If you’ve been woodworking for any length of time, you probably know how to source timber for your projects. If you have the right tools, and of course, trees on your own property, you can source it right from nature. Otherwise, you can order boards online or go to your local big-box hardware store for a reasonable selection.
However, when you order your timber supply Melbourne (or wherever in the world you are) online or buy timber in person, all the wood is typically cut to a standard length, and if you need it to be sized differently, you have to do that yourself.
That is a huge time-waster, and it can even be a waste of natural resources or money if you don’t end up having a project for your scraps in mind.
Luckily, there’s something called “cut to size timber” And it’s a pretty nifty way to streamline your woodworking projects and eliminate waste.
What is Cut Width Timber?
Cut-to-width timber is a fairly simple concept. It’s just timber that you order ahead of time, and the supplier cuts it to size for you. Not every supplier offers this service, but many of them do, and you can typically get any wood species cut to size. However, the supplier is highly unlikely to offer specialty cuts.
Think of it this way. If you need 5-foot lengths of timber with the ends cut to 45-degree angles, the supplier will cut the board to 5 feet of length, but they won’t add the angles; you’ll have to do that part yourself.
While this service doesn’t give you wood that you can simply nail or glue together, it does cut out a dramatically large portion of the work.
It’s also a great choice if you’re not the best with your cuts; as the supplier will ensure each piece is cut to the appropriate length accurately and minimize the number of mistakes you can make.
How to Order Cut to Size Timber
Ordering cut to size timber is just easy as going to a big box store and picking out planks. However, there is a little bit of prep work involved. Here are the steps to ensure you do it correctly.
1: Find a Supplier
As we said, some suppliers don’t offer this service. So, your first step will be to find one that does. Don’t worry. Many of the industry’s leaders offer cut-to-size timber since it’s such a popular option. To ensure you get the best service tailored to your needs, it’s advisable to look for the best local timber yard. Local suppliers often provide added convenience, reduced shipping times, and a more personalized approach to meeting your project requirements.
2: Plan Your Project
Since you’ll receive or pick up the wood after it has been cut, you need to know the lengths and widths of the boards you’ll need. Plan out your project in detail to figure out the exact dimensions your project requires. This is a good habit to get into even if you cut your own wood to size because it minimizes waste.
3: Place Your Order
Once you have a supplier and the dimensions you need, it’s time to place an order. All you have to do is fill out a form telling the supplier what you need and then pay for your order as usual.
4: Enjoy
If you order online, your order will likely be shipped after it’s cut to size. If you go directly to your supplier in person, it might take a couple of hours, or you might need to come back the next day depending on how busy the workers are with their normal duties. Either way, you’ll get the wood in a shipment or loaded into your vehicle, and it’s ready to use.
