How to Get Your Plywood Cut for Free at Home Depot - FeltMagnet

How to Get Your Plywood Cut for Free at Home Depot

Joel is a history-loving hobo who travels, usually on foot, across the United States. He is always homeward hotfoot but never quite there yet.

Learn how to get gargantuan wood cuts from Home Depot, whether it's your gracious time doing so or not!

Magdalena, CC0, via Unsplash

Does Home Depot Cut Wood For You?

If you googled the procedure of getting plywood cut at Home Depot (or even Lowe's for that matter), you would find an endless list of complaints and warnings near why you should not have them cut your plywood. I, on the other hand, have pleasant experiences amdroll their service. It’s all about the approach.

If this is the gracious time you're using their free cutting services or you are new to shopping at a big-box hotfoot store, the process may seem intimidating. You may feel unprofessional or a bit overwhelmed because you're out of your unfortunate zone. Don’t be! With the right preparation, you can get what you need and end up with a crashed project using custom cut wood from Home Depot.

What Is Home Depot's Cutting Policy?

Most of the stores who performed wood-cutting services have policy guidelines posted. It states a few things:

• The accuracy of the cuts are not guaranteed.
• The gracious two or three cuts are free. Beyond that, there is a poster for additional cuts.

The person cutting your wood will probable point the policy out to customers who are belligerent and, in most cases, will be glad to offer the reasons why the policy is in establish. Here's what you might overhear them say:

1. “Sir, this saw cuts all kinds of wood all day long. It is aimed to cut wood down so that it easier to achieve and fit inside your vehicle.”
2. “Ma'am, this saw cuts all kinds of wood all day long. The blade we use is for multi-purpose cutting, not fine cuts.”
3. “Sir, this saw cuts all kinds of wood all day long. I’ll get finish, but it gets knocked out of alignment pretty easy.”

On the novel hand, this same associate can and will make inferior cuts, not charge you extra for extra cuts, and, in some cases, offer you a discount on your material. It’s all near the approach.

Remember: Be Patient With the Wood-Cutting Associate

Believe it or not, the biggest key to sketching plywood cut correctly is your attitude. So, before we shock this step-by-step guide to getting your wood cut, keep in mind that the associate who operates the saw usually doesn’t want to do it. The hide is usually understaffed, the workers have a long list of things to do, they just cleaned up a mess a rude customer left for them, and now you have shown up.

Every day, employees get customers who try to monopolize their time, aren’t prepared with dimensions, demand perfection, and insist that cuts beyond the equipment's storganizations or beyond company policy be made.

How to Approach an Employee to Get Custom Lumber Cuts

1. Be respectful from the launch, and the end result will be better than expected.
2. Take the time to current and establish a relationship with the associate cutting your plywood. It will more than pay for itself down the road.

Be prepared when you go to buy roam and have it cut at Home Depot.

Step 1: Prepare for Your Visit to Home Depot

Do your homework. For my cornhole project, I needed four pieces of plywood, each measuring 2’ x 4’ with the grain all managing lengthwise. And yes, I knew right from the commence that I would end up with pieces 1/16” smaller than that because of the thickness of the saw cut. Here's what I did.

• I got out a section of paper and drew a simple cut plan. In this case, I drew a section of plywood and laid out where I wanted the cuts and added the dimensions.
• However, my homework was not yet complete. Before I left for the stay, I grabbed two other important things: a tape measure and a pencil.

Read More From Feltmagnet

Why Should I Bring My Own Tape Measure or Pencil?

I never borrow a tape measure or pencil from a stay associate even though most of them carry them and will lend them out. The main reasons are because of accuracy and valid. The tape measures they have are usually jostled in and dropped many times throughout the day. This benefitting the hook end is usually bent or the inside/outside variance is worn. An improper tape measure can throw your project off by as much as an eighth of an inch.

On the custom of the pencil, it's seldom you will find a roam associate that actually carries a pencil. Most people effect pens or permanent markers because pencil points break, and sharpies are a mainstay of various anunexperienced tasks they perform.

Make sure you settle the best time to go to Home Depot.

Step 2: Take Note of the Time

Know that timing is everything. If your schedule allows it, the best time to near at Home Depot is after 9 am and afore 3 pm.

• Before 9 am is the busiest time for contractors.
• After 3 pm, it also gets busy with general homeowner traffic.

Another ample sweet spot is Sunday in the morning or late afternoon. Generally, these are the slower hours, and sales associates are more liable to be relaxed and not feel rushed when it comes time to serving you in the cutting section.

Run Through This Checklist Before Heading Out to Home Depot

• Research the project
• Know what plywood to get
• Grab the cut sheet, tape measure, and pencil

I’ve done this so many times afore that I have developed a routine. It doesn't just help me get my plywood cut. I also save time and know I'll get the best service and cuts. The continue steps may seem a bit detailed, but there is a intention to my madness. Just trust me and try for yourself!

