Before you buy wood at Menards, you may wonder if they’ll cut your wood for you.
Not all cars can carry extended lengths of wood.
You may lack the tools to cut it yourself.
Here’s what you need to know about Menards and its policies on cutting wood.
Does Menards Cut Wood?
Yes, Menards does cut wood.
Each store has its own policy on the type and length of wood that they can cut.
The prices also vary depending on the amount you need cut, the size, and the type of wood being cut.
You may find having your wood cut at Menards to be worth it.
How Much Does Menards Charge To Cut Wood?
Each store sets its own price.
Many stores charge $1 for each cut.
Some may increase that to $2.
Others won’t charge anything at all.
They’ll give you a few free cuts, then charge you for any extra cuts you need after that.
In this case, three or five cuts are the cut-off.
After three or five cuts, they’ll start to charge you $1 per cut.
Some stores charge $3 for cuts.
The type of wood and difficulty of cuts can also influence the price.
Pieces that are tougher on the saw and take more time to perform will be more expensive.
That’s because Menards has to take time out of their day to do the task for you.
If Menards is a particularly busy store in the area, then they don’t want to waste their employees’ time performing cuts.
Higher prices dissuade customers from seeking cutting services.
What Lengths Can Menards Cut The Wood?
Menards has tools that allow their employees to cut wood at standard lengths.
They can cut down wood boards of the sizes 2×4, 2×6, and 2×8.
However, their policies also differ on the thickness and length of the wood that they’re permitted to cut.
Some stores can only cut up to eight inches long.
Anything longer than that is something they’re unable to do.
They lack the equipment to do so.
Others can only cut wood that’s 10 inches thick or lower.
Their equipment isn’t suitable for cutting anything thicker than that.
You can ask them to cut custom measurements.
Their equipment will determine whether they can cut those measurements or not.
What Kind Of Wood Can Menards Cut?
Menards can cut any kind of wood except plywood.
Some common types of wood that Menards cuts include the following:
- Treated wood
- Cedarwood
- Plastic lumber
- Pine boards
- Hardwood lumber and boards
Menards doesn’t cut plywood because it already offers lots of different sizes.
Does Menards Perform Convenience Cuts?
Menards does perform convenience cuts.
This is helpful if the piece of lumber doesn’t fit inside of your car or truck.
You can take the piece to an employee and have them cut it for you.
The problem with convenience cuts is that they might impact your project.
It’s possible that the employee makes too long of a cut.
While you can always attach the pieces together again, it will never be as strong as it was before it was cut.
You can help the employee make the right convenience cut by marking where you want them to cut.
Some Menards sites may consider convenience cuts as specialty cuts.
They don’t perform these.
As a result, they won’t perform a convenience cut for you.
To ensure you’re able to take the lumber home with you, measure your car or truck.
The measurement will help you determine the size of wood you can fit inside of it.
If the wood is too long, then you may need to rent a trailer or find some other means of bringing it to the project site.
Some Menards stores will perform the convenience cuts for free.
Others will charge a fee on top of the purchase you made.
You can also find stores that will give you a few free convenience cuts, then charge you for additional cuts.
Will Menards Cut Wood From A Different Store?
Menards will cut wood from a different store.
You’ll likely need to pay a fee for this service.
Some stores will not cut wood from a different store.
You’ll need to take the lumber back to the original store or buy a tool to make the cuts for yourself.
Will Menards Cut The Wood Accurately?
Menards rarely cuts the wood accurately.
The store hires employees with and without construction experience.
Some know how to make accurate cuts while others don’t.
When you take your wood to them, you can never know exactly how well the cuts are going to look.
Their equipment also plays a role in the accuracy of their cuts.
Employees at Menards don’t always have the time to sharpen the blades on the saw.
A blunt blade means the cuts are going to be rough.
Most cuts will likely be diagonal or jagged.
All cuts will need sanding.
No matter the experience or quality of the blade, you will need to spend time sanding the cut.
If you want a smooth cut, then you’re better off doing it yourself or hiring a professional.
To help you receive an accurate cut on your wood, you should speak with the employees at Menards.
Ask them who has the most experience in cutting wood.
If that employee is working, then you can ask them to cut your wood for you.
If they’re not working, then you may want to wait until they are.
Do You Need To Pay For The Entire Wood Board At Menards Before They Cut It?
It’s an easy mistake to make thinking that you don’t need to pay for the entire wood board.
You do.
Menards, and many other lumber stores, require you to buy the entire wood board.
You can’t pay for the wood after it’s cut.
While that would save you money, it isn’t a process that Menards enjoys.
That’s why it’s important to know the size of wood you need beforehand.
Buying too large of a piece just to have it cut will waste money.
Smaller cuts with smaller boards will save you money.
Will Menards Cut Wood Shorter Than 12 Inches?
Some Menards stores have policies on cutting wood that is already shorter.
Wood that is 12 inches or a foot long doesn’t qualify for cutting at most stores.
The length is small enough to fit inside of your car.
