Let’s break it down…which tools you need, which tools you don’t!

We are always searching for the best DIY projects and tutorials we can find, and we will be sharing what we’ve found soon.

In the meantime, we’ve noticed that there are always certain tools mentioned over and over, so we wanted to break it down for you first!

Which tools you need to have to DIY, and which tools you don’t need to get started on your next DIY project!

Let’s get started…

Most DIY bloggers we follow are not located in NYC, so they usually have much more space to operate a.k.a. a garage, a backyard, or even a workshop.

Don’t let that discourage you from jumping into your next DIY project! You have a tool, a secret weapon if you will, that they do not have access to…Midtown Lumber!

Most DIY blogs mention needing a table saw and a miter saw (we sometimes refer to this one as the “chop saw”) but you 100% do not need these two tools to get started!

Check out our Miter Saw and Table Saw in our workshop in NYC in the image below. The front of the shop is the retail space, and the back is where we keep all our tools and get all the custom cutting orders done and out the door. We’ve been in the same spot on 25th and 8th Avenue since 1962. Check our ‘About Us‘ page for more on our history.

Here is where we come in!

In many of the tutorials, we find online the DIY bloggers are buying full 4′ x 8′ sheets of plywood and using a table saw to cut it themselves. Or, they are using a miter saw (“chop” saw) to cut pieces shorter, etc.

Don’t fret, we’ve got you covered! We will cut all of the pieces you need, to the exact measurements you need, using these two tools. All you need to do is figure out the exact sizes you will need for your next DIY project!

Once you have measured your space and figured out the dimensions of the pieces you can just email us at info@midtownlumber.com or simply complete the form on the Custom Cutting page, and we will get back to you with pricing and a lead time.

Build it yourself (still 100% DIY)…

Don’t worry you will still be building this gorgeous piece of furniture for your home (#buildityourself), but we will make sure you are starting off with quality lumber, cut precisely to size, which will ensure that the process is seamless and the end result is flawless.

If you find a project you like with a detailed cut list that works for your space, go ahead and copy and paste it right on over to us. It’s that simple!

And, of course, if you are working on a big project with lots of materials…we deliver!

Now let’s talk about the tools you will need!

Let’s keep it simple here, and not overthink it. We recommend a handful of quality and useful tools.

1. Stanley FatMax Tape Measure – We think the 16′ tape measure is all you need, with the added bonus of not being too heavy! The larger tape measures tend to be bulky and not necessary!

2. Stanley FatMax Level – We stock 12″, 24″, 48″ and 72″. A level is always great to have on hand, even when just hanging up pictures or a TV. You will probably do well with the 12″.

3. A decent hammer – We use and sell an Estwing hammer, which is a professional hammer and more expensive. It’s a quality hammer if you are going to be tackling a lot of DIY projects, but you can always go for one like this Craftsman instead. And, if you are working on a big project with a lot of nails you may want to invest in a Cordless Brad Nailer like this one.

4. We also always keep wood glue on hand for reinforcement, and you will need some nails of course.

Now that we’ve covered all the tools you do need, and the tools you definitely don’t need…

You can get start on your next project by emailing us at info@midtownlumber.com or simply complete the form on the Custom Cutting page, and we will get back to you with pricing and a lead time!

Be sure to include the type of material and exact measurements for your custom cut lumber pieces.

You can find details on how to choose the best materials and sizes to use for your next DIY project in our blog post “How To Order Custom Cut Lumber In 5 Easy Steps”!

It also outlines how to write custom cut lumber orders using inches and fractions (for less confusion), for example:

• 5 pcs of 1⁄2” Canadian Birch 4 1⁄2″ x 18 1⁄4”

Check it out here.