Bunnings can't be the cheapest Shirley?

**neevo** · 1st October 2009, 06:01 PM

Tried to revive an old thread but it wouldn't allow it. I am building a deck, screen a total back garden overhaul. I have priced it at Bunnigs so that I can work the prices down (that was the plan).

I have contacted suppliers in my local area for pricing and with the exception of the sleepers they have all been more expensive than Bunnings and cannot supply same lengths on items like the decking boards (mixed lengths only).

Am I missing something or is Bunnings really the best option?

Here is what I am after (with Bunnings prices per lm):

<TABLE style=" 533pt; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=710 border=0 x:str><COLGROUP><COL style=" 249pt; mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 12141" width=332><COL style=" 113pt; mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 5485" width=150><COL style=" 38pt; mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 1865" width=51><COL style=" 133pt; mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 6473" width=177><TBODY><TR style=" 12.75pt" height=17><TD class=xl67 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER- windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER- windowtext 0.5pt solid; 249pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; 12.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" width=332 height=17>H4 or H3 Treated Pine Sleepers</TD><TD class=xl66 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER- windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER- windowtext; 113pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" width=150>50 x 200 x 3000</TD><TD class=xl66 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER- windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER- windowtext; 38pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" width=51 x:num>13</TD><TD class=xl68 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER- windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER- windowtext; 133pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" width=177 x:num="7.3">$ 7.30 </TD></TR><TR style=" 12.75pt" height=17><TD class=xl67 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER- windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; 12.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" height=17>H3 Treated Pine</TD><TD class=xl66 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent">70 x 19 x 3000</TD><TD class=xl66 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num>8</TD><TD class=xl68 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent"></TD></TR><TR style=" 12.75pt" height=17><TD class=xl67 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER- windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; 12.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" height=17>H4 Treated Pine</TD><TD class=xl66 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent">90 x 90 x 2700</TD><TD class=xl66 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num>18</TD><TD class=xl68 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num="11.63">$ 11.63 </TD></TR><TR style=" 12.75pt" height=17><TD class=xl67 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER- windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; 12.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" height=17>H4 Treated Pine</TD><TD class=xl66 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent">90 x 90 x 2400</TD><TD class=xl66 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num>5</TD><TD class=xl68 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num="11.49">$ 11.49 </TD></TR><TR style=" 12.75pt" height=17><TD class=xl67 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER- windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; 12.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" height=17>H4 Treated Pine (Laminated Merbau look)</TD><TD class=xl66 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent">90 x 90 x 3000</TD><TD class=xl66 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num>5</TD><TD class=xl68 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num="12.9">$ 12.90 </TD></TR><TR style=" 12.75pt" height=17><TD class=xl67 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER- windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; 12.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" height=17>Merbau Decking</TD><TD class=xl66 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent">90 x 19 x 4800</TD><TD class=xl66 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num>30</TD><TD class=xl68 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num="4.29">$ 4.29 </TD></TR><TR style=" 12.75pt" height=17><TD class=xl67 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER- windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; 12.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" height=17>Merbau Decking</TD><TD class=xl66 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent">90 x 19 x 4500</TD><TD class=xl66 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num>10</TD><TD class=xl68 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num="4.29">$ 4.29 </TD></TR><TR style=" 12.75pt" height=17><TD class=xl67 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER- windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; 12.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" height=17>H3 Treated Pine</TD><TD class=xl66 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent">140 x 45 x 4500</TD><TD class=xl66 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num>4</TD><TD class=xl68 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num="7.1">$ 7.10 </TD></TR><TR style=" 12.75pt" height=17><TD class=xl67 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER- windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; 12.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" height=17>H3 Treated Pine</TD><TD class=xl66 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent">90 x 45 x 2400</TD><TD class=xl66 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num>12</TD><TD class=xl68 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num="3.16">$ 3.16 </TD></TR><TR style=" 12.75pt" height=17><TD class=xl67 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER- windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; 12.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" height=17>Merbau Decking</TD><TD class=xl66 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent">70 x 19 x 4500</TD><TD class=xl66 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num>35</TD><TD class=xl68 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER- windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num="3.8">$ 3.80 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Here's the plan:

Not peanuts but not many can beat the green shed.

I am in Penrith if that helps.

**Skew ChiDAMN!!** · 1st October 2009, 06:39 PM

Where Bunnies tends to fall down is in the quality of the material. Either it's a grade lower than every-one else's or they've skimped on care while it's in their yard.

The few times I've bulk-ordered from a local Bunnies and taken whatever was delivered to the site, I've either been disappointed or ended up with more problems. There's nothing worse than seeing several packs of boards delivered, all with big bows because they'd been stored with just a bearer under each end.

I'm not saying all Bunnies are like this, mind you. It's just my experience with the local boys and conditions do vary from store to store.

However, if I were you I'd take a trip through their yard and see just how the wood is stacked. Check that the packs are stickered every few feet, so they don't sag. If any packs are open, have a look at the general quality of the boards, looking for number of defects as well as twisting, cupping and warping.

That's as good an indication as anything, as to whether you should start looking elsewhere & pay a bit more...

**neevo** · 1st October 2009, 07:48 PM

The quality doesn't seem too bad. I do like the fact that I can pick and choose the straightest planks too.

I have to say the wood section in my Bunnings is pretty good.

**bab600** · 1st October 2009, 08:55 PM

Hey Neevo where is west of the rest of the world ,because the timber at my local Bunnings is like left overs from a boomerang factory!
I would prefer to the supplier what I want, let them pick it for me and the pay a little extra,and star building ( I did have a couple of pieces not up to standard and they changed it no problems

Brian

**Billy** · 1st October 2009, 09:03 PM

Have you tried ETS at Long Jetty, central coast?
cheers, billy

**justinmcf** · 1st October 2009, 09:47 PM

as a contract carpenter, i never buy timber from bunnings.
i agree with the poster who said the timber looks like boomerangs!

i am happy to pay a few extra dollars for quality timber.
the key to this, is the way the timber is stored, bunnines have'nt got a clue how to store timber.

i am sure there will be people who will disagree with me, maybe they got lucky. good for you, you got a bargain then.

the quality of timber and the advice i get from my local supplier outweighs any short term gain that i may get from bunnings. but my needs may be different from yours.

good luck with the deck.

regards, justin.

**Jarrahfrog** · 1st October 2009, 09:48 PM

Hi neevo,

Have you tried these guys? Not sure what their prices are like but might be good for a comparison. You may tried them already though.
Bob's Projects In Pine - Timber--Trade & Retail - Penrith, NSW - Yellow Pages®

Or these guys,
Amazing Timber Discounts - Fencing Contractors - Arndell Park, NSW - Yellow Pages®
I have bought from this place and remember them being cheaper than Bunnings.
They should have the pine but not sure about the Merbau.

No affiliation with either.
Cheers
JF

**Lignum** · 1st October 2009, 11:02 PM

I thought I told you - don’t call me Shirley

**Offcuts** · 2nd October 2009, 10:55 AM

Originally Posted by Jarrahfrog

Hi neevo,

Have you tried these guys? Not sure what their prices are like but might be good for a comparison. You may tried them already though.
Bob's Projects In Pine - Timber--Trade & Retail - Penrith, NSW - Yellow Pages®

Or these guys,
Amazing Timber Discounts - Fencing Contractors - Arndell Park, NSW - Yellow Pages®
I have bought from this place and remember them being cheaper than Bunnings.
They should have the pine but not sure about the Merbau.

No affiliation with either.
Cheers
JF

These are both good operators.

**petersemple** · 2nd October 2009, 11:06 AM

The times I have been to Bunnings and picked through to find the straight pieces, they have turned in to boomerangs a few days later.

Peter

**Offcuts** · 2nd October 2009, 11:16 AM

If you look at the trunk of a Radiata Pine, it grows spirally - YUK!
Look at the fast rate of growth - number of growth rings per inch.
Add the fact the timber will tend to twist in an anti clockwise spiral in the southern Hemispere.

One of my least preferred species - I prefer Hoop or Slash from Qld as a pinus.
Engineered posts - F/jointed and Edge Glued work better than solids.
Would not use a 190 or wider by 45 for joists / rafters etc unless I can secure real good.

One of the reasons they started to treat it years ago was because it would not make structual applications.
If I use Radiata, I prefer my Radiata from NZ forests where it grows slower and hence tends to be more stable.

acmegridley · 2nd October 2009, 11:20 AM

Bunnings was founded by a timber miller in W.A. back in the thirties,looks like some reincarnation wouldn't go amiss.Let them go back to their roots,I must admit I'm very choosy buying timber from them,pity about the fall in standards.

**munruben** · 2nd October 2009, 08:30 PM

I have spent ages looking through Bunnings timber to try and find some straight pieces. I don't know what you could actually build with some of the stuff they have there that they call timber.

**ronancal** · 2nd October 2009, 09:38 PM

Agree

The timber is hit and miss

**neevo** · 4th October 2009, 06:15 PM

Originally Posted by Jarrahfrog

Hi neevo,

Have you tried these guys? Not sure what their prices are like but might be good for a comparison. You may tried them already though.
Bob's Projects In Pine - Timber--Trade & Retail - Penrith, NSW - Yellow Pages®

Or these guys,
Amazing Timber Discounts - Fencing Contractors - Arndell Park, NSW - Yellow Pages®
I have bought from this place and remember them being cheaper than Bunnings.
They should have the pine but not sure about the Merbau.

No affiliation with either.
Cheers
JF

Cheers JF. Sent off for a quote from Bob's but haven't heard anything back just as yet. Might chase it up this week.

Thread: Bunnings can't be the cheapest Shirley?

Thread Tools

Search Thread

Bunnings can't be the cheapest Shirley?

Boomerang Bunings

Similar Threads

Ryobi signing exclusivity deal with Bunnings/Bunnings reducing range in power tools ?

Is this the cheapest yet?

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions