If you’re on the hunt for plywood, you can save money by buying in bulk, buying second-hand, shopping online and around, and trying off-brands. This article covers how to buy plywood as cheaply as possible— and how to do so without skimping on quality or quantity.
Note: Plywood is not the only material you can use for your project. To see your full range of options, read about the plywood alternatives for DIY projects. If you still have your sights set on plywood, then read on!
Negotiate and Buy in Bulk
If you’re trying to save costs on plywood, then you should try buying in bulk. Not only will you get a lower cost per sheet, but it will also be easier to negotiate with sellers.
Think about it! When you buy multiple plywood sheets, you’ll have the leverage to ask for discounts. You’ll also be able to get everything shipped at once.
Find the market price of the plywood you want to buy, and ask the sellers if they give discounts for bulk purchases. You should also ask about the best prices they offer. Don’t be afraid to negotiate or even walk away if the price does not fit into your budget.
Buying in bulk will reduce waste, make transportation easier, and ensure that you don’t run out of materials for your project.
Buy Second-hand Plywood
Plywood can be reused and repurposed for other applications. This means that you can buy second-hand plywood at cheaper prices.
You can check Facebook Marketplace or local online classifieds. Buying second-hand plywood will not only save you money, it will also reduce your carbon footprint (since it is eco-friendly).
| Note: When you’re buying second-hand plywood, make sure to carefully inspect it for signs of damage, rot, or pests. Some unscrupulous traders have no problem with packaging and selling off unusable plywood. |
Ask the seller questions about the plywood and why they’re selling it off; if it does not seem plausible, don’t buy it. It’s better to spend more on new plywood than to buy second-hand plywood that won’t fit your needs.
Tip: When buying second-hand plywood, remember to negotiate based on the condition of said plywood. After your purchase, you should consider refinishing the material to enhance its aesthetics.
Use Low-Grade Plywood for Other Purposes
Plywood comes in different thicknesses and grades, and the higher the grade or thickness, the more expensive the plywood. However, you don’t always need the thickest or most expensive plywood for every part of every project.
You can use cheaper, lower-grade plywood for non-structural projects like shelving, paneling, or furniture–making. They are cheaper, eco-friendly, and still durable enough to get the job done.
Note: Low-grade plywood does not mean low-quality plywood. It only means you’re paying less to get the exact features you need, and nothing more or less. To know more about the various grades and thicknesses of plywood, read our article on the various types of plywood.
Look for Discounts and Sales
If you’re not in a rush to get started with your project, then you should keep an eye out for discounts or promos. Check online marketplaces, clearance sales sections, coupon websites, and more for seasonal plywood sales or special offers.
You can even strategize and plan your purchases so that they fall during sales events. That way, you can stock up while saving money.
Check Around
Don’t just settle for the first price or store in your area. If you want to save money, then shopping around is one option you should consider.
You not only compare and save costs, but you also discover new products and discounts and explore different plywood types to find the best one for your project.
| Tip: Check out big stores and lumberyards, speak to sales reps, ask questions, and compare plywood prices. |
Shop Online
If you don’t want to go through the stress of shopping around, then you can compare prices online from the comfort of your home.
You should compare prices, reviews, and shipping fees on different stores, online marketplaces, and websites.
Be on the lookout for discounts, promo codes, and special offers. By shopping online, you not only save money by going for the least expensive options, but you also save gas and time.
Hire a Professional
If other options don’t work or you just want to save time, you can seek the help of a carpenter, timber merchant, or lumber yard pros. These professionals will typically have wholesale connections, and will generally be more knowledgeable about how to buy plywood at affordable prices.
Home Gnome delivers the best home service experience at the click of a button. Book reliable, skilled handymen and handywomen in seconds and leave the rest to us.
What to Read Next:
Main Photo Credit: Tomasz Zajda / Adobe Stock Free / License
Related Posts:
