Don't Buy FULL PLYWOOD SHEETS If You Don't Need Them! TRY THIS...(Pre-Cut Plywood)

[@SteveRamsey]

This is great advice. I always dread having to deal with a full sheet of 3/4" plywood. Whenever I can, I always buy these smaller panels. Plus, I won't have a huge sheet of plywood takking up space in my shop if I can't get to it for a couple days.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thanks Steve! When I cleared out my last shop, I had a literal TON of lumber to give away or dump, much of it ply scrap. In recent years, with storage/shop space so much more expensive in my current town, I’ve come to value having just enough lumber for a project, and limited scrap on hand. The price hike on small panels has often been worth it to me 🙂

[@chrisE815]

You mean a couple months? 😄

[@raw0430]

Seeing Steve Ramsey comment here is like the best cross-over between my favorite KZbin Channels.

[@SidewinderINC]

In the UK the economy of scale is so crazy though that a full sheet is £35 but the quarter sheet is £20. They cut it for free in store, up to 4 cuts, so I just get it cut into quarters there.

[@diversify210]

Steve Ramsey. You must enjoy wasting money and paying at least 2x as much for sheet goods.

[@leroymichaelson4922]

Actually, those project panels are almost twice the cost per square foot as a full sheet. I often have Home Depot cut a full sheet into quarters for me, then do the final trimming on my table saw

[@kzone272]

"Tiny markup" isn't even close to accurate at the Home Depot near me. Closer to 3x per square foot.

[@lachutequimarche8074]

Totally agree. If you care about price per unit, it’s a super painful markup that I can’t justify.

[@robertray3746]

That's right brother just like any food you buy in smaller packs you pay for it

[@SumDumGy]

Agreed. All the stores I know of charge a premium for precut panels.

[@MrGhani79]

This guy doesn’t know the price of the what he’s recommending. Buy the full sheet and save money

[@SumDumGy]

@gus hani, In his defense, lumber prices can vary quite a lot depending on where you’re at in the country.

[@heystarfish100]

With the commonality of the cordless circular saw parking lot carpentry is another option. 👍😎👍

[@jackson01357]

I saw it in the home depot parking lot a couple days ago!

[@geyser3445]

@@jackson01357 I have cut drywall IN the store before.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

This is extremely true, starfish 😆 I’ve been so slow to switch to cordless circ saws, but I’ve watched guys rip down a whole stack in the parking lot.

[@steelsunpi]

They'll also cut for you.

[@wearetemporary]

Why has this NEVER occurred to me?? I even have a nice cordless circ saw.

[@bplup6419]

"There is usually a markup but its not too much." It is quite significant now at Lowes and Depot.

[@ravenlorans]

Problem is, Precut Costs MORE than Regular Sheets of Ply. Same with Precut Sheetrock. I worked at a Home Improvement Store. We sold Precut. Half sheets (ply or rock) cost just as much as Full Sheets. That is why it Costs more. If you Fuck up, you don't have the leftover from the Whole sheet, so you go back and buy another 1/2 Sheet and now you just paid Double the Price of a Full Sheet.

[@Guardian_Arias]

always was, not sure where he got his numbers from

[@Kris5344]

Pre cut plywood is handy if you don’t need more than 1/2 of the sheet. But price per square foot is usually almost 2x that of a full sheet. My local big box stores stock 2x2, 2x4 and 4x4 pieces. Both of main brands also cut wood material with 1st cut free and following cuts at $.50 each. If you got larger mini van or full size pickup truck full sheet will fit flat on the back (6’5” bed plus tailgate stretch to 8ft most of the time) If you got mid size truck 4ft will still fit between the sides but not between the wheel wells. So put it in on angle (with tailgate up). Don’t forget to get some ratcheting 1in straps to make the load solid (I got 4 pack of those for $8 from favorite cheep tool store). Smaller vehicle get a cordless circular saw.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Good loading tips, Kris. I’ve got a 6’ bed, and have always slid boards over the gate and left 2’ hanging out (under the legal limit that requires a flag in NC). That said, the mark-up around here isn’t nearly so bad for pre-cut. It’s usually just a few bucks extra. I get them more for convenience since I don’t have nearly as much shop storage room as I used to. I hate cutting up and throwing away scrap.

[@jpcarpentry4199]

Local lumberyard charges about $31 for a 1/2" sheet of 4' x 8'. Home Depot charges $25 for a 2' x 4' sheet, over 3 times the cost. I agree, stick with a full sheet and have it cut down.

[@rtgray7]

@@TheHonestCarpenter AMEN!

[@Victriol]

@@jpcarpentry4199 Yeah I checked prices at my local Lowes and I would be spending twice or even more buying pre cut. It is stupid the markup. I just tell the employee to help me get a full sheet and get them to cut it. Maybe I have some tear out, but still I can clean it up at home.

[@hamp7803]

I always get the full sheet, anything left over is usually used for another project. The price difference sorta make the second project free, because of the price difference. Believe me, I don't have space for a lot of extra wood laying around.

[@msk3905]

I have a small shop so every piece of real estate is important to me. I listen to this video and do people not make cut sheets before projects so that they know what they need? More often than not I need full sheets but I draw out how everything is going to be cut then have Lumber place cut down to fit in my SUV without creating any waste. I go so far as asking to see where they are cutting if it needs to be exact, they don’t care and I don’t care if they think I’m a jerk it’s my money.

[@glenndorfman8559]

Excellent video. I am an older person and it is much easier to manage 2x4’, and 4x4’ sheets than a 4x8. Most of the big Box Stores will cut a full sheet 1 cut for free. That allows for the much more manageable 2x8 sheet also. That is about all I can manage anymore. Keep up the excellent educational videos.

[@danr9183]

The best thing that ever happened to my DIY woodworking hobby was becoming a parent of multiple kids and needing to buy a minivan. Yeah, it takes me about 40 minutes to uninstall and later reinstall three car seats, but being able to put the seats down and go pick up a full sheet of plywood has been awesome. Lots of respect for the van. Modern Minivans are designed to accommodate a 4‘ x 8‘ sheet.

[@tmqmo]

I fit 4x8 plywood in my minivan all the time. I love my seats that fold into the floor.

[@w1tchyw0man81]

As an amateur with woodworker, i typically feel overpowered with the entire arrangement kzbin.infoUgkxrYREG3-7f1Aqk9ams3ZESRNzGnfdUtyQ . Be that as it may, this arrangements drove me through with much clarity and effortlessness woodplans. Works i now work like a genius. That is great!

[@VJ-ft2xj]

I cut in the parking lot all the time with my cordless circular and a drywall square as a guide

[@dancearoundtheworld5360]

Dude some people are just lazy, i love that your independent and professional

[@Hvn1957]

I’m a woodworker by trade, but I also have a small home shop and I drive a Honda Fit 😂. I do buy cut sheets occasionally, but I’ve developed a couple of techniques as well. A 2’ by 8’ half sheet will actually fit in a Fit with the front seat down. (As will 8’ dimensional lumber.) I try to never have the big box cross cut ply. That’s where the most damage is done. If it’s a rip along the grain, the cut will be ok. Also, I always have them cut well over the finished dimension, then use my track saw at home. In the end though, sometimes it’s best just to have them deliver. Great video! I really enjoy your channel.

[@austinstubblefield9907]

Good idea in a pinch, but you pay a premium for the smaller pieces. I found you’re better off grabbing a full sheet and using a cordless saw to cut it down out in the parking lot. Great video as always!

[@ipick4fun27]

@@ravenlorans back in the days (like 15 years a go), HD has "Junk" pile that sells cult at $0.51 for 4ft 2"x4" to $4.01 for slightly damaged 1/4 sheet plywood. I can load up my car with $15 worth. I also got lots of 1"x6" or 1"x8" in 4ft lengths ranging $1.01 to $2.01 each. So most of everything I made are 4ft and under. LOL. I used to buy them and put in storage. Those good old days are long gone. Don't see them anymore.

[@ravenlorans]

@@ipick4fun27 We had a Bin Full of Random 2x's Most Warped and Twisted. I sold it to a 13yr old for like $100 and there was easily $1000 worth of Lumber in it. He wanted to build a Tree House. I once sold a Stack 6ft High of Random Sheet Rock to a guy for $40. STORE Manager told me to get rid of it so I did. My Last Day on the job also.. Since the New Department Manager was a Nazi Fuck Twat with Swastika Tats, Buzz Cut and Goatee..... Got Pissed at me and started to Cuss me out in front of the guy who bought it. Store manager tried to Back me up but I told him no need and told the Dept. Man to got Fuck Himself as Loud as I could.. then walked away....

[@ipick4fun27]

@@ravenlorans They often confuse price and cost. If they are good lumber they could've sold for $1000. But they are not. The cost to the store is not $1000 and there is no way the kid will shell out $1000 for those lumber. He will find an alternative. So they see a miss of opportunity in sales that isn't really there. He wouldn't have bought bought it if not for steep discount. They also didn't see the value of opening he floor space for other sales opportunity. I think the store manager is doing the right thing. Cut the lose. Otherwise, customers will see them as bad quality and reflect badly on the store.

[@ravenlorans]

@@ipick4fun27 The Lumber was all the stuff picked through and others didn't want for one reason or other. The Sheetrock was because of Stupid Employees not caring about their job and not knowing how to operate a Forklift... They would drive with the tongs Dragging, Sharpening them, then smacking them against walls to curl them up and/or other stupid shit, or not spreading them out to the full 4-5ft on 8-12foot sheetrock and wonder why it snaps in two... Same with Garage Doors. That was mostly the Stores/Owners/Corporates fault. Forks would only spread to 4-5 wide on Garage Doors that were 10-20ft and on the Top/Highest Shelf were the Forklift just Barely made it, then Take it out of the Employees Pay if they Dropped them and damaged them... You know, Instead of having a Forklift the size they use at the factories that spread to 8-10feet (or more in some case)... It was worse when they tried to get them down with the Inside Forklifts that only spread 3.5-4ft apart and 2-3ft less height.. If they didn't Tip side to side they would tip forward and drop them that way.. Winter time was the worst..

[@jeremynguyen2346]

@@ipick4fun27 what is a panel saw

[@jaireidca]

Minivans are great! Caravan, Odyssey and Sienna all take a 4x8 sheet in the back.

[@jallenrt]

I have a 6 foot bed on my truck which works for grabbing lumber but every time we rent a minivan for a trip for extra room I always make a run to stock up on plywood before returning it, they're *fantastic* for full sheets!

[@jjtbone]

Yes! People are always amazed what we fit into our Toyota Sienna. For Christmas, my family got me a workbench with casters and the Home Depot guys were happy to load that up in the van. The distance between the ground and the van made it easy to load it and then unload it when we got home.

[@MaxTSanches]

A Honda CRV (2017) won't take a 4' wide anything. Not the back at an angle or the side doors. I can't remember but it was around 38". So measure before you buy or take a cordless saw (for the wood).