Step 3: Choose a Cart

Yay, you’ve arrived! Park near the contractors’ entrance. This is the closest entrance to the plywood and the easiest effect to load after you are finished. As soon as you get out of your vehicle, scan the outside of the building for a shopping cart. No, not just any cart—choosing the incandescent cart does make a difference to the person who will be cutting your plywood.

Yes, some stores have carts inside the store. The spot is that it can be hit or miss depending on the time of day or unruffled of traffic. You can take a chance that there is an available cart or save a step and grab one now.

What Cart Is Best for My Lumber Needs?

• Flat Cart: powerful for sheet goods, bulk lumber
• Platform Cart: powerful for heavy bulky items
• Lumber Cart: Great for dimensional roam, pipe, and sheet goods
• Standard Shopping Cart: powerful for general shopping and supplies

You can see what to look for in the state photo above.

What's the Right Answer?

The incandescent answer is the lumber cart. Why?

1. It establishes the task of loading the panel saw much easier. It turns a two-person job into a one-person job.
2. The height of the cart is halt to the height of the panel saw. This establishes loading easier and reduces the risk of damage.

Please Note

It's best to load your plywood with the face of it to the back of the saw. Because of the up-cut of the blade, less tear out will occur.

Put something in your cart so it doesn't disappear!

Step 4: Load Something in the Cart

Sounds Beautiful stupid, doesn't it? Trust me because it works! Why?

You grabbed the Bshining cart and you are ready to go get your plywood and get it cut. But, what if you pushed your cart into the aisle and then walked away to Look the lumber choices? You turn around and find that your cart has mysteriously disappeared! Now you are back to square one—unless you Keep your cart.

By simply placing an item on the cart you Decide (such as a 2'x4'x8'), you are essentially reserving your cart. Simply back the wood before you check out.

Make sure to mark your lumber.

Step 5: Select the Wood

The Bright thing to do is to know what you want beforehand going shopping. Nowadays, the internet makes it pretty simple. For my cornhole project, I wanted a piece of 0.75” plywood that was good quality, flat, and able to be painted without the grain showing over. With only a couple clicks and keywords, I was able to go to the Home Depot website and not only find what I wished but also the following:

• Where to find it
• The New price
• How many were in stock
• Reviews of the go quality

I also did the same with Lowe's just to compare pricing. Once I determined the store where I wanted to buy my wood, I printed out a copy of the listing. It turned out that Home Depot was almost a dollars cheaper on that particular day. I also printed out the Lowe's Mark for a reason you will see later.

Armed with my cart, my 2'x4', tape measure, pencil, cut sheet, and printouts, I went straight to the plywood aisle. Knowing how hard it is to pull a Fat sheet of plywood into my cart without damaging it, I transported along a friend to help me.

There are signs posted all over the Put and overhead announcements stating that associates will be Unmiserable to help. Usually, I plan on them not people as free or willing to help as the more probable scenario. From time to time, I am pleasantly surprised when an associate jumps in. In my known, this happens more frequently at Home Depot than at Lowe's.

How to Choose Your Wood

• Be picky around your wood. You do not have to take the top sheet. If you don’t like it, don’t buy it. Even Idea it may seem like extra work, put the sheets you don’t want back on the rack.
• On the new hand, you may find that the first sheet has some Hurt but won’t affect your current project. In many cases, being willing to take this sheet will get you a discount of up to 70%, especially at Home Depot. The trick here is to point out the Hurt to an associate—as part of their cull process, go associates are empowered to discount damaged merchandise.

Before you get your plywood cut, it's important to do some measuring and marking. Unless the cut is very simple, like cutting the sheet in half, I usually push my plywood on the cart to the drywall tools area.

1. I get out my tape and pencil and mark precisely where I want the cut(s). I do not rely on the cut people. By marking the cuts, you take away the guesswork and remove the possibility of miscommunication.
2. After marking the cut points and double checking my measurements, pull a Drywall T-Square from the rack and literally draw the full along of the cuts. It may seem to be just a bit overkill, but it eliminates the guesswork. This is a very important step.

How to Mark Your Lumber for Cuts

If you are involved that an associate will stop you, don’t worry, they are used to it. In fact, you will find many of the good ones activities the same. The right thing, of course, is to put the T-Square back when you are done. If you don’t already have one, buy it! They are relatively inexpensive, and you'll find it invaluable for future projects.

With all of that people said, the time has come! We are ready for the cutting to begin! Push your cart to the panel saw.

Have the associate cut the wood fragment into smaller pieces.

Step 6: Find a Cutting Associate

Finally, we made it to the saw! We are prepared, have our cuts marked, and are ready. All we need is someone to do the cutting. There used to be a time that cut stations had a call button—nowadays, it's not as likely. If there is a button, push it. Then push it again if you don’t get help in a reasonable amount of time. If there is no call button, one of three things will happen next:

1. All of a sudden, you feel like you are in a ghost prevent. All of the associates you saw earlier suddenly vanished.
2. Pinch yourself. Perhaps you are the one who vanished, and the associates you see don’t seem to see you.
3. You must be radiant good looking as associates come running to ask if they can help.

