Interesting points, but I gotta say, premium lumber can make a bigger difference than you're giving it credit for. Sure, if you're just framing or building something basic, generic lumber usually does the trick. But even beyond precision joinery, I've found that premium wood tends to warp and twist less over time. Ever had a client call you back months later because their shelves or trim started bowing? Not fun.
Also, aesthetics matter more than we sometimes admit. Premium lumber often has fewer knots and imperfections, which can save you hours of sanding and filling—time is money, right? I used generic pine once for some exposed shelving in a client's kitchen, thinking I'd save a few bucks. Ended up spending way too long trying to hide blemishes and knots. Lesson learned.
I agree with you on paints though... premium usually pays off there. But lumber? I'd say it's worth reconsidering the cheaper stuff, even if you're not doing fine cabinetry.
Fair points, premium lumber definitely has its perks, especially for exposed finishes. But honestly, I've seen some pretty decent results with mid-grade lumber too—depends a lot on the supplier and how well it's stored. Ever tried sourcing from smaller local mills? Sometimes their stuff is surprisingly good quality without the premium markup... might be a sweet spot between cost and quality. Curious if anyone's had luck going that route.
Totally agree on checking out local mills—I've had some surprisingly good experiences going that route. Last year, we were working on a smaller residential project and decided to give a local mill a shot instead of our usual big-box suppliers. Honestly, I was skeptical at first, but the lumber quality was impressive, especially considering the price difference. It wasn't premium-grade stuff, but it was straight, dry, and consistent enough for framing and even some exposed beams.
One thing I'd add though: it's worth building a relationship with these smaller mills. Once they know you're a repeat customer, they're usually more willing to let you handpick your lumber or give you a heads-up when they've got particularly good stock coming in. That personal touch can really help you get better quality without paying through the nose. Of course, mileage varies depending on where you are, but it's definitely worth exploring if you're trying to trim down expenses without sacrificing too much quality.
Had a similar experience with a local mill recently—definitely worth it. But lumber aside, anyone had luck sourcing other materials locally, like fixtures or hardware? I've been thinking about approaching smaller suppliers for plumbing and lighting stuff, but not sure if the savings would justify the extra legwork. Curious if anyone's tried it and how it worked out...
"I've been thinking about approaching smaller suppliers for plumbing and lighting stuff, but not sure if the savings would justify the extra legwork."
I gave this a shot recently on a kitchen remodel—went with a smaller local plumbing supplier instead of the usual big-box store. Honestly, it turned out better than expected. Prices weren't drastically lower, but the quality and selection were noticeably better. Plus, the customer service was way more personalized. They even helped me source a specific faucet finish that was backordered everywhere else.
The only downside was the extra time spent coordinating deliveries and pickups, but for me, the trade-off was worth it. If you're juggling multiple projects or tight deadlines, it might feel like a hassle. But if you have some flexibility, I'd say give it a try at least once...you might be pleasantly surprised.
