How to compare lumber yard quotes in South Florida
The cheapest number on the page is often the quote that left something out. Before you compare prices, make sure you are comparing the same product, the same delivery and the same terms.
The checklist
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Unit of price | Per piece, per linear foot, per sheet or per thousand board feet are not the same. Convert everything to a total. |
| Size and length | Nominal vs actual size, and exact lengths. A 10′ and a 12′ post are different prices. |
| Species and grade | Southern Yellow Pine vs other species, #1 vs #2, CDX vs other panel grades. |
| Treatment | Treated or not, and which use category (for example UC4A or UC4B for ground contact). |
| Quantity | Price breaks change with quantity, so quote the quantity you will actually buy. |
| Stock status | In stock, or special order? How long does special order take? |
| Delivery charge | Is freight included? Is there a fuel or small-order surcharge? |
| Unloading | Curbside, forklift or boom truck. Who unloads, and is there a charge? |
| Sales tax | Shown or not? Quotes that exclude tax look cheaper than ones that include it. |
| Quote validity | Lumber prices move. Ask how long the price is good for. |
| Payment terms | Card, check, account or payment up front. Card fees can apply. |
| Returns and cuts | Restocking fees, cut charges and what happens if the order is short or damaged. |
Put it in one table
For each yard, write the all-in total for the same list, delivered to the same address, on the same date. Differences that survive that exercise are real. Most of the rest are gaps in what was quoted.
Get the same information from every yard
Send each yard the identical list with size, quantity, species, grade, treatment, delivery address and needed-by date. That is the main reason to use a request form instead of a phone call: every yard answers the same question.
Do not decide on price alone
A slightly higher quote from a yard that has the material in stock and can deliver Thursday can beat a lower quote that is a two-week special order. Decide on the all-in price and on whether the material arrives when you need it.
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