Least expensive 2x4x8 in Virginia

[lstmysock11]

Has anyone found cheaper then 6.45 to 7 dollars a board? Planing on building a DIY stand and need some 2x4's but really do not want to pay over the top

[AlanM]

Lumber is shocking right now.  It's around 3x normal prices by me.  Romex and electrical boxes are expensive too for some reason.  

[AlanM]

You could do it out of Plywood.  A 4x8 sheet of 3/4" oak is $75 at lowes instead of the normal $45, but that's still not bad.  

[lstmysock11]

6 minutes ago, AlanM said:

You could do it out of Plywood.  A 4x8 sheet of 3/4" oak is $75 at lowes instead of the normal $45, but that's still not bad.  

Well kind of need 2x4's to build the frame to cover with some plywood. Needs to hold about 1000 lbs for a 75 gallon tank

[howaboutme]

Doubt you'll find it cheaper. The construction industry is on fire, crazy busy and that trickles down to the home improvement industry too.

[DaJMasta]

I'd look at local lumber yards or construction supply shops if you can - I'm not in MD but picked up some Cedar 1x4s for an outdoor thing a couple months ago.  Home depot had little selection and was comparable to Lowes, but TW Perry's was a bit cheaper and Fischer Lumber (in Rockville) was the cheapest per board and had a pretty big stock.  Just had to ask around a little, but it seems like for raw materials the big boxes can usually be beat by lumber specific places, and many deal directly to the public in small quantities.

[AlanM]

11 hours ago, lstmysock11 said:

Well kind of need 2x4's to build the frame to cover with some plywood. Needs to hold about 1000 lbs for a 75 gallon tank

 

Nope.  3/4" plywood edge on is super strong.  Can carry 1000 pounds straight to the floor.  Much stronger than 2x4.

[AlanM]

Here was my stand construction post for my 75 gallon aquarium:

 

https://wamas.org/forums/topic/54660-alans-rimless-75-build/?tab=comments#comment-482911