[@morefiction3264]

And Town and Country which is basically a fancier Caravan

[@thardyryll]

As soon as I heard our presenter say full sheets won’t fit in most vehicles, I thought to myself, “They sure as hell fit in my 1999 Chrysler Town & Country.” So your comment is right on. Minivans are without a doubt the most useful vehicles on the road. I paid $1,500 for mine 12 years ago, and 100,000 miles later (225k now) it has paid for itself many times over. The rear seats never go back in. Yes, I own a Dodge Ram 2500 with an 8-foot bed, but the van gets way more use. Rainy weather? Easy choice - the van. A truck canopy will keep your load dry, but it is hell getting stuff in and out. The van’s three rear doors make loading and unloading a breeze, and 10-foot lumber fits between the front seats. It’s a good thing that most contractors have never figured all this out, because it makes used vans a steal.

[@robbyrogers835]

This video was very informative aside from the part where you mentioned equal distribution pricing. The cost of quarter sheets is marked up tremendously! You actually proved that point in this video when you showed the 2' x 4' piece of 3/4" oak plywood priced at $28. In my experience it's more cost effective to purchase a whole 4' x 8' sheet and have it cut to dimensions that are practical for transportation and the tools available to the consumer. The comments made in regards to tear out from the panel saw are spot on. I typically have them cut panels 2" proud of my final desired dimensions just in case that blade is ither dull or not right for the cut.

[@COShea-iw6ii]

As I begin the journey to build out my Tacoma for camping... those pre-cut plywood sheets look to make my parking garage, apartment dwelling life easier for the build. Brilliant! Thank you for the knowledge.

[@dontrump5277]

Another great video, straight and to the point. A few weeks I bought a full sheet of MDF for some shop projects at HD. I asked (@.25 a cut) to have it cut twice, into two 40” pieces w of course a smaller piece left over. I don't have a truck so I need them cut. The old fella cut into it about an 8/th of an inch in and then adjusted his saw...I was pizzed. I didn’t say anything ‘cause I knew what I was going to use and it wasn’t a big deal. He did say he might be off up to an 8th...lol.. I often now buy the precut and will pay closer attention to the prices, that said I don't own a truck etc to do much of anything else so I am at the mercy of the smaller pieces. ...I wont let that guy cut maple or birch ....lol Cheers Again from Arizona

[@carbonarrow7]

That is where a Harbor Freight folding trailer will come in handy for hauling full sheets and can be towed with a car too. They can can tow a few sheets of plywood.

[@uneartheros]

I LOVE plywood!!! It’s my favorite material right now as a beginner. It’s cheap and you can get a lot out of a full sheet. It’s perfect for shop furniture!!

[@DJMARTIN73]

I'm gonna take my table saw to HD and start charging to cut people's ply

[@clickster1883]

Brilliant!

[@homesteadorbust]

Would be good advertising for their saws too.

[@fadetonoir6152]

I would take you up on that - I see people using cordless circular saws all the time and always want to ask to borrow them!

[@damesaphira9790]

I will bring my generator for a cut of the profit. 👍🤠

[@HBSuccess]

Tracksaw. Much easier.

[@Rocadamis]

Knowing that the cut saw at HD or Lowes will cause a lot of tear-out, I always do my planning ahead of time to account for some extra spacing that I can trim off later. It doesn't always work, of course, sometimes tolerances are tight and I need every inch. If that's the case, I can sometimes get away with pre-cut wood and using two joined pieces instead of one long one. It really does help to give some extra time to pre-plan a project as best as you can instead of flying by the seat of your pants. It saves a ton of time later. Another great vid.

[@johncware66]

Try talking to the person during the cut, it slows them down. I've found a lot of the tear out is from them "rushing the saw"

[@kathyr.6825]

I love the precut panels! As a newer diyer and just learning my power tools, these smaller pieces are just right for me, and easier to transport via sedan..😉. I’m using one for a makeshift workbench now and loving it! Thank you Ethan!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

You’re welcome, Kathy!😄

[@doneown503]

We are dancing in the streets with you, Kathy! So good to see the ladies excited over power tools!

[@pattifitzgerald8567]

Hi just found your channel and boy am I grateful.. I am a new diy’er. Ok I am obsessed with doing my own projects, hahaha often searching for projects just to learn how to achieve my idea of greatness! I appreciate you and all you offer! Thanks....

[@garyford5343]

I looked at “Sande” ply at Home Depot yesterday. 3/4 was $21 per 1/4 sheet so $84 vs. a full 4 x 8 sheet was $45

[@GmailUnited]

wtf, wonder what the price would be a year ago?

[@janesmith1398]

Wood prices are through the roof in North America.

[@SteveBakerIsHere]

@@janesmith1398 Yep. 2x4's went from $2.50 to $8.50 when I looked a few days ago. A full sheet of 1/2 ply was $110. It's crazy! Here in Texas, house prices are going through the roof - but all of our local home builders are idle because of lumber costs.

[@janesmith1398]

In British Columbia lumber has quadrupled in the past year. People are resorting to stealing it.

[@janee7995]

@@SteveBakerIsHere already thought it was expensive in Europe. Here 12mm ply full sheet is €50. Quick calculation $60

[@elmouhandiss]

I have accidentally bumped into some precut plywood at Home Depot during my last visit down there and it made my day. It's exactly as you said. They are not near the full size plywoods. This is an amazing advice that can save people so much money and avoid damaging their vehicle when trying to fit a full size plywood in it. Thanks

[@brosier]

Watching people try to put too large a piece of wood in their car is sometimes the most enjoyable part of the Home Depot shopping trip

[@cammie8701]

I take it you saw me trying to fit a 4x8 into my equinox. LOL

[@elizabetholiviaclark]

@@cammie8701 As the owner of a Pontiac Torrent, I feel ya.

