A perfect cut is the key to a perfect project. That’s why having wood cut professionally can be so important for your next DIY project.
While many people love the convenience of buying wood from their local Lowes store, you might be wondering if the retailer is a one-stop-shop for both wood and woodcutting. Discover if Lowes will actually cut your wood in the store!
Will Lowes cut wood?
Lowes will cut lumber purchased from the store. These are limited to simple straight cuts, and may only be performed by trained store employees of Lowes.
Keep in mind that requests for these types of cuts are popular. So be prepared to wait for a little bit!
Showing up during a “slow time” can reduce time spent waiting for an available associate. Lowes cutting stations are usually located in the back of the lumber department.
Does Lowes cut wood for you for free?
Cost is something of a “gray area” when it comes to getting your wood cut at Lowes.
Each Lowe’s store maintains its own policy regarding the number of cuts that are free. Most stores offer a set number of cuts per piece of wood, after which there is a small charge for each additional cut.
The smart move is to call your local store to ask about its policy before showing up.
Most Lowes stores allow for one free cut per board. Others will give you between two and five cuts for free. However, some Lowes locations will charge anywhere from a few cents to a dollar per cut once the free cuts are used up.
Lowes sometimes places limits on thickness and wood type when cutting wood for customs.
Generally, every Lowes cuts plywood without question. Customers should be prepared to ask for exactly what they want after flagging down a lumber expert for help with cutting.
It’s smart to show up with a tape measure when having wood cut at Lowes. The store associate helping you will need to know how long and wide each piece should be.
It’s actually very helpful if the customer can measure and mark the wood prior to cutting.
Will Lowes cut wood that you bring in?
Lowes can only cut wood that is purchased in the store. While this is the policy, it’s possible to ask specific stores about bending the rules.
It’s important to keep in mind that the purpose of the wood-cutting services offered by Lowes is to help customers fit wood pieces in their cars.
Driving large pieces of wood to Lowes for some simple cuts might not offer many benefits compared to bringing wood to a woodworker or lumber yard for expert cuts.
Will Lowes cut wood at angles?
No, Lowes does not cut wood at angles. Store associates are only trained to complete very simple cuts that are designed to reduce wood length for easier transport. Only straight cuts are offered for customers.
There are some important things to know about having wood cut at Lowes!
First, Lowes cannot guarantee accuracy and precision with cuts. While the store’s lumber associates are trained to offer precise and accurate cuts, Lowes does not make any guarantees on the final product.
Customers requiring very precise cuts with no room for error should consider bringing their wood to a woodworker after purchase.
In addition, the saws and cutting machines provided by Lowes come with some restrictions. For instance, very wide cuts may not be possible. The same is true if a customer is asking for very thick cuts.
It’s also important to know that Lowes can’t guarantee perfectly smooth edges. While the specific condition of the blade used for cuts varies by store, the blades are generally on the older, duller side simply because they are used so frequently.
The blade used in the lumbar department of Lowes often creates a rougher cut than what would be made by a newer, sharper blade. Customers looking for ultra-smooth cuts should consider purchasing a miter saw.
What else will Lowes cut for you?
Lowes will cut a variety of products for customers beyond just lumber products. The list includes pipe, rope, chain, mini-blinds, and much more!
Lowes also provides free pipe threading and cutting for galvanized and black iron pipes of all sizes. Lowes actually uses a special machine-based, a bladeless cutting method that employs a metal wheel to make threads at pipe ends.
It always helps to ask if a Lowes associate can cut a specific product even if that product isn’t included on an official list because policies vary by store.
Final thoughts on getting wood cut at Lowes
Yes, Lowes cuts wood for free. However, there are some limitations.
Customers can generally get one to five cuts for free before incurring a small charge for each additional cut. It’s also important to know that Lowes can’t guarantee perfect accuracy and precision.
The bottom line is that getting wood cut at Lowes is perfect for getting wood to fit in a car or truck. However, customers should not expect cuts done with fine detail.
