Comments on: A Suburban Guide to Buying Lumber

By: Chris Carroll

Chris Carroll — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 01:27:53 +0000

Here in Canada, Home Depot has a Saturday course for kids to help them learn basic carpentry skills (right down to their little tool belts). It may be a good compromise to sit still while your looking at the lumber.
Too bad I found your site 6 years too late. My husband grew up in a hobby farm on the outskirts of a city. They were grandfathered into the bylaws about farm animals no longer being legal after being rezoned from township (country) to city. When we got married they had sheep, ducks (for the freezer of course) a couple of African geese, and silkie chickens. And to this day I do not know why my m-i-l had to buy eggs instead.

By: Tomato Lady

Tomato Lady — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:15:27 +0000

Joe–I’m sure some people feel that way. I figure as long as I don’t make a mess and don’t do anything hazardous, it is expected that the customer picks the nicest boards they can find. Like anything, though, you can take it to the extreme.

By: Joe

Joe — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:09:02 +0000

I think too many people make the mistake of not being selective because they dont want to be perceived as a pest. Do you agree?

By: Tomato Lady

Tomato Lady — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 06:23:28 +0000

SweetSophie–Yes, I can see how it would get old. They are typically very patient and helpful no matter the level of knowledge of the customer.

By: SweetSophie

SweetSophie — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 01:34:50 +0000

I read # 1 to my husband (who used to work at HD) and he replied with this: “We weren’t trained to not laugh, we just heard stupid stuff so much that it wasn’t funny anymore.” Not a dig about asking questions, just thought it was funny to hear about it from the other side.

By: Tomato Lady

Tomato Lady — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 06:18:50 +0000

Brown Thumb Mama–Oh, now, I’m gonna have to hear more about this worm box bench. Sounds dual-purpose and I’m a sucker for that!

By: Tomato Lady

Tomato Lady — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 06:17:22 +0000

JavaLady–An admirer! Well! I can’t promise results like that for everybody, but you’re doing something right! Mmhm.

By: JavaLady

JavaLady — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 04:32:35 +0000

Earlier in the year, when purchasing wood for my chicken coop, I did just as you suggested here. Great tips !! I am a single, divorced mom of three… haven’t dated much in the past couple of years. Well… I got THE BEST Compliment Ever while in Lowes. The man who helped me carry out my lumber, after I had picked it all out by myself mind you, says to me ” ain’t nothing sexier than a woman who can tackle a do-it-yourself job with confidence!” I am still grinning ! Yes, same fella helped me load gardening supplies last month.

By: Brown Thumb Mama

Brown Thumb Mama — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 04:01:10 +0000

Thanks for the tips! I’m about to do Serious Construction and build a worm box bench for the backyard. Here’s hoping everything comes together OK!

By: Tomato Lady

Tomato Lady — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 03:39:30 +0000

Aha, another good button box. I hadn’t thought of that one!