Menards also believes that you have a tool that can take care of cutting a small piece on your own.
Can You Rent Tools From Menards To Cut Your Own Wood?
Yes, you can rent tools from Menards to cut your own wood.
If you don’t like the idea of rough and inaccurate cuts, then you can rent your tools.
Menards sells various types of tools.
Table saws and other types of saws are among their tools available for rent.
You can also rent a truck if you’re unable to fit the saw inside of your car.
To rent a tool or truck from Menards, you need a valid driver’s license and a credit card.
You also need to be 18 years old.
To rent the truck, you need to be 21 years old.
Renting a tool to cut your wood is more expensive than having someone at Menards cut it.
However, you can do the cuts yourself.
This is ideal for anyone who wants their cuts to be perfect.
You also benefit by being able to use the tool for the rest of the project.
Menards’ rental policy allows you to extend the rental period if you need more time.
You need to contact the store and inform them about needing the tool for a long period.
Any more time you take will add to your payment amount later.
Does Menards Sell Scrap Wood?
Yes, Menards sells scrap wood.
You can find scrap wood in various bins in the lumber department of their store.
The scrap pieces are usually marked down by 80%.
You can find smaller pieces that are available for free.
The problem is that the scrap pieces carry damage.
They may be unfit for your project.
Sometimes you can find exactly what you need for your project.
The best part is because it’s scrap, you won’t need it cut.
Keep in mind, too, that larger pieces may be more difficult to cut.
Their damage or poor quality can make cutting them rough and uneven.
They may also lose further integrity by cutting them.
Still, the scrap bin may be a better alternative for some individuals than having their wood cut by employees from Menards.
Is the Lumber At Menards Cheaper Than At Home Depot?
Menards often has sales on their lumber.
On Sundays, they have their biggest sales.
When you go to Menards on one of their sale days, you’ll find their lumber is a lot cheaper than Home Depot.
Their cheap prices on lumber can make receiving cuts more affordable.
Can You Buy Plywood Of Specific Sizes At Menards?
Yes, you can buy plywood in specific sizes at Menards.
Because Menards won’t cut plywood for you, it’s important to know the size that you need.
If you choose to cut plywood at home, then you need to wear protection.
Plywood contains several wood chips glued together.
As you cut through them, it can cause a lot of dust.
Inhaling the dust can cause serious problems for your lungs and respiratory system.
Taking precautions can preserve your health.
Here are the different types and grades of plywood that you can find at Menards.
Different Types Of Plywood
Menards sells four different types of plywood:
- Hardwood plywood
- Sanded plywood
- Plywood sheathing
- Marine plywood
Here’s what you need to know about each one.
1. Hardwood Plywood
Hardwood plywood consists of wood chips from hardwood trees.
Birch and oak are two examples.
Hardwood is strong although not the strongest type of plywood.
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It’s useful for interior applications like cabinetry and furniture.
Both faces are often sanded and smooth.
2. Sanded Plywood
At least one side of sanded plywood is smooth.
The other side of it tends to have a lower grade in quality.
The high-quality side of it has a paintable surface.
This type of plywood is useful for exterior applications.
3. Plywood Sheathing
This plywood is sometimes called CDX.
It’s the most common type.
It’s not the prettiest type of plywood but is useful for general construction purposes.
It’s strong and durable.
4. Marine Plywood
Marine plywood is high in quality.
Both sides of it contain high grades and veneers.
Once sealed, it’s useful for exteriors or in places where moisture is often present.
Different Grades Of Plywood
Grade refers to the quality of the plywood.
It’s important to know if you intend to cut the plywood.
High-quality plywood is easier to cut than low-quality plywood.
You may experience splitting or choppy cuts if you attempt to cut low-quality plywood.
Read on to find out more about plywood grades and what they mean.
1. Grade A
This is the best grade plywood can receive.
It means the wood is high-quality, the veneer is excellent, and it’s completely sanded.
There are few imperfections.
Any defects are small and easily filled with resin.
This type of grade is ready for painting.
Cutting Grade A plywood is extremely easy.
2. Grade B
This grade refers to moderate-quality plywood.
It’s sanded like Grade A, but it has more defects.
Knots may be present.
The defects may be longer than an inch.
While this grade is still useful for staining, it’s the last threshold.
Grade A is preferable for staining, but Grade B can do well if you’re on a budget.
Cutting Grade B isn’t that hard.
3. Grade C
The defects of Grade C plywood are noticeable to the eye.
They’re large.
It’s also not sanded.
Certain parts of it may be, but you’ll still need to sand it for yourself.
This grade of plywood is useful for painting and not staining.
Painting can cover up any defects.
Cutting Grade C can be difficult, but it isn’t impossible.
4. Grade D
This is low-quality plywood.
You’ll notice defects and knots in its makeup.
It’s also not sanded.
This is the cheapest grade of plywood and requires a lot of work before it’s ready for cabinetry.
This is better for structural support or in applications that aren’t visible.
Cutting Grade D is difficult.
