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A shortage usually means that lumber is in low supply and more expensive. As demand increases, prices can skyrocket. But with a little forethought and some creative thinking, you can take advantage of wood substitute products and workarounds to keep your projects moving forward.
Use these five home improvement tips to help you navigate a lumber shortage now and in the future.
It can sometimes be hard to plan ahead on home remodeling project plans. You can’t foresee every bump in the road. But you can create a reasonable timeline and plan for your project that takes a lumber shortage into account. Drawing up a project plan will give you a sense of the duration and cost of the project and the required steps as you proceed.
To create a basic project plan:
Be sure to inquire with your builder or supplier about the availability of lumber for your project. This will allow you to either move forward as planned or adjust your expectations to account for possible delays.
In dealing with a lumber shortage, it may be helpful to think of alternative materials to use. Are there wood substitute products? From floors to cabinets and wall framing, many projects lend themselves well to materials other than wood.
Insulated concrete forms can be used in place of lumber when building walls. This system of interlocking blocks is filled with concrete and encased in foam, providing walls with sound, lumber-free support.
For other projects, like cabinets, flooring and doors, consider unique materials like bamboo, concrete and metal. If you like a wood-look floor, but not the maintenance, tile, vinyl, cork and laminate options are available.
Reclaimed wood is another option, especially for cosmetic upgrades. Check with your builder or supplier to explore which alternatives will work for your project.
When a home remodeling project absolutely requires wood during a shortage, it’s time to shop around. Check your regional resources to learn where lumber might be available in your area and at what cost.
Explore these lumber resources:
Even local hardware stores can have their finger on the pulse during a lumber shortage. Check with all area businesses that deal in materials to build a list of potential suppliers. You will get to know your local resources and benefit from understanding which materials they have to offer and when supplies will be available.
If lumber doesn’t seem to be available anywhere you check, see if you can change the focus of your home remodeling project plan. A material shortage is a good time to switch to other projects.
Wood can come at a premium while pipes, faucets, and electric wiring materials may be available in abundance. Without lumber availability, you might pivot from rehabbing your kitchen cabinets or wood flooring to upgrading an outdated bathroom. Replace a backsplash or countertops. Or use this time to move along upgrades like plumbing, tiling, and light fixtures.
You can also use the time during the shortage to rethink and plan out your project. When it comes to house projects, an unexpected slow-down can offer extra time that actually benefits you in the long run.
Putting the brakes on a home improvement project gives you time to:
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