1. How do I measure my project to know how much I need?
The easiest way to measure for most of our products is the square foot method. To figure the square footage simply measure the length of the wall, ceiling, or floor and multiply