Stockpiling lumber
Last Post 16 Feb 2019 04:44 PM by whirnot. 9 Replies.
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Bryan1978User is Offline
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02 Feb 2019 06:05 AM
Our home plans have been completed for a few months now and we aren’t ready to build yet. We’d like to have all the materials ready long before the concrete is even poured so I’ve been thinking about stocking up on lumber. We have our construction drawings completed as well so we know exactly what we need to order. So the question is; a) Stocking up on lumber that may not be used for a year, pros vs cons? b) how should I store it? c) I plan to buy lumber weekly till we have it all, then sheet goods, joists, and other odds and ins, will that be ok? Thanks for the inputs guys, still a long road ahead.
whirnotUser is Offline
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02 Feb 2019 04:11 PM
One problem I can see with stockpiling is warming. I would make sure any framing material are tightly banded to minimize it.
Also most lumber yards will take rejects back, but not after a year. We rejected over 100 interior studs.
newbostonconstUser is Offline
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04 Feb 2019 01:39 PM
Wood warps with time. I wouldn't do it.
"Never argue with an idiot. They will only bring you down to their level and beat you with experience." George Carlins
DilettanteUser is Offline
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05 Feb 2019 09:37 AM
If you're going to order in bulk, order in bulk.
But don't stockpile.

As the others have said, you can return rejects. But not after a year or more (meaning MASSIVE WASTE).
toddmUser is Offline
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07 Feb 2019 07:43 PM
I turned trees on the site into rough lumber and tore down a small barn for legacy wood. I can tell you with complete confidence that the problem with stockpiling is that you must move it out of the way, and then out of the way again, and then out of the way again after that. This is extra work you don't want or need. When you are ready, bring your blueprints to area lumberyards. They will quote you a bulk price and deliver the wood as it is needed.
Bryan1978User is Offline
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12 Feb 2019 12:05 AM
My problem is that I cannot build until summer of 2020 when our daughter graduates high school. I was thinking about the price of lumber being as low as it is currently that I’d hate to wait and see how high it gets next year. Pro Build thinks it’s fine and a rep there even expressed his concern with prices going up astronomically if the market gets hot again. Sheet goods are back down to acceptable prices again as I’m sure everyone remembers them hitting $15 a sheet not long ago. Those prices would hit us hard, adding thousands to what we were quoted just a couple weeks ago. Could almost double our lumber budget if prices shoot up again. With no way to adjust our plans but to eat the cost.
DilettanteUser is Offline
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12 Feb 2019 04:42 AM
Posted By Bryan1978 on 12 Feb 2019 12:05 AM
My problem is that I cannot build until summer of 2020 when our daughter graduates high school. I was thinking about the price of lumber being as low as it is currently that I’d hate to wait and see how high it gets next year. Pro Build thinks it’s fine and a rep there even expressed his concern with prices going up astronomically if the market gets hot again. Sheet goods are back down to acceptable prices again as I’m sure everyone remembers them hitting $15 a sheet not long ago. Those prices would hit us hard, adding thousands to what we were quoted just a couple weeks ago. Could almost double our lumber budget if prices shoot up again. With no way to adjust our plans but to eat the cost.

Thing is.  In the long run, with waste from unacceptable stock, you'd wind up essentially saving NOTHING and simply creating more waste.
toddmUser is Offline
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15 Feb 2019 03:49 PM
A salesman tells you to buy now before it is too late?

If you insist on worrying -- the NAHB says framing costs including labor are 18 percent of the total -- you have a number of options. Consider a financial hedge like the iShares US Home Construction ETF (a low-cost take on mutual funds). Demand is the biggest factor in commodity prices, and homebuilding is off at the moment. If the ETF falls further, lumber should be cheaper. If it goes up, your profits will take the sting out of higher wood prices. Or consider nontraditional sources such as salvage yards or planing mills. You''ll need to run this by your building inspector. Code sets a minimal grade for framing lumber and he may insist on seeing that stamp on studs and joists. That said, if he understands wood, he'll know that lumber salvaged from a 1960s house is far superior to what you can buy today. Or look at alternatives to stud wall, most of which make for a better house. You'll want experienced contractors if you go the last route.
I'm not inclined to worry myself. I see the recent unpleasant spate of lumber prices as an aberration caused by pent-up demand plus Trump's tariffs on Canadian imports. Of course, my prognostications -- and $1 -- will get you a cup of coffee at McDonalds.
whirnotUser is Offline
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16 Feb 2019 04:44 PM
So if you are worried about increases, buy sheet goods that are more volatile, and won't warp badly, and any I joists that won't warp.
I have a builder friend that stockpiled osb for several years.
The framing materials are a little more price stable. Just keep it covered from sun and mosture but let it breathe
whirnotUser is Offline
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16 Feb 2019 04:44 PM
So if you are worried about increases, buy sheet goods that are more volatile, and won't warp badly, and any I joists that won't warp.
I have a builder friend that stockpiled osb for several years.
The framing materials are a little more price stable. Just keep it covered from sun and mosture but let it breathe
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