 20'. Matter O fact all the 20' IIRC is FJ not clear, but all we buy is ext cornice rebuild stuff and painted eventually.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
There is no cure for stupid. R. White.
I could haul it pretty easy on my work truck. That big rack is nice. With my tail gate down on my personel truck I get 12'. I don't think I want to chance it. I guess I'll splice it. That's what cheeses me off about the local guy. He's a 2 miles away. Wouldn't be a big deal at all. I don't want to get on the highway looking like some freaking Jethro. Trim dragging the asphalt.
Rock the Tipi!
P.S. What would be the best way to get great stuff out of your hair? Just curious.
Rock the Tipi!
scissors..
Orange oil.Orange goop will sometimes work.Soak it and let it set. It'll work out after a while.
Politics: The blind insulting the blind.
I haven't gotten it in there yet. Just wondering. Caught the dog sniffing around some. Thought she was gonna take a lick. That would have been kind of funny. She's already got paint in her hair. Had to stand under the saw horses while I was painting the trim.
Do they make painters pants for dogs?
Rock the Tipi!
Ed was always getting in the new foam last year, when I was in full blwn foam mode. He just chews it out like his beggars lice he gets covered in.
Same deal about painting, he has a few splotches of "Roasted Pepper" on him now.
I got a 220 V furnace blower to cool the shop, I better put a screen on the suck side or I might be making cat-cabbage. LOL
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
There is no cure for stupid. R. White.
Ever have a dog so obsessed with hanging out with you that she'll bust through a plastic tarp to see what your doing?
First let me tell you that we have a game we play called "stunt show". I'll hang a curtain up and tie a cape around the dog. We get in the hallway and get ready. I'll work her into a frenzy and get her so excited she's about to do back flips. Then we'll go busting through the curtain, leap into the air and dive on the bed. If we get it timed right I land first and then she springs up on the bed and lands on my back. I throw my arms out like Superman. It's pretty cool. It really impresses the wife, well not really. It does really impress me and Aireka though.
Anyway I sealed off the living room to paint. I never figured the dog would go through the plastic. I had her pretty wore down from playing fetch. Anyway I'm in there rolling away and here comes little Aireka busting through the plastic. "TADA!" Being a moron I yelled at her to get out. She backed up right into the fricking paint pan. Then I really freaked and she took off. Being a complete idiot I started following her around wiping up the paw prints instead of just calling her and wiping off her paws.
I'm really glad this brown paint goes well with my hardwood floors.
Rock the Tipi!
Edited 7/3/2006 1:58 pm ET by Gunner
LMAO.
When I was about 17 I was putting a Franklin Stove in my trailer..( yeah, I grew up in a trailer, bite me) my Springer Spaniel was MY SHADOW..she climbed up the ladder to the roof..then siezed a bearing, it was snowing lightly, I had a hole in the roof, and a plan to get er done by kick off of the Eagles game..and a buddy and a lot of beer..
I told Billy to get inside and let me stuff the dog thru the hole to him...didn't go well with either the dog or the soon to be wife or Bill..so I carried her Fireman style over my shoulders back down.
Eddy has looked real strongly like he'd do the same, but my saving grace is he is smarter and really listens to my commands. I swear, ANYONE who gets/gets owned by a Canine , owes it to the world to attend a dog school and LEARN how/ why to train themselves to the beingness of the critter...best money I have spent.
I ain't trying to puff it up any, but the the dog guy we found in NC trained West Va. Police dogs ( sheps mostly) for Drugs, cadavers, and S&R ...he was good. REAL good.
I was lucky to have breed that was open to that kinda training..and the bonding we have is unspoken..I read him, he reads me..but when the wires get crossed and all hell breaks loose, I can't do much more than resort to my old ways of adding a few unknown words to his vocabulary..I have NEVER hit him, don't need to.
I can't stress enough the importance of school..I have had maybe 15 dogs in my life so far..and Eddy is the first that got ME educated...what a difference. I had mostly hunting breeds, this is my first herd oriented species..and I an sad I had him neutered after rescue from the pound..he'd be a good sire.
Females are also MUCH easier to deal with vs a male with the parts intact..a nueter is a cross between the dominance trait and submissive/protection trait...but..no matter what , every person you talk to, has a better dog. LOL.
Hijack..I just drained the big compressor...in the HOUSE, the pan over flowed...can I move in? Like soon?
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
There is no cure for stupid. R. White.
..and the bonding we have is unspoken..I read him, he reads me..but when the wires get crossed and all hell breaks loose,
That sums it up the best.
You don't want to live here. FOr the next couple of days I don't want to live here. I freaking hate paint!
Rock the Tipi!
I can dig it...I paint about as well as an iceskater in hell does a triple summi..I keep it that way on purpose.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
There is no cure for stupid. R. White.
I hate to paint. The fumes kill me. But, I'm a very good painter. EXCEPT! When I do it for myself. Last Tuesday night I painted an entire soffit in a bank that we had done a drywall patch on. When I got done it was the cleanest most profesional job you've ever seen. Looked like no one had ever been there. Do it for myself. It's like I get stuck on stupid. Every fricking mistake you can make I do them with zeal. And I see it coming and still let it happen.
I just hope the wife doesn't get ahold of Shaggy and bring him and Andy Clifford down here to sue my azz. They got a reputation for hanging painters.
Rock the Tipi!
Before your wife gets home I got to be the first to ask/yell. WHAT THE HE...LL MADE YOU THINK YOU COULD DRAIN THE AIR COMPRESSOR IN THE HOUSE!?!!!!!
Rock the Tipi!
LOL she knows me..it was in the log side of the place, I can do anything there and no one would ever know..really.
But rusty water...I was nabbed on it.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
There is no cure for stupid. R. White.
Tell her you were drunk and accidentally peed there. Anything is better then draining the compressor on the floor.
Rock the Tipi!
Tooo late..she heard the hissing from the drain petcock..followed her ears to the rusty puddle. Channel locks and knee prints were my downfall, she KNEW I caused it.
So, being a genius that I are..I made a jambalya of last nights left over ribs, an black beans...some mater paste and the old brine from a batch of hots peppers, TONS of rice ( I always screw that up, and make enough for Russia and China together) and the obligatory shrimp that I scored on the beer run AKA get the cap stapler and stuff...
Seek and ye shall find the ways ....I can lull her with food like a seagull on the beach.
In about ten minutes she is gonna read this and post to you..call 911..if that happens..OK?
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
There is no cure for stupid. R. White.
Gotcha. Mine works till midnite tonight. I've got plenty of time to sand and wipe.
Rock the Tipi!
Haircut...
Scissors!
I don't want to get on the highway looking like some freaking Jethro. Trim dragging the asphalt.
don't ya know that's why they put passenger side mirrors on them doors?
that's yer almost midway support.
strap it to the outside ...
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
I saw a guy leaviing the local supply house one time. He had some 20' lengths of black pipe that they use for natural gas. He laid it under his truck and then lifted it up and tied one end to his back bumper and one end to his front bumper. It just hung there. I still can't figure out if he was a genius or highly retarded. I got the heck out of there so I wouldn't get behind him and have to sit in traffic all day behind the wreck he was probably gonna cause.
Rock the Tipi!
Wish you would have followed and took pictures of that.
If having a low wage work force was good for a country's economy then why hasn't Mexico built a fence?
I need a helmet cam. You ever work on your own home and get so mad you want to sue yourself?
Rock the Tipi!
Edited 7/3/2006 3:58 pm ET by Gunner
I've wanted to fire myself a lot of times.
If having a low wage work force was good for a country's economy then why hasn't Mexico built a fence?
Ohh I've fired myself plenty. I mean what kind of idiot prepaints all his trim then fires up the table saw while it's all sitting there wet?
Rock the Tipi!
Was that one of those new "faux" paint finishes they have been talking about ?
<G>
If having a low wage work force was good for a country's economy then why hasn't Mexico built a fence?
What's bad is the whole time I'm standing there like a numb nutts thinking. "Ohh I can fix that. I'll just hit it with a little sandpaper." Who does that kind of stuff?
All the girlies say that I'm really kind of fly for a white guy.
I use to bring home rebar by putting it between the side mirror and door and tying fore and aft.
bobl Volo, non valeo
Baloney detecter
Dont you guys ever run it over the roof of the truck ? Tape or tie the bundle together. put a towel or that sweatshirt layin behind the seat on the roof for protection. Wrap the binders one full loop around the bundle. Best carry I ever did was in the bosses super b*tch wifes Mercedes. Plywood n sheetrock lashed to the roof . Wish she cudda seen it.
That's why you take pictures. Then email them to her after you leave the company.
All the girlies say that I'm really kind of fly for a white guy.
I'm a big fat lier. 16' lengths is the most Lowes has. Not sure about the Depot I just went to Lowes it's closer.
All the girlies say that I'm really kind of fly for a white guy.
Edited 7/4/2006 11:14 am ET by Gunner
well then ... splice it!
btw ... new glasses make my head fuzzy ... brain's gotta learn the new system.