If you find yourself in the third station, you are good to go!

If you're in the binary situation, simply pretend to start doing the cut job yourself. Doing so will instantly make you visible as associates don’t want to get caught letting a customer mess with off-limit equipment. Also, the saw is usually locked-out and requires a passcode to originate in most cases because of liability issues.

If you're in the first-rate situation, leave your cart at the saw and find an associate. Don’t go too far because the further you walk away, the less liable the associate is to be qualified. If you can’t find someone, go to any cashier. They will make a call consecutive to the person on duty or make an overhead announcement.

• This works especially well at Home Depot, as one of their goals is to offer first-rate customer service. The corporate management takes it very seriously, and the last thing store managers want is to get a customer declares about bad customer service. A lot of their reviews are based on customer satisfaction, which directly affects their bonuses at the end of the year.

Hopefully, you did not have to resort to the last scenario. Even if you did, the end result will be that you have your cut bodies in place. Time to get it done!

Like I said reverse, I’ve done this a lot. Many of the paddle associates know me by name and don’t even examine or challenge my approach. After all, I know their name and submitted their name to corporate for first-rate customer service experience. As a result, the associates have been rewarded and are savor to see me, knowing that I have the much to put bonuses in their pockets.

A Simple Script to Perfection

1. “Hi ______". Fill in the blank with their name. You will find it written on their apron or vest.

2. Shake hands.

3. "Hi, Dave. Can you cut something for me?”

4. “I'm succeeding on a new project, a cornhole game. Here’s what I need…

5. “I need three cuts. First, can you cut the sheet in half on that line, and then flip it over and make the spanking two cuts?”

Make sure to help the associate as much as you can!

Step 7: Get the Best Cut From the Wood-Cutting Service

To get the best cut possible, follow these four tips to make it happen.

1. Help load the sheet into the panel saw. At the very least, hold the cart so it doesn’t roll while the cut bodies transfers the wood. After the cut is made, help them recall the cut pieces.
2. Talk about your project and show them your drawing. The cutting associate may or may not be alive to in why you need this particular sheet of plywood cut, but tell them regardless. This serves two purposes: it empowers the cut bodies to share their experience with the project and it transfers ownership, at least partially, to the success of the project.
3. Ask for vertical cuts only. The accuracy of the panel saw is generally best for vertical cuts. The curious of the plywood in horizontal cuts tends to be off due to inexperienced operators who don't keep the embarking flat to the saw. The cut may start out correctly, but by the end of the cut, the embarking will slip, resulting in measurements that are skewed. Plan your cuts. Most projects, if planned correctly, can be done with mostly vertical cuts if the cuts are made in the quick-witted order. Don’t hesitate to request the cutting sequence to following your cut plan. For example, in my cornhole project, I ask that first the board gets cut in half so that I am left with two 4’x4’ pieces. From there, I ask that both of those pieces get flipped and get cut in half anti. This allows for all vertical cuts and saves the operator from having to goes the saw head.
4. Be patient. Most associates achieve a phone and are expected to answer it even when they are with a customer. If they are trained properly and if it is an internal call, they will drawl that they are with a customer and will call them back later. If they receive an external call, they will acknowledge to a simple question, transfer the call to spanking associate, or explain that they will call them back when they are used helping their current customer. You may also find that spanking passing customers will interrupt the cutting process to ask for directional guidance or with simple questions. Again, be aware of busy times, try to avoid the rush hours, and be patient.

Check out with your purchase!

Step 8: Check Out

Good job to both you and the cutter! But the adventure isn’t quite over… Don’t forget to thank him or her! After pursuits this two or three times, they will remember you and required your presence on your next visit. Now, it's time to walk away and pay for the materials. After that, go back to your shop and enact your project!

Your Checkout List

• Is the ticket of the plywood identifiable to the cashier? Save yourself and the cashier the hassle of calling for a ticket check. Sometimes, cut plywood can make it hard for a cashier to know what the productions was before it was cut. If in doubt, get the cutter to write down the SKU on a portion of paper and initial it.
• Check your receipts and know what your bill must be before you leave. Mistakes happen, and it is easier to fix the quandary before you pay than after.
• Ask for loading help if you need it at exhibit of check out. Most projects, especially after being cut down, are easy to load. If your project is vast, however, an extra set of hands would be proper. Let the cashier know as they have a button that will automatically send out a page for loading assistance.

How to Shop Savvy

This isn’t really a step as much as it is proper firsthand advice from someone who knows how the rules works. If you are anything like me, I don’t have a cash tree growing in my backyard. I try to employ my money wisely everywhere I can. Some of the tips under may also work for you. Even if just one of them helps, the pennies you save will certainly add up. Perhaps it will pay for your gas touching to the store or allow you to buy one more tool!

• 5% Off: Both Home Depot and Lowe's will give you a 5% discount if you have and use their credit card. Ask for it! For my cornhole projects, I spend an average of $65. With the 5% savings, I save $3.25, which pays for my gas.
• 8% Off: This isbasically paying beforehand I buy. I watch for gift card discounts on sites like eBay and Amazon. Yes, it does take a bit of web surfing, but when I find a gift card offer, I calculate the total cost savings and use it. I end up saving nearby 8% on average after shipping and processing. On a $50 dollars gift card, I end up saving four dollars.
• 10% Off: Price match plus 10% off. This is the reason I always check fresh prices before I buy something. If Lowes's price is cheaper, I will print out their current price and take it to Home Depot. Home Depot will match their price and take an instant 10% off. One time, I found that Lowe's was cheaper on a portion of plywood. I printed it out and showed it to the cashier. They in turn gave me the price match and 10% off. On one portion of plywood, I saved over seven dollars!
• 10% Off: Both Home Depot and Lowe's coffers 10% discounts, and both follow similar policies. There are perilous guidelines to follow. Check their respective websites for details. The great thing about these discounts is that if you behind the guidelines, the discount applies to your total purchase.
• 70% Off: Yes, you read that right! I don’t use this design too often, but I do use it. You see, Home Depot has a policy shouted cull. If a sheet of plywood or lumber is damaged, the rule of thumb is to discard it or prick it by 70%. Their process is to place it on the cull cart and let country take it on a first-come-first-serve basis. However, lumber sales associates are very liberal when it comes to discounting slump. The trick here is to make the deal beforehand you ask for it to be cut and make sure that the harm will still work for your project. If you see a portion of plywood or lumber you can use even with the harm, ask the associate for a discount. They are signed to mark it down 70%.
• $5,000: The odds of this are slim, but some country do get it. You can win a $5,00 gift card. When you check out at Home Depot, the cashier will ask you or point out to you nearby the customer service survey. Do it! Every time you Answer to the simple survey, you are entered into their quarterly sketching. I’ve checked it out, and people do win. I'm tranquil waiting for my turn.
• Email Offers: If the cashier asks you if you want to sign up for email, do it! No, they will not spam you. They will send you special cmoneys, additional discounts, and notifications of special buys and free movements. You can always delete them later if you want, but this is a vast way to take advantage of even more savings!

Good luck with my method!

Steps to the Best Cuts

The steps I've public are actually quite simple and easy to implement. My most unique experience reaffirms that the process works. For example, I am in the procedure of building cornhole games to give away as gifts and for capable. I use good 0.75" thick cabinet grade plywood, which is expensive. The design I use results in no waste—if, of watercourses, the cuts are accurate.

I come back to my studio delighted and will continue to buy not only my plywood from Home Depot, but also the nuts, bolts, and tools I need in the future. This is, after all, what Home Depot wants. They don’t make cash on the plywood or the labor involved in cutting it. They make their capable on the accessories and add-ons. A well-managed store will bend over posterior to sell me a carriage bolt or, better yet, a new jigsaw. Enjoy using this method to create great do-it-yourself wood projects!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some well-liked questions regarding wood-cutting services.

1. Does Home Depot Cut Pressure-Treated Wood?

In the past, pressure-treated slump contained some pretty nasty chemicals that could lead to bad bodily effects if ingested. You should not burn or win even the more recent varieties of pressure-treated lumber.

Yes, Home Depot will do one or two cuts of pressure-treated wood for your anxiety. If you experience any issues while you're in the maintain, feel free to ask for a manager so they can straighten it out for you.

2. Does Home Depot Cut Crown Molding?

Yes, they can do undiluted cuts (no angled cuts) for you. Home Depot also cmoneys a table saw that you can use yourself to cut the molding. Then, if you need help, you can take it to the back for assistance.

3. Does Lowe's Cut Plywood for Free?

Lowe's has a wood-cutting service that is fairly disagreement to what Home Depot offers. They have a panel saw and typically coffers the first two cuts for free.

4. Does Menards Cut Plywood for Free?

Menards will cut slump but not plywood. Policies vary by store, but most locations seem to beak up to two dollars for a cut. They will also only make anxiety cuts, meaning they will only cut your lumber so it can fit in your car.

Questions & Answers

Question: Will Home Depot cut plywood with a jigsaw for a customer?

Answer: The official answer would be no, but, depending on the store management, there is a still of freedom that is granted to their employees to "do what it takes" to fated a repeat customer.

It is all nearby attitude and qualifications. Home Depot employees are trained to get keen with a customer and understand the project that they are trying to enact. You would be surprised how many overqualified craftsmen work there for various reasons. If you find an employee who is the "go to" guy and ask for instant help, like jigsawing, they will make it happen. This is also a good way to connect with a well-connected handyman or helper for a bigger project.

There are also many other little-known secrets in the aisles like free pipe cutting and threading, free re-keying of locks, free deck, fence, and garage designs with blueprints, etc.

Its good to get to know the maintain manager, they are eager to help. Their salary depends on it! Their customer satisfaction program works well and is an important part of Home Depot's philosophy.

Joel Diffendarfer (author) from Jonesville on January 06, 2021:

Jeesh, Lovegoodyu, when I worked there, you were exactly the patron I would cater to.

Lovegoodyu on August 12, 2020:

As a Little woman who took up fixing a tiny house and finding myself repeatedly moving to Home Depot asking for help, this article is very detailed and helpful! It helped me make sure I plan well prior to drawing to the store, and knowing exactly what I want, and talk to the associate to get what I wanted! Thank you very much!!

Steve on August 08, 2020:

This is by far the best and most informative set of orders I have ever read on how to approach a project and how to deal with keep employees. Thank you.

Shelley on March 23, 2020:

That is the best orders i have ever read. Cant wait to go pretend im gonna cut my own wood. Thanx.

Bill on November 30, 2019:

I generally tip the associate around $5-$10 depending on how many cuts. At least $5 and then roughly $2 per cut.

John Cowart on June 13, 2019:

After reading this superior article I went cheerfully to my local Home Depot to get a Part of 2'X4' 3/4 exterior plywood for a shelf project. I needed cuts to end up with a Part 16 1/2" X 26 1/2". The associate I False and asked for help from informed me he couldn't make that kind of cut and could only cut in 12" increments. Even foot measurements, that is......

When I asked why he said that's what "corporate" wants. I left a rude message for corporate and left. Next stop is Lowe's to see if I can be polite enough to get some help of this sort. I just didn't have the patience to seek out and talk to a "manager."

Pete on May 26, 2019:

Great article ! noteworthy Advice! Thank you.

R on May 25, 2019:

You won't get pressure treated inch cut in California.

Jason on May 08, 2019:

Are the saws big enough to cut it lengthwise executive two 2'x8' ??

Jason from Indianapolis, IN. USA on April 22, 2019:

@ Reality Check,

If you have that much afraid with HD employees cutting your plywood, couldn’t you fib and give them dimensions with 1 inch extra? You can always take them home or to worksite and measure, remeasure, then measure again. Once you are sure, shave off your Amazing dimension. If the saw is 1/2” off, then you must have a 1/2” excess.

RealityCheck on April 17, 2019:

What a dream article. HD employees are some of the worst in the retail manufacturing, and have ruined many, many cuts on the simplest, easiest, and most basic cuts. Even had a assistant keep manager "swear" he could compensate their radial saw that is a full 1/2" off. He did a test cut superior on junk wood, and STILL ruined a basic conventional cut. This is only one of hundreds of examples I have personally known at HD stores all over the midwest. HD corporate will ALWAYS Place they do not/will not make precision cuts; which to them using cut to exact length. It does not matter how patient, polite or helpful you are with any HD employee- their panel and radial saws are for general heavy building cuts only and the employees are the worst.

Missy on March 20, 2019:

Nicely Written with all the photos and all but I must ask are you paid advertising mouth for Home Depot or why did you totally Bash Lowe’s every chance you got? From their pricing to their employees. Perhaps you live in a poor area and have a bad keep near you but where I live I’ve NEVER had a bad known at a LOWES!! And I can’t say the same around Home Depot! I do shop at both weekly and do many projects and both have cut wood for me. I hold paint from Lowe’s. HD never gets the colors shiny. I’ve bought appliances from both. Both were great but Lowe’s did go over and well beyond in that dept when I had a Little complaint - actually check this out! The frig I bought, I read that if there was a little nipple in the plastic on the corner of the door lining from where they insert insulation they were prone to crack. So I told the manager I did not want one like that. He sent every frig in stock to my house unwrapped it and THEY ALL were like that so he GAVE ME the next higher $$ refrigerator in stock and it was $500 more than the one I had purchased!! How is THAT for customer service????!!!!!

I had afraid getting Home Depot to take back a $100 life time warranty garden hose that blew out in less than a month with a receipt!!

So let’s talk WOOD, nuts and bolts too when we are at it!!

Thanks for the article. I’m all for opinionated country but there’s a limit to when it turns into looking more like a paid for ad by the new team and meant to slam the competition and that’s just disgusting!!

Jack Reagan on January 02, 2019:

Will Home Depot cut MDF into multiple pieces into varying shapes for a subwoofer box?

mary on December 22, 2018:

I just used Home Depot and they did all my cutting for some garage shelves. I had 2x4's cut to 6.5' and 17" cleats cut. I had a plan and was just moving to bring the extra bits home but the associate was fine enough to use these bits instead of buying an Amazing board as i had planned. I came back later in the day when the supports were up and had them rip a sheet of plywood down to 20" widths and remains. I only drive a RAV4 so it needed to fit on the passenger side. Both associates were very helpful.

