A successful woodworking project relies on wood cut at precise measurements to fit each piece together. This process can be quite cumbersome, especially if you don’t have the right tools to cut the wood at home. However, stores like Lowes offer a helpful solution to this issue.
As long as the wood is purchased at a Lowes store, you can take advantage of their wood cutting service. Your first few cuts are complimentary while additional cuts may accrue a small fee. With that said, there are certain things you need to keep in mind when utilizing this service.
In this article, we’ll explain exactly how to take advantage of Lowes wood cutting service. We’ll also give you the rundown on what you can and can’t do with this service.
How to Get Lowes to Cut Your Wood For You
Lowes offers wood cutting services to help make loading lumber into your vehicle easier. However, you can request specific measurements of cuts to shave off a few steps from project assembly as long as you’re prepared in-store. The most important thing to remember is that home stores like Lowes are pretty large and generally very busy.
Because of that, coming prepared with everything you need will make store associates more inclined to help you, especially if the store is busy on that particular day. Let’s go a little more in detail on what you need to do to utilize this service.
Cutting Wood From The Store
When you’re on a specific project mission, it’s easy to get tunnel vision and to disregard others in the process. However, you need to remember that the store associates are only human and there may be certain days or moments when they can’t help you. To ensure you have a successful trip to the cutting area, follow these steps:
1. Prepare Ahead of Time
Write down any specific measurements onto a piece of blank paper. Better yet, having a general plan sketched out can be immensely helpful.
2. Go at Slow Times
Visiting the store at the end of the week or between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. will increase the chances of you being able to get the help you need from a store associate.
3. Park Close to the Loading Area
This way, you can do all the work and check out in the same spot. You’ll also be able to load up your vehicle much quicker this way. In many cases, an associate will also tell you to pull your car right up to the loading area.
4. Shop Around
Gather the wood you need into your loading cart. Make sure to grab everything at once so you don’t need to make multiple trips.
5. Mark Where Cuts Need to be Made
Bring a tape measure and a pencil with you. The aisleways at Lowes are generally pretty wide, so you can mark the wood as you load each piece onto your cart.
6. Ask for Help
Go to their cutting area and find a nearby associate. Let them know what you need and show them the markings and your written plan.
7. Purchase the Wood
In most stores, there’s a checkout station in the work area. This way, you can check out right there and then load your car up easily.
Can You Cut Wood From an Outside Source?
To protect the integrity of their machines, Lowes doesn’t allow you to bring in wood from outside sources to be cut. Associates can’t confirm the condition of wood from other places and that can cause damage to their equipment.
How Much Wood Will They Cut?
The amount of wood Lowes will cut for free will vary depending on the store. In most cases, the store will offer a set number of complimentary cuts and then they’ll charge a fee for any additional cuts that surpass that number.
Most often, you’ll find that Lowes offers one free cut per board. However, some associates may be more lenient with this process.
What Type of Cuts Will Lowes Make?
Lowes will only perform straight cuts. The associates are usually only trained to make the simplest cuts and some workspaces may not have the necessary amount of space to cut specific ways.
If you need more detailed work done, it’s best to either do the cuts yourself or take it to another professional who can.
What Kind of Materials Will They Cut?
The equipment used in Lowes stores may not be able to accommodate thicker or wider cuts. With that said, Lowes can cut most wood types as well as pipes, rope, chains, and several other materials.
Is This Service Offered in Canada?
Lowes Canada also offers wood cutting services. With that said, many of the restrictions found in US Lowes stores are also effective in Canadian locations. Before visiting your nearest Lowes Canada, it’s always smart to call ahead of time to see if they offer wood cutting services.
A Review of Wood Cutting Restrictions
When utilizing Lowes wood cutting services, it’s important to note the restrictions of the equipment used. Perfect smooth edges can’t be guaranteed in-store because the saw used is made to cut a variety of different materials. Also, because this equipment is used so often, it tends to dull down. Dulled-down equipment also results in rougher cuts.
Not only that, but you also need to remember that you can only request simple straight cuts while in the store. Anything more complicated than that must be done somewhere else. In most cases, Lowes will cut your wood without question. However, some stores may place certain restrictions on the thickness and wood type depending on the machinery they use.
Final Thoughts
Measuring and cutting lumber for your woodworking project doesn’t have to be a cumbersome step in your project assembly. In fact, Lowes is more than likely able to do the general cutting for you. By utilizing their straight-cut complimentary woodcutting, you could potentially save a lot of money on your next project.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that you should come to the store prepared with what you expect. We hope this article has helped you figure out whether or not Lowes wood cutting service is right for you.
No Lowes near you? Check out if Home Depot cuts wood for you here.
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.