Jeff
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
Good idea I was consulting witht he best trim carpenter in Pittsburgh about that yesterday.
As far as the glasse. Do a couple of boiler makers that will correct most vision problems.
All the girlies say that I'm really kind of fly for a white guy.
Had to add to this thread- I was at HD yesterday, getting my normal random assortment of stuff (drill bits, smoke detector, tv cable, etc.). I looked at the paint grade base shoe, cause I needed a couple hundred feet of it. $0.48 per linear foot. That seems a bit much.
So I stop by my normal hardwood/trim place on my way home, ask them about base shoe, it's $0.18 per foot, and of course they'll cut it down to a size that will fit in my truck and load it for me, and I don't have to wait in line, because I'm the only one there- every one else is over at HD.zak
"so it goes"
Called HD today and asked if they had any treated 6x6x12' in stock.
She asked me if I wanted them square or round.
And here ya had me all excited for some longer wood.
I thought everyone at HD knew what window stool was.
Its the stuff the pigeons leave behind.
Not Home Depot. My local yard. At Home Depot I can walk right over and pick out what I want. At the yard they don't know what's behind the curtain, and they don't wnat you to know either.
Rock the Tipi!
Home Depot will never get another penny from me. I needed a product from Grace, vycor deck protector. Thought I'd try it after resident genius Mike Guertin wrote an article in fhb #178. The only place around here its sold is HD. Instead I went and bought regular ice and water sheild and cut it into strips.
At $3 a gallon, I'll drive anywhere but HD
>>>At $3 a gallon, I'll drive anywhere but HD<<<<
That's what makes this country great. Any one of us can cut our nose off to spite ourselves any time we want.
<G>
If having a low wage work force was good for a country's economy then why hasn't Mexico built a fence?
"That's what makes this country great. Any one of us can cut our nose off to spite ourselves any time we want."
You got it .
Im not loyal to anyone but the wife . I do have to keep my word but when it comes to the almighty dollar everyone with cash looks good to me . Making it or saving it , doesnt matter to me . I never figgured out any difference in a dollar made and a dollar saved.. The look the same to me .
Bunch of these guys got it wrong wrong. Im not always gonna be around to advise um so I do wish they would listen. <G> I tell the grandson that and he looks scared sometimes. Lowes delivers anything for free on an AR account. They got about as much sense as Walmart taking stuff back! I think Walmart would take back dirty diapers. Lowes will drive 25 miles ,.. in the country and get lost to deliver 100 dollars. Im serious ! Ive never seen any thing like it . I needed two gallons of paint the other day . I called Trudy [thats my sweety at Lowes} and said I ran out of paint , ya reckon you got somebody down there that drives up here going home ? She said no problem, Ill ship it . She checks the loads and says yer the first drop in the morning and it will be there by 8 am. Its 25 miles away from this job! OKYDOKEY!! Im good .
Try that at the local lumber yard , hehehe . You dont go to Lowes and haul stuff on the cart . You call it in and have it delivered . I keep a shop key hid for their drivers and they put it in the shop. They dont care . Its crazy!
Tim
Im not loyal to anyone but the wife . I do have to keep my word but when it comes to the almighty dollar everyone with cash looks good to me . Making it or saving it , doesnt matter to me . I never figgured out any difference in a dollar made and a dollar saved.. The look the same to me .
You are absolutely right. Good deal you got worked out with Lowe's, BTW.
But, the difference is you've already paid tax on the dollar you save. So it's actually worth a little more.
If having a low wage work force was good for a country's economy then why hasn't Mexico built a fence?
Edited 7/7/2006 3:18 pm by intrepidcat
Currently this past week I've been working on my front porch. Doin' the gable ends inside and out with raised panel I'm making out of MDF. As you're well aware of, MDF is real heavy so I deciede to go to my local yard to get it even though I know its a cpl a dollars more there and a bit further to travel. I figure rather than humping it from a pile to a HD cart then humpin' it into my van I'd just go to the yard and the guys in the yard'd help slide it right i nto my van and off I'd go. NOT!
I get to the yard and one lady is in front of me at the front desk...She's yappin on and on about how to fix her deck steps while I'm standin' there covered in MDF dust and gettin' real impatient. Two other sales man are standing behind the desk BSin' with each other. I ask if one of them could help me and both of them tell me they're on a break....grrrrrr....
The lady finally leaves after buying nothing BTW and I put my order in. 2-16' 2x6..2-16' pimed FJ 1x6...some SS finish nails for my gun and two sheets of 3/4" MDF.
I go out to the yard and theres no one there. HUGEEE yard with about two dozen large boom trucks parked out there....but no people.
I see the MDF high up on the racks. I attempt to pull one down to no avail...about a foot too high for me get a good grab on...
I go back in after walking around out there cursing to myself. I ask if anyone is working out in the yard. They tell me yes and to be patient.. I go back out abd after at least 20 minutes of pacing back n forth someone comes up to me and finally looks at my ticket. Gets the fork lift, pulls the pile of MDF down and leaves it in back of my van and he waits for me to slide a cpl of sheets off...i mean dude...ya think you cn jump off the fork lift and grab one side of the mdf and help me slide it in...he gives me a look and proceeds to help me then points me in the direction of the 16' 2x6....never takes my ticket...like I give a sh!t...
All I can say is I wish I'd have gone to Home Depot...These big yards are way too snooty if you ask me. As a matter of fact the three yards by me have some real attitudes and the ONE yard I usually deal with who are some what helpful are closing down...Figures.
I LOVE H.D!!!
Ya gotta know how to be a smart consumer is all....Hell, I saved over $500 a cpl a months ago using HD's clear cedar 2x2's!! BTW...anyone wanna buy some 4x8' sections of custom cedar 2"x2" fencing??? I'm gonna have a lot left over...dat's another story...
If Blodgett says, Tipi tipi tipi it must be so!
TipiFest 06~~> Send me your email addy for a Paypal invoice to the greatest show on earth~~>[email protected]
anyone wanna buy some 4x8' sections of custom cedar 2"x2" fencing??? I'm gonna have a lot left over.
I'm thinking huge bon fire at Tipifest. HUGE.
Rock the Tipi!
Yes Andrew, that was certainly an irritating experience.
be see, ya should just gone to the box and grabbed a kid in the orange apron to help ya load the stuff on one of the flat carts, wheeled the sheets to yer truck and slid 'em onto the bed.
LMFAO! That's the way I do it.
Rock the Tipi!
And when ya get to the van to load up, at least around here another customer often asks if you need any help. Gotta love it! (Though I will say lumber quality is typically still better at the independant yards).
I feel your pain. Local 84 sLumber is the same way with me. Small orders and DIY/homeowners not welcome by judging their attitude. Once, I wanted a bunch of ten foot sheets of drywall, not in stock and they just gave me mucho resistance in getting it. "Not sure when we will be getting any. Call us next week". Yeah, OK..... you order some for me. I wound up getting HD to deliver 12 footers the next day. So, I had a bunch of 2x4 drywall pieces to toss away. For less money and sooner.
Even the big name plumbing supply house is just not friendly to DIY.
Instead of the big name house, I used to be able to go to this small plumbing supply where the counter guy would actually talk to you and offer advice on what you were doing. I'd go there to get better made valves, fittings, etc than the Made in China sloppy fit stuff at the big box. Then the small place started selling the same junky stuff, for more money. (Maybe he bought from HD?) Now, it is owned by the big name supply house.
So, it's Home Depot and Lowes. If it's a speciality fitting that HD doesn't have then I try online first.
In my experience (as a DIY), Lowe's & HD aren't my best shot if I need information, but as far as lumber goes, it seems that the quality is far better than any of the local yards around here.
I've received deliveries from two different lumber yards in my area & both were complete crap - maybe 60% was useable - the rest was warped, twisted, split & moldy.
I've had one delivery from Lowe's & one from HD & between the two I've had maybe 3 2x4's that were twisted - & they were 16 footers that I could straigthen out as I nailed them down.
My first inclination is to think that the yards were giving me garbage so they could save the good stuff for contractors - who obviously can give them more business than I could, whereas us DIY folk are the bread & butter for the big boxes.
I believe your right about the lumber. This place has two stores and three yards. One yard is for lumber packages only. There's so much building going on that they dedicate one yard to just supplying that. Which is a smart move. But their other yards with stores don't keep anything worth a damn stocked.
My mom and sister both work for a tract home developer/builder here. They just dumped our local yard as their supplier. It came time to renew their contract after years and they wouldn't meet the price the developer wanted. They went and found someone that would.
This place has been here for ions and people are trained to believe that it's the only place to go. My boss was that way. Spending a pretty good chunk there yearly. He really blew a stack when he found out that they had a rewards program that included cruises and golfing trips. He wasn't in the local builder clique so they excluded him. We do our big material purchases elsewhere now.
Rock the Tipi!
Yep, sometimes the big boxes are the answer.