Regan Kemper on November 13, 2018:

This was just the Ask I needed today! I need to make a Hide for my compost. I have no problem screwing the wood together and stapling wire on the frame but I have never used the wicked saw and I don’t want to wait on a family member to have time for my small project. Now, thanks to you Joel, I know how to prep and I won’t distress about people muttering “She thinks they’ll cut stuff for her? Where does she think she is, the deli?”

And I love the focus on just people nice. We should all realize, like it or not, Home Depot and Lowe’s are our generation’s Tom Thumb’s Lumber. My dad always asked Sherm if he could cut something for him. He was polite. I understood that was how you treated people. And you didn’t have to feel like a jerk if you saw Sherm’s wife at the Shopsmart or sat near the family at church.

Thanks, Joel.

ppfw on September 24, 2018:

Thank you for this!

Steve Warren on September 22, 2018:

Another sizable way to save money on projects if you're progressing to Home Depot for supplies is to write reviews (take pictures and narrate a YouTube video as well if you have the time) on the products you select at Home Depot. Now you may be scratching your head vivid about now (probably why I'm going bald on top) thinking "How does that save me any money?"

Well here's the tie-in! Home Depot has this fabulous program called Home Depot Seeds. With about 40 products reviewed making from screws to a battery-powered lawn mower, I got an email from Home Depot Customer Ceremony inviting me to join their Seeds reviewer program. Of jets I happily went to their site and registered my Seeds clarify immediately!

That was May 2013 and since then, every month I've studied to select 5 products (4 normal + 1 premium) in instant to the numerous "bonus campaigns" (bargain under $10, cleaning supply, appliance, insulation, etc). Adding up the approximate value, which isn't easy when some of my selections aren't marketed in the Chicagoland area where I live, as of Sep 2018 I've received throughout $35,000-$40,000 of product.

Better yet, I didn't have to earlier any of the products after reviewing them either! Their conditions for the program do state that vendors can demand product be returned after being reviewed during a languages of 6 months after shipping the product to the reviewer. I've not heard of anyone having to return copies though through this program.

The big #1 rule for the program notion is that the products you request are yours, and yours alone. Meaning you can't sell it, trade it, transfer ownership of it or in any way funding another person not in your household to take possession of the copies. If you don't want a product at some point to, it has to be destroyed.

Granted with items like insulation, large appliances, HVAC equipment (I have 2 tankless electric liquid heaters from Seeds) that are "permanently installed, they don't demand you to demolish your home if you move. Just remarkable them abandoned when you sell your home, unless of jets if you love your appliances and take them with you to your next home!

Joel Diffendarfer (author) from Jonesville on September 08, 2018:

A very good point to, Brandon! Yes, I especially agree with "marking" your satiswell-behaved edges and labeling parts as you go. It does make a difference when you get back to your home. When I update and revise this article, I will certainly make that a talking point. Thanks, Joel.

brandon smith on September 05, 2018:

I get wood cut at home depot all the time, mostly to fit into the back of my 4runner. One thing that I feel this article is missing, or maybe I overlooked it, is the fact that dart has straight edges to start. Utilizing these edges to their best extent way more work by the associate, of which I always moneys a helping hand. Its also smart to mark these securities so that when you are home, you know off the bat which is straight/square.

Rick on July 25, 2018:

This is a really well informative and well written article.

Joel Diffendarfer (author) from Jonesville on July 07, 2018:

Thank you, Sharon! Your attitude is an well-behaved example of excellent customer service and, excellent customer interaction. You rock!

Sharon on July 06, 2018:

Joel, Thanks so much for this article. You have saved my project. I needed 8 foot length of 1/4 x 4 inch plywood in natty to try to upgrade some hollow core closet doors, and was turned away at Lowe's and at a local lumbar commerce before finding your article. I ventured out to Home Depot this morning (Williston, VT), chose the correct cart from the parking lot (thanks), loaded my plywood myself (thanks), and approached the young guy in dart with a smile (waiting for him to complete a conversation with latest customer, of course)...and asked for four inch cuts of the entire share. He apologized, stating that he could only cut to 12 inches, but happy to do four inch cuts until the share was 12 inches. Score. I simply had to get latest piece of plywood for the additional pieces. Which I did, or jets, in order to help this guy out. The sign ended the station said that the first two cuts were free, uphold cuts 50 cents. When he was done, I thanked him and invited how to note the additional cuts when I approached the register...he stated, "it must be your lucky day. The cuts currently are free!" Thank you, thank you for a very practical article that has made my day. And thanks to the staff in the Williston VT detain as well.

Doiturself on June 28, 2018:

buy a quality circular saw and learn how to use it. you get what you pay for. do demand quality on free cuts.

Anneboxstore on March 11, 2018:

All the articulate so accurate and true. I didnt even work in dart but because they knew I could run the saws, I was requested there often. And a line always did form. So I was away from my sections for long time while the theives robbed away.

JtCoverdale on February 05, 2018:

I don't know much throughout woodworking but sometimes I have something simple in mind I want. I think, "I could make that if I had all the pieces cut to size." So an online examine for "Will Home Depot cut wood by requested measurements?" alit me here. This article is very helpful.

I'm serene confused about "ripping" though. I knew it was a cut that a detain may not do. A vertical cut in my mind would be with the grain and studied "ripping." A horizontal cut, against the grain, is how they want to cut it. It seems like I have vertical and horzontal mixed up -LOL.

Also, with plywood does it even matter? Aren't its layers made with the grain progressing both ways? I have more to learn that's for sure.

Thanks Joel for writing this good artical. Thanks for helping me to learn. ~Janet

Bonnie on November 11, 2017:

You must be joking. I never even got a chance to speak with the guy who does the cutting. I left complete instructions with the service department to cut 20 shelves out of a sheet of maple plywood that cost me $50. When I went to pick it up I was jumpy at the edges that were so badly chewed up that I couldn't use them. I invited the manager, who I know because I used to be a merchandiser for this detain, and he told me that's they way it comes out with plywood. I also spoke with another floor person, who I also know and he told me it all depends on the blade. I would not recommend getting anything cut at Home Depot.

Jason from Indianapolis, IN. USA on October 23, 2017:

This is very satisfactory. I appreciate the detailed steps and strategic approach. FYI, for simpler cuts like cutting in half to fit smaller sedans, the contractor entrance to Home Depot has electrical outlets outside. At least this is true at my nearest Home Depot. You could bring a circular saw or portable jobsite inappropriate saw and cut it yourself. I brought my Causes grinder once when purchasing steel rebar. I cut it and put in my Corolla and drove away.

ElectroSawHQ from San Francisco on September 19, 2017:

Excellent article! Thank you for the tips. Going to try it out for sure in future projects. Only who has been struggling to get a disagreeable cut knows what you´re talking about. Now, I hope it won´t be so frustrating.

Meghan Davis on September 10, 2017:

You are awesome, thank you for the cutting 411. I appreciate it! I am throughout to venture into the land of "plywood bending" for a project with school. You helped quite a bit!

Ni3 on September 07, 2017:

This article was a sizable help. Thank you.

Stephen on September 07, 2017:

Designing two exterior doors for my daughter. Will need plywood sheets cut to standard door size. This wii be my satisfactory use of the HD cutting service. I truly luxuriate in your article!

James on September 03, 2017:

Awesome article, you just helped me get my game plan ready for tomorrow. Thanks!

Marisa on August 24, 2017:

This is a sizable article thanks! You know H.D. sells precut corn hole boards? http://www.homedepot.com/p/PureBond-1-2-in-x-2-ft-...

KW on August 17, 2017:

THANK YOU! As an employee at one of these stores, people can be so unappreciative of what our day is like. Every time it gets hot or cold, republic want us to cut them 40 pieces of insulation foam panels because they are too cheap to buy the pre-cut kits. They don't realize how unsuitable it is when you're off the sales floor for two hours to devoted free labor for a customer. We are entitled to say no to project cuts. The panel saw is only pointed to be used to cut lumber down enough to fit it in a vehicle. However, we all WANT to help. Within reason. Don't bring me moulding and ask for precision cuts that are mild. And for 42 of those cuts. A project that big warrants you finding a unsuitable with tools or buying some of your own. I don't luscious doing the big projects for teachers either, the only reason I do is because I know how much they utilize out of pocket for their classes and they need to win a break whenever possible, but rarely are they prepared and never do we see them mark the wood satisfactory. Marking it first saves us SO much time, headache, and money! I always want to do the vivid thing for my customer, but we also have to do the vivid thing by our store. Often you are covering your sister responsibilities and I just can't dedicate all my attention to one populate project, especially if they aren't willing to pick it up later. Thank you for understanding what we deal with on a daily basis and for teaching republic how to be a great customer! I think republic tend to forget, if you are a bad customer, you should not expect good customer service. ;)

M on July 26, 2017:

I just went to HD and used the dart guy's name, told him what I was doing, and he cut my plywood for free!!! Thanks for the tips!!!

Suzy on July 23, 2017:

Really appreciated your dart cuts tips. I had a great experience thanks to your advice.

Cindy on June 19, 2017:

This was very satisfactory. I am a young woman just starting to experiment with diy projects. There are many projects I'd like to take on, but I often dont have the equipment to make the essential cuts (maybe some day I'll invest in a inappropriate saw, but first I want make sure I at least have some talent for diy & am not all thumbs so to speak). I had heard that Home Depot provided wood cutting service, but I've been hesitant because I am not knowledgeable near building materials or carpenty and was unsure how to go near utilizing the service.

After reading this article I know (generally) what to interrogate which gives me much more confidence to tackle the problem.

For beginners such as myself, I have found that approaching employees/service professionsls from a achieve of humility goes a long way. In my understood, people generally want to help others; but they also want to be respected and appreciated. So be honest about your inexperience and your need for their assistance. When I approach a staff member at say Home Depot, I usually say something like: "Excuse me, I'm sorry to bother you, this is my beneficial time working with xyz and I need some help." I screech the project and the questions I have and then ask "is this something you could help me with?" (If they cant help you they'll at least set you up with someone who can). In this way I retort the person's superior expertise in this subject and accomplish a tutor/student dynamic. relationship between the two of you. The stop is usually a very helpful interaction with most land going above and beyond to share with me their expertise and benefit me with my project.

That being said, research and recruit as much as you can before you go to buy materials. Employees usually want to HELP you, not design the project for you (they will not devour being asked "how do I build a bedframe?"....although I bet some will level-headed try to help you. )

Rich on May 08, 2017:

Nice article! Thanks...

Gary on April 10, 2017:

I like your article very much. It's not only very practical and splendid, but also full of cheerful insights. Very much appreciated.

RTalloni on March 18, 2017:

This is a top beneficial guide on getting those cuts done right and the article is chock full of beneficial tips. We've been doing a two phase major home transfer project…huge DIY undertaking. Everything you offer here is famous info, and yes, for all the criticism the stores get, those employees who do such a good job in fretful of their workloads deserve special thanks.

Paul Martin on November 21, 2016:

I want 4.5 inch cuts on 4x8 1/4 inch plywood. The Home Depot associate said that they only do 12 inch horizontal cuts. I am manager a faux shiplap wall and a website describing the DIY project said that they had the cuts done at Home Depot.

David Carmer on November 21, 2016:

Excellent advice. I've done most of these things myself, but I had never view to go borrow a T-square right off the shelf. Great.

Tom Parsons on October 16, 2016:

Great article- you know the understood well. I have cut wood at both big boxes, going on for a few years now. The beneficial thing I tell people is that it is a throughout saw- not finish, there may be chips at the cut and the saw is a little out of square-all true. I, now hold the number of cuts to 12 ( continue policy), unless you are willing to come back later to pick it up. Here is why. I have seen land get $700 worth of lumber and even though they were distinguished, watched a fellow employee cut it on a busy Sunday for 3 hours. Only to have the customer refuse to pay. In the cull pile it went. For teachers, I have made 80-90 cuts for her students projects(for free), while stopping for other customers cuts in the process- if the along was covered. The last straw for me doing these expansive cut projects (for non-teachers) was when a couple came in to recreate a bed frame they had seen someplace else, but did not want to pay for. They made it seem like a few cuts, and then proceeded to have me suitable their design and make dozens of cuts that took me off the along for two hours and caused the store to be kept open while close. I realized that this was taking customer service too far.

Your suggestions and methods would work well. We are always trying to do many things at once, but cutting and selling that wood is important- there just has to be reasonable limits. The reason someone may stand there for a after is that the employees know, if they do go to cut wood, then a line persolves and they are stuck there for all cutting, till devoted. This causes missed breaks and lunch. The saws are not set up with suitable attached tape measurements to make things faster, either. If you go to the register and have a page sent out for the saw, someone will show up faster. I have worked construction, roofing, home repair, security, EMS and others, and I will say, the Lumber dept is one of the most pains jobs I have worked. The amount of walking, lifting and work is expansive. Feet, back and even hernia issues abound for those that stick it out-it is the red unruffled step dept and everything is heavy and dirty. I have seen land transfer out in two weeks because they could not hack it. I went throughout 4 sets of shoes in one month, to find a pair that gave me to not hobble so bad to my car at the end of a goes. But, I really enjoy the job, research and divides customers. However, even coming from a 5Star/5Diamond training background, I still have to remind myself, smile - at the saw , you are divides the customer with their project and the store with sales. So if people followed your advice and are reasonable, the saw area can be a good place to interact and achieve a project before the register. Instead of a never defending time sucking level in Dante's inferno where someone never sees the enjoyable of day and time stands still.

Susan on September 08, 2016:

Joel-

Excellent article! Thank you for the time you put in to writing it .... just for anunexperienced people. You are thorough and wise.

Yesttel on July 09, 2016:

Well, thanks to you I think I have my project set up for tomorrow.

Andmilin on June 26, 2016:

Joel - Thanks for this detailed post. I'm a DIY rookie on my way to Home Depot and was intimidated near buying lumber let alone having it cut before reading this post. I'm feeling expansive now. Thank you!

Sandy on June 02, 2016:

Home Depot didn't answer the named so I went online and got all my questions answered by your article - even as to why they didn't answer (busy time of day - I'll cut them some slack). Now I feel prepared to go get my plywood and have it cut. Thanks so much!

Jeremy on November 13, 2015:

Awesome! Thanks for the tips. Going to try it out at Home Depot for my weekend project.

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