Everything to know about buying lumber

A trip into Amish country & what the pros won't tell you

I can see why lumber may not get your gears going … like, is there even much to talk about?! Oh my friend, is there ever!

BUT, I had no idea about the secret world of wood before I was building gardens, so don’t feel bad. This level of woodery is unusual. I’m excited to take you on this journey!

Lumber is a place in your garden build where you can save tons of money by thinking creatively. Thousands of dollars are saved if you know how to be flexible with your lumber.

The smell of the Home Depot lumber aisle is a core memory scent for me. I loved going with my dad to run errands. He just seemed so happy in the lumber aisle. And now I get it. Fresh-milled cedar smells like freedom and opportunity.

I never noticed all the different cuts of wood until well into my thirties. And now, after designing dozens of kitchen gardens which are largely made of up wooden raised beds, I can tell you that I have buckets of insight to share.

Not all wood is created equal, and many big box stores actually don’t mill true measurements. They cut everything 1/4 inch smaller to make more money and stretch their supply - how insane is that?

All of the Easter Cedar for my raised beds

To navigate buying lumber, let’s understand the playing field