How to Have Your Lumber or Paneling Rough Cut at Home Depot

In the back of the lumber section at most Home Depot stores is a cutting station. The station consists of a radial arm saw and a panel saw. The radial arm saw can perform straight cuts in material less that 6 inches wide, and less than two inches deep. The panel saw can cut plywood and wood paneling. The panel saw operator won't cut foam, drywall, fencing or laminate materials on the panel saw.

If you have trim that needs to be cut, you can hand cut it in the miter boxes located on the aisle end caps near the panel saws.
To have material cut on the saws, you'll need to find a Home Depot employee trained as a saw operator. The saws are locked with keyed in codes. Non-employees are never allowed to use the saws.

The employees trained to use the saws are found in the Lumber section. Ask employees in orange aprons if they work in the Lumber section until you get a positive response.

It always works best to talk to an employee in the Lumber section even before you select your wood. If you get your wood and take it to the saw station without talking to an employee, you might not be noticed by the employee. The key to fast service is to ask the employee to cut wood for you even before you have the wood selected.

Before you ask for an employee to cut wood for you, you should have a clear idea of the type of wood you are going to purchase, and the rough measurements you want the board(s) or panel(s) cut to. Clearly state your measurements to the employee. Then, help the employee mark the wood correctly. Often a description of a cut is too vague, and the employee will need to see you visually describe the measurements.

Having your sizes written down before hand is very useful for a Lumber associate. Bring your own paper, pen, and tape measure into the store. This will speed the process, especially if the employee doesn't have all three of these things in his/her apron. Don't expect an employee to make dozens, or hundreds of cuts. Most stores charge one dollar per cut, and most employees are reluctant to make more than a few cuts for any one customer.

You aren't allowed to tip a Home Depot employee. So, if you want to get your wood quickly rough cut at Home Depot, come into the store prepared. You should be very polite and respectful to the employee, and thank them gracefully for their help. If you are a good customer once, the employee will help you again, gladly.