[@SteveBakerIsHere]

@@elizabetholiviaclark Tesla Model 3 - max sheet size is 3'x6'...to within an inch!

[@ice12d]

Great video! One thing I would add is that in some areas you might get lucky and find a local lumber yard that does free delivery. Near where I live is a small family owned lumber yard that will even deliver a single sheet of plywood for free! Its not worth the money for big box stores to do this but sometimes smaller shops offer free delivery to get a competitive edge so its worth it to check out.

[@andygalkin]

In my store 2x4 cost more than a half of 4x8, although its 1/4 of an area

[@frankstith7800]

I used OSB to floor in the attic over my garage. I had HD cut the full size sheets into quarter panels. It is much easier to get a 2’x4’x7/16” panel up those pull down attic stairs if you are by yourself and especially, if you’re 68 years young, than a 4x8 sheet. Yes, that 7/16” panel has a little give when walking on it, but it cuts down on the weight of plywood. And this is the second garage I have done...the first was 20 years ago.

[@QuantumPyrite_88.9]

If you see someone in the parking lot cutting down plywood and lumber using a Skillsaw connected to the inverter in a vehicle , don't be surprised . Thanks for another Excellent video Nathan & 1,000 thumbs up .

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thanks Quantum! I'm getting an inverter and plugging into the truck next time---I've got to try this!

[@adamsonlinearrayspeakersha87]

Hello

[@SuperSaltydog77]

Necessity is the mother of invention

[@robertgiresi9515]

@@TheHonestCarpenter A 15W corded circular saw will require a 2000W pure sine wave inverter because a modified sine wave probably won't work on a power tool using an AC motor.

[@coldfusioneer]

why not just use a battery powered circular saw?

[@patrickdunn8918]

I discovered this a while back, and the edges are much better like you said. I’m old, and don’t like handling full sheets anymore lol. Great info going out to all!

[@michaelg.294]

If I had a dollar for every time I walked empty-handed out of Lowes because there wasn't anyone available to cut down some lumber for me, I would have enough to buy a Coke at Lowes! (If you've never purchased a Coke at Lowes, they're about $3 each, with tax)

[@dancearoundtheworld5360]

Yeah hardly there is someone working or saw break due to the retards that force shit threw it since its just meant for plywood, but i wonder why a guy cant do it buy themselves

[@stevekiss616]

Thanks. Home run. I've used both pre-cut panels and had the store custom cut full sheets of 3/4" material length wise to make them easier for me to handle alone. Both of these solutions have been a huge help.

[@davidstewart3797]

I respectfully disagree with your price assessment of pre-cut sheets, usually 2x the full sheet price in my neighborhood.

[@houstonsam6163]

Just this week I found the mark-up on a half sheet to be pretty significant. I bought 4x4 "project panels" at the Big Box to build some plywood tables for my garage. For all the reasons mentioned, plus I'm too old to go 1-on-1 with a full 4x8 3/4 inch panel, I went with the half sheets. After building three tables with half sheets I had paid enough to build four with full sheets of the same grade plywood. No regrets, the extra money is less than I would smoke in cigars on a camping trip. But I'm thinking about making one of those "professional" saw horses with adjustable height so I can use it as a stand to support a 4x8 as I pull it off my truck bed and cut it down with a circular saw while unloading. Great channel, I appreciate the information you share.

[@wynnkin]

Timing is everything. Just had a neighbor take me to HD in his truck to get a full sheet. Still have over half of it taking up space in the garage. "Next time gadget, next time." Good video ethan. 8●)

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thanks, Wynn! The neighbor with a truck option is always primo 😁

[@stanleyhape8427]

I've lived in some pretty small places but never thought half a sheet of plywood took up too much room. I learned early on how having some plywood on hand is very beneficial.

[@SteveBakerIsHere]

@@stanleyhape8427 I took to hiding a couple of sheets behind the living room sofa - until my wife found out. Between the mattress and the box-spring in the spare bedroom remains undetected so far! (And one guest commented on how well they slept on that firm mattress!) ...but seriously, build a rack in the garage.

[@gordon2000k]

Useful. Very. Didn't know about pre-cut sheets. Find this channel is to the point and useful for the DIY. Kudos.

[@34stzoo]

Yeah, but the pre cut they charge an arm and a leg for it.

[@jeffh4505]

Exactly. Precut costs almost as much as a full size sheet

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Mine are just a few bucks typically, 34. Usually I’m running out with that thing under my arm to get back to a job site.

[@cmaden]

Here's a current example: HD has a 4 x 8 cabinet grade sheet near me right now for $46. A 2 x 4 precut sheet of the same grade and thickness is a whopping $27 bucks. So by the time you buy 4 of these project panels to equal the 4 x 8 sheet, you've paid $108, almost 2.4 times the cost. I get that people don't have the room to store it or to transport it, but I would highly recommend only using these as a last resort because you get completely screwed over on price.

[@tundrawhisperer4821]

Yeah, my store took my arm and both my legs! I buy full sheets and sell the fall off’s on Craig’s List! 👍🏻👍🏻😁

[@huejanus5505]

@@TheHonestCarpenter Where the hell do you shop? The prices you’re quoting are nowhere near reality.

[@YourOwnWay]

Good info for emerging DIYers. I’m in the process of making soap box derby cars with the youth of my church. Plywood is the ultimate material for projects like this.

[@chrisgraham2904]

Have you tried "bendy plywood" for some really cool shapes?

[@jonathaneglinton5378]

I wouldn't call double the price a "tiny markup".

[@tedtolentino4955]

Hi and thank you for this video. I have used pre-cut sheets of plywood for small projects, as mentioned in this video. When I have needed the standard 4 x 8 sheets I have rented a small utility trailer to haul them home. it's a hassle but it avoids the dangers you mentioned in the video. This was a good tip to know.

[@dagda825]

I bought a cargo van with an 8 foot bed just for this reason. Trucks these days are ridiculous station wagons with a trophy box stuck on the end. And the van cost my 3k.

[@northeasttexasgardener]

Yep. Pickups these days are just cars with a big open trunk space. My wife's Ford F150 has a bed that's only 5'6" long. Great for groceries, but that's about all.

[@psrobert1961]

Before buying my Full Size Ram I often carried full sheets of plywood on my SUV's roof racks. Using the correct straps and putting a loop over the front of the sheets helps with the wind.

[@RandomPerson-sb5mw]

Price is a lot higher pre square foot.

[@chef_life247]

I'm so happy I found your Chanel. I'm just geting into dyi for stuff around the house. You are so educational thank again

[@evolvep2747]

takes me less than 5 minutes to rip up a full sheet into manageable sizes with my cordless tracksaw. rip a full sheet no problem. wood is hella expensive these days. hell of expensive.

[@pokerdiver123]

Do this in the parking lot?

[@evolvep2747]

@@pokerdiver123 yessir all day. splitting a 4*8 into two pieces, so it fits into my subaru outback.

[@MicahGourde]

@@pokerdiver123 Heck yeah! The employees aren’t concerned about it, most just look the other way and keep walking. That, and few people are assertive enough to to challenge someone who IS assertive enough to bring power tools to Home Depot and use them in the parking lot.

[@jinyoon7244]

I used to buy the precut sheets at the big box stores. More recently, started working with baltic birch, which usually comes in 5x5 sheets. My local lumberyard cuts em in half for free (or slightly offset). This makes then the prefect size to not only fit in a compact suv with the seats down, but also manageable for rips on my job site table saw.

[@ThailandTerry]

I was expecting some kind of trade tip not "use smaller pieces" lol. Face palm moment right there.

[@someonespadre]

I buy 48” pine stair treads, they are 1” thick. $12 each. They have a bullnose and a veneer. They are paint grade but I stain and finish them. Use them for bookcases which they are perfectly suited for. Cut ends don’t require any treatment like plywood. Easy to rip narrower on table saw (factory width is 11-1/2”). They look like solid wood. They are mostly stable but can pick up a bit of cup or slight twist.

[@justsayin6795]

I always have home depot cut mine and I dont pay the extra cost and several cuts for the size I need. 👍

[@custommadecrafts1271]

We do the same here in the uk at b&,q!

[@lemonbar77]

I kid you not, I watched this video 6 minutes after getting off the phone with Lowes to ask if their "lumber machine" (as they call it) was working today. I live in NYC, and 9 times out of 10, the saw is "out of order," which I've come to learn is code for "we don't have anyone trained to use it working today." Sure enough, I was told it is working today, but then I saw this video. You have the greatest timing, sir!

[@johnf4085]

Same here man, NYC native. The machines working is a dice roll

[@ErictheHalf_bee]

It does fit in a dodge caravan. I hauled many a sheet in one over the years.

[@davidgraf1909]

Yes I actually measured if before I bought a 2015 Townes and country. I was impressed.

[@Tolohtony]

I hauled 26 sheets of drywall in mine. Couldn't quite shut the hatch because of the angle of back of the front seats by the time they were stacked. With 6 sheets probably would have been able to.

[@robertbeirne9813]

@@Tolohtony how’s your transmission ?

[@Tolohtony]

@@robertbeirne9813 It has the shift to second shutter (since new). Other than that, fine. (Knock on wood)

[@mountainhike100]

Been buying small sheets of plywood for a very long time. Think they are great in so many builds I do. You are so right about the messed up edges when they cut big sheets. If I really need a full sheet, I take it to my truck and cut it myself. Both big store let me do it, but ask me to park on the side of the building. Also some times if you know you will need a entire stack, say 2 x 4 x 1/2 sheets they may give you a discount of up to 10%. Have been getting 4x4 and 2x4 sheets in entire stacks now going on 5 years.

[@billgrabbe9992]

I love the pre-cut pieces. Part of my saw safety is to make as few cuts as possible, as I'm still building good habits. This not only reduces my exposure time to a running blade, but fewer cuts allow me to be more patient and focused in planning and executing my cuts. I'm not tempted to rush if I only make a few cuts. Also, I end up with more factory edges.

[@brianmoore3294]

Good video for those unfamiliar with getting plywood home. As others have mentioned, there is more than a small mark up for project panels. 2' X 4" 3/4" birch is $27 a sheet making it almost twice the sqft price of a full sheet. If I can't transport a full sheet, I almost always have them cut a full sheet for me. As you point out, expect the dull blade on their panel saw to really tear it up. The other day, they shredded a $58 sheet of red oak ply so badly that I complained to the manager. He gave me 15% off the price. With careful planning on my project, I was able to use almost the whole thing. I would advise asking for a break if the cuts are too bad.

[@killa1068]

I’ve always had luck having sheets cut in store. The cost of the pre-cuts is significantly higher than the time it takes to clean up a store cut piece, IMO.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Valid, Killa. It can often depend on how busy the store is for some people. That panel saw line can get deep, but some operators seem to be better than others too.

[@heystarfish100]

@@TheHonestCarpenter Some stores like Menards don’t have the capability of making cuts for their customers but they do have nice seating benches right outside the building at the loading zone that will make due as a sawhorse. 🤣🤣🤣 I don’t usually shop at Lowe’s because of distance but your comment on the blade sharpness at Home Depot is spot on. As they cut through the stock you can smell the wood burning when you walk in the door. Those ripping cut handsaws they have set up for cross cutting trim is a whole new video. 🤣🤣🤣

[@killa1068]

@@TheHonestCarpenter one of the benefits to living in the boonies, I suppose. ✌️

[@skrome1953]

How much room do you allow for clean up in case you get a poor in-store cut?

[@killa1068]

@@skrome1953 I’d have them cut another one, if they messed the cut up that bad.

[@1144house1]

They are a little more but its worth it to me. Just doing home projects around the house you almost never need a full sheet. Some of the quality pieces I don't even paint. They really look good, if you stain or just seal them. You give great advice.

[@DalyVideo]

The quarter panels at home depot near me were like $25! No way, I'll just have them cut it up and deal with edges.

[@Turk380]

their cuts are sloppy as hell anyway. if I'm having them break down a sheet for me, I leave myself and inch or two extra that I can cut clean to my desired size when I get home

[@bonniemiller4106]

This is a great video. I didn’t know you could get pre-cut plywood. I was concerned about handling and plywood is very heavy and cumbersome. This pre-cut is so much easier to handle, thanks so much.

[@marmaladesunrise]

AWESOME. Didn't know.

[@gyges2375]

Where I live, partial sheets are twice the price of full sheets, and a 4x8 fits in my Toyota Sienna with no problem. When I want the full sheet cut down, I add a 1/4 inch to the cut. If the HD guy measures wrong or the blade tears up the edge, I can trim it when I get home. This was still a good video because it makes people think about options, like bringing a saw and cutting the sheet in the parking lot. I'd like to see a tip on loading a plywood sheet by yourself. That's always been tricky for me.

[@florentpanzani3874]

Be a “honest” carpenter and tell us which big box is sponsoring you? They increase the sq.fr price by 75% to make 2 cuts on a 4’x8’ sheet. This is absolute nonsense and borderline criminal. Got caught once, I will never buy pre-cuts ever again.

[@KBQuick81]

As a DIYER I greatly appreciated this video!

[@saigyl9149]

the quality of those "pre-cut" plywoods are trash compared to the full sheets, and the price is outrageously more

[@Turk380]

agree on the price, but it's literally the exact same material as the full sheet so don't know what you mean by the quality being less?

[@saigyl9149]

@@Turk380 could have just been the store I bought it from, but the edges of the smaller sheet had more gaps and an all round rougher edge

[@Turk380]

@@saigyl9149 I could see that. They're certainly not cutting them down with a nice 80t Freud plywood blade. I've been finding a lot of voids even in the crap 5-ply "cabinet grade" Birch the Orange Box is selling for $60 per 4x8 sheet lately..

[@tom_schroeder]

Thank you for helping DIYers solve practical problems. It’s a huge timesaver.

[@samriley8278]

With all that talking he could have easily explained the kerf.

[@jordandominy7295]

I use project panels all the time to make table saw jigs. But at my local Lowe’s and Home Depot, the markup for the pre-cut panels is not small. Loved the video!

[@bobtaylor7361]

I always grab pre-cut sheets when I can. I also look for cut off and dinged wood. Lots of times I can purchase a larger piece than I need at a lot lower cost. Also look for dinged cabinets. I redid a laundry room with dinged cabinets. Proper placement and you don't see it. 8 ft of upper and lower cabinets for less than $100. Counter top cost more than cabinets. Keep up the great tips.

[@dancearoundtheworld5360]

Ill be honest they just want that stuff out of the store as fast as possible, it looks bad for a store

[@wildpat03]

I have an old (1986) F-150 with a 8' bed. I got it cheap too, 4 yrs ago. With everything I hauled with it, it paid for itself at least twice if not three times.

[@Faustustopheles]

I have a honda civic and I have them cut the sheets in three pieces. They seem to do a decent job of cutting them. Yesterday I got a full sheet of 3/4" mdf. They cut it into three pieces and I was able to get all of it in my car. That mdf is heavy as heck... But I'm excited to try it.

[@Faustustopheles]

I would buy the smaller pieces but I cant get past the mark-up no matter how small it seems. I always use all the wood so I feel like I am being ripped off if I get it in small pieces. I feel like if I can cut them down to size myself I shouldn't have to pay for them to do it for me and charge more. I wish I did have a truck but I love my civic 😁.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

MDF cuts a lot cleaner than plywood, Faust, because of no grain pattern. So that’s a pretty good option. You’re right though, the stuff is concrete weight 😵

[@frankbalk7440]

Thanks for your comments. I have been using pre-cut panels to cover the carpet in my apartment so I can use my wheeled office furniture, especially my office chairs. Even after changing the chair wheels to 4” and 5”, the heels dig into the carpet making them difficult to use and destructive to the carpet. So, I’ve laid cheap non-structural utility panels over the area office I use my office chairs which solve the problems I descried, but since the panels are made of

[@garykorzelius5930]

I have used quarter sheets for a few projects like backs for the signs I made for our community here in DE. The 24x48 size was perfect for what I was doing and worked really well. It was easy to carry them as you said, and because I have a small workshop to work in it saves me from having to figure out how to maneuver the sheets to cut. Thanks

[@grumpywiseguy5992]

Also, at HD, they offer to rent a truck for 20 bucks for 45 minutes or so. That is an option if you live close by like I do. Or if you have a lot of stuff, their delivery fee is $75 or so. Either way is a lot cheaper than ANY pickup or trailer, new or used. The only other issue is that half the time, the vertical saw is OUT OF ORDER, for usually unknown reasons. Especially at the big box L store near me. You get there in a rush like you did and voila!! No saw and you didn't bring one along on this trip!! Thanks for the tip, I am sure it will help someone out there. Stay Safe.

[@ajminxy]

Parking lot cut down. I find the cost for the amount of pre-cut panels I need far exceeds just buying a full panel. I invested in a cordless to rip my dimensions in the parking lot or just have it cut in half at the store if I don't need long lengths. I always find a project for scraps. If i need bulk, i just pay for the delivery to cut at home. My car won't support the weight anyway.

[@rcelectronicsllc9400]

Pre-cut sheets are great if they fit the project. I use them whenever I can. Another thing is -don't forget the scrap pile. Quite often I have found just the right piece there.

[@danbrandt5731]

I like you’re channel, keep up the good work, I don’t like the price of any wood compared to “PRE-COVID” prices, its really ridiculous. As for any of the naysayers in the comments, I’m a tradesman myself I know even with a battery operated saw, and a brand new blade, if I’m going to attempt to rip down or worse yet cross cut any GOOD1/4- 1/2-3/4 veneer plywood, like oak or birch, I would at least put blue tape where I’m going to cut and play parking lot carpenter at HD or the “blue store” , as for any straight and precise cuts in the parking lot, unless you have a real work vehicle and are not using the cheapie plastic sawhorses, “yeah , pull those out of your Yugo in the parking lot” I don’t I usually do it on the job site with the table saw. Yes, the smaller precut pieces are a little more, but they’re great in a pinch. And not $55.00

[@CowboyPants-h5p]

4'x8' sheets of plywood or drywall fit flat completely inside my 2007 Toyota Sienna van with all but the front seat out. I love it!!! Can't do this with the latest models, however.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

I had a panel van when I was pro that could keep all my tools stored shelves, and still have room for 6 sheets standing on edge, doors closed. I miss that van!

[@geoffreycoan]

Interesting to watch, in the UK I'd say the situation is different. Our boards are metric for a start but as 2440mm x 1220 they're pretty much imperial sizes just measured in mm! There's only one store chain that regularly has a timber cutting machine (B&Q) but we have no issues with cut quality. The blades are always sharp and I've had many working surfaces cut down by them - with no damage and far straighter cuts than I can manage. We too have half or quarter boards but I'd say the markup on the more convenient boards is higher than the US. Personally I pretty much buy full sheets and carry them home on the roof rack - tie the load securely and especially put a rope over the front and rear of the boards, tying to the roof bar brackets as you go. This'll prevent the boards sliding forward or back. Took 9 sheets of osb home like this up the motorway quite happily. Other option is to get the timber delivered. Most builders merchants do this for free or a small charge.

[@swbjackson]

In the UK a lot of the DIY stores don't store the pre-cut panels very well so you need to sort through them to make sure that they aren't warped. You will also pay a hefty premium over buying from a good timber merchant. My local timber merchant will cut panels to any size and will happily sell you part of a sheet at a premium. Their panel saw cuts very well and they take a bit of care over the cutting so you still get a good edge. They also have a rack of plywood offcuts and you can buy a handful of offcuts that will often suit a smaller project at a similar rate to buying full sheets.

[@benharrison1069]

Ethan, you might have already made such a video that I have not seen, but this is just a thought for a video - to show and talk about the different types of plywood and their appropriate or intended uses and poor uses. This was a good video and I learned something new from you as usual. Thanks! 👍

[@neilpountney9414]

Best compromise is to buy a full sheet and have it cut oversize for your project but small enough to put in your vehicle that way you can recut to size at home and get the best of both worlds!

[@rogerlafon6717]

I had no idea this option existed. Have to check my local big box store to find out. Could have saved me a lot of hassles for DIY projects in the past. The future can be brighter. HA! Great video as always. Keep it up. I'll keep watching.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you, Roger! I’ll keep them coming 😄

[@adamarista9955]

Bought 2'x4' sheet recently to build a wine rack. When I began to measure out my cut lines I learned quickly that it wasn't truly 2'x4'. Now I know why 👍

[@cbpuzzle]

I used my sedan roof for full sheets on the highway. Used 4 C clamps, ratchet straps, and small wood blocks to protect the wood from the clamps. Clumsy to strap up, but works every time.

[@chrisgraham2904]

Sheet good certainly can be transported on the roofs of vehicles if they are attached properly. Been doing it for years without issues. The problem is when you see the guy using the free Home Depot string to tie six sheets on the roof of his Honda and then he holds onto the load with his left hand through the driver's window. lol

[@jhans3278]

Thanks for the video. Good reminder. I have a full size pickup with 6-1/2 ft bed and have carried up to 4x10 drywall. However, I’m aware of these smaller sheets and have purchased them when I don’t need full sheets.

[@dbnoho]

I’ve hauled plywood and a 15 feet cedar slab out of my 2006 Ford Fusion. Throw some red tape on the back. Take back roads. Cross your fingers. If Lowe’s panel saw is down for more than a week. Foam board and circular saw in the back of the parking lot. Live each day like the wood needs to get home today.

[@markvasiloff2217]

I did know about the smaller sheets because I recently had the occasion to do a small job that required a 24X36 sheet of material. I have a Taurus and could easily fit it into the trunk. I know it’s a lot more money but you have to take into account the cost of renting a truck. If I had a large job to do I would certainly rent a truck. So, I think your video was helpful for those who may not have considered (or bothered to investigate) ready cut smaller pieces. It’s pretty amazing to see all the dimensional choices.

[@johnslaughter5475]

The half and quarter sheets at my Lowe's are mostly veneer sheets. I get these when I need something for a quick job. Otherwise I get full sheets at a local hardwood store. This gives me off-cuts that are handy for the next small jobs. That said, I drive a 2003 Grand Caravan. There is 4' 1/2" between the wheel wells and I can get a 94" sheet in there. If I need the full 96", I move my front seats forward a bit as well as the console. My Caravan is rated as a 1/2 ton light truck. I've put 1000# of concrete in it with no problems. I remove the center row of seats for trips like this. I never have my back seats in the car. I have even put 12' boards inside. They slant from the loading gate, driver's side, up to the windshield. The Dodge Grand Caravan was a magnificently designed car that is also a very good utility vehicle.

[@DiscoSpaceWalrus]

I love your videos, they provide a lot of really great information. You always teach me something new, which I appreciate!

[@muskaos]

I built myself a desk out of 3/4" two x four hobby panels, and used it all the way through college. These panels are marked up big time, and the ones at the big box stores are only 5 or 7 ply, IME. If you want really good 9 ply panels, you have to find a lumber supplier, or order cut down panels online.

[@dianebaldwin8114]

Didn't know you existed, glad to know someone that knows something we want to hear!!

[@leemoore8154]

I've carried 4x8 sheets on the roof of my car (midisze SUV). It worked fine, but it took 20 or 30 minutes in the parking lot to be sure it wasn't going anywhere since I hadn't done it before. I've also brought a battery powered circular saw and a piece of insulation board to cut a board myself in the parking lot. I agree that the panel saw option isn't great, even if you can find someone to operate it.

[@momma2cavalierssf]

I’m learning so much from your channel! Great topics!!

[@rexmcfarland4997]

I've used plywood panels in the past. Never had to by a full sheet of ply for most of the projects i do. They are great space savers and easier to move and handle.

[@davidbaulch3223]

I recently changed from my 2001 Tundra with an 8ft bed to a 2017 Tacoma with a 6ft bed. Full sheets in the Tundra from a "plywood" company (no big box store -not the proper type of hardwood plywood) and my Tacoma , with the bed open, can handle full sized sheets with little problem. Even made a 2x4 rack that could fit in the bed of a Mazda B2000 so plywood would sit on top and be "ratcheted" down with straps. Now, into a car - always had THAT delivered before I began purchasing trucks.

[@blaster-zy7xx]

Yeah, I have done both. But I prefer to get the full sheets because the precut panels are way more expensive per sq ft. Also, they cut the 4x8s for free and once cut down, they fit on my SUV roof rack. Plus once they are cut down just once, they are much easier to handle.

[@SteveBakerIsHere]

CARRYING STUFF IN MY CAR: A trick I have is to grab a battery operated circular saw, a tape measure, a 4' long straight-edge and a couple of small clamps to use as a fence. I stick those into the trunk of my car whenever I'm shopping for lumber. I buy full 4'x8' sheet material and cut it up myself in a far distant corner of the parking lot!! Those flat-topped carts that they have make a great temporary workbench! I have once had them complain about me doing that (some vague nonsense about safety, liability, dust...meh) - but if you do it in the far corner of the lot where nobody else is parked - they don't seem to care. This saves money - it avoids the "blunt-blade-in-the-store" problem - and it solves the problem with pre-cut materials where a 4'x4' still won't fit and a 2'x4' is too small for my project. STORAGE: I built a floor-to-ceiling storage rack at the end of my garage/workshop. It's 9' tall and 4' wide by 18" deep. Room for a couple of dozen 4'x8' stood on end. It's big - but I use french cleats for tool storage - and the 4'x8' flat side of the rack is covered with cleats - so the rack only consumes about 18" of wall hanging space - and the volume it occupies is insignificant. DELIVERY TRICKS: Whenever I have a very large project - like building a garden shed or back yard decking - I have them deliver all of the materials. They charge a flat rate (somewhere around $50) for doing that - regardless of how much you buy. So if I'm buying (say) $600 of materials to build my shed - I always add in enough extra sheet and dimensional material to fully restock the storage in my workshop. Another option is that Home Depot have cheap truck rental for customers - about $25 for the first hour. So if you can load it up, get it home, unload it and be back at the store within an hour - you can transport a LOT of stuff. The bed of that truck is VAST...there is almost nothing it can't carry. THE REAL PROBLEM: Right now (June 2021) a full sheet of good quality 1/2" ply costs over $100 (Eeeek!) - which makes stocking up my depleted workshop for the future a $2,000 investment! So I'm going to be living off of off-cuts for a while to come!! With a new subdivision being built near me - I may have to resort to some dumpster diving!

[@Erik_The_Viking]

Take a cordless circular saw to a 4x8 sheet. I've used the panels when necessary for smaller pieces. Definitely worth buying when you don't need a full sheet or are unable to carry one.

[@aaronalquiza9680]

i used to install a roof rack on my sedan. i built it in a way that wind will not send sheets and boards flying. i've used it quite a lot, while going slightly below max driving speed and no freeway. i am quite lazy to install it nowadays though, so i bring my clamped straight edge, battery ryobi vac, and battery ryobi circular saw and cut the sheets in the parking lot without leaving a lot of dust.

[@gregcrawford1523]

Use them all the time. I sold my truck a few years back and I drive a small car now. Great for small furniture projects and repairs.

[@TaraSueSalusso]

Really good advice. I need some lumber for a DIY project that is cut to size. My closest lumberyard will cut it for me but only one cut and I need three. With this info it makes me realize that my neighborhood lumberyard isn’t a good choice and I should make the effort to go to big box store. Thank you for the advice. It is very helpful.