lsl and lvl - DIY Chatroom

benfla · 07-02-2009, 04:37 PM

Benfla here:
Where can I buy lsl and or lvl in the Tallahassee Fl, Cairo Ga regions?
The big blue and big orange boxes look at me like I am crazy when I ask for better quality lumber. I have picked thru several bundles of wood only to be disgusted with what is available. I stopped buying from big blue after i threw out 3/4 of a bundle that was delivered to the homesite.
The local small supplier yards are not interested in dealing with a DIYer.

I am building my retirement home in south ga. It is under roof(GAF) with doors and windows (Marvin) done.
I am willing to travel to get the quality I need. House is a Deltec with all blue wood framing.
Thanks guys for the help.

**Scuba_Dave** · 07-02-2009, 05:38 PM

I have 2 different local lumber companies that I can buy LVL's from
Check out the lumber supply companies, most stock LVL's & sell by the foot
My lumber company sized them & sent out the plans for an engineer stamp for the permit

benfla · 07-02-2009, 05:44 PM

Scuba Dave:
You are fortunate to have those resources at your disposal.
In my area DIYers are not welcome.
Thanks for the response.
I will continue to look. Perhaps with this rotten economy DIYers with money to spend will eventually be welcome.
Benfla

**Scuba_Dave** · 07-02-2009, 06:08 PM

I made HD come back & pick up their crap lumber they delivered & credit me
It involved talking to the Manager on Duty
They weren't happy, but when I pointed out how bad some of the boards were they came back
I had a load of 2x6 x 8' delivered, I set aside all the bad ones & also brought them back after I framed out

Joe Carola · 07-02-2009, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by benfla

Scuba Dave:
You are fortunate to have those resources at your disposal.
In my area DIYers are not welcome.
Thanks for the response.
I will continue to look. Perhaps with this rotten economy DIYers with money to spend will eventually be welcome.
Benfla

Are you saying that when you walk into any lumberyard they won't sell an LVlL to you?

benfla · 07-06-2009, 09:34 AM

Thanks Joe:
Tallahassee is a poor area for a DIY'er. The response I get from the yards is "We only sell to the trades." "We do not deal in small orders." "Have your builder call us." I had the same problems when I tiled the bathroom. Had to get "established" the local concrete company to get what I needed for the foundation and lower walls. The big boxes do not have intelligent life in them, or they are well hidden. Blue just stared to advertise the availability of engineered wood. Will need to take a day off and go visit them and see what they will / can get. I guess "I joist" or similar for two 20 x 20 room ceiling is not a big enough order.
On the other side of the coin the local (Grady County) building inspectors are wonderfull guys to work with. Absolutly no hassel or issues. Ask them any kind of question and they are quick to respond and will even offer some guidiance to help avoid a future problem.
Thanks for the response guys.

wrangler · 07-06-2009, 10:38 AM

Here in NW Fla I have no problem walking into a lumber yard and asking for a 14' LVL beam and hauling it off, but if your inspector guys are so good with advice, I'd ask them for a good source to procure your beams and trusses. If no help, let your fingers do the walking and call around.

Clutchcargo · 07-06-2009, 09:25 PM

HD does sell LVL, they just don't stock it. You have to go to the professional services desk. With that said, I just buy it off the shelf from my local lumber yard. They are happy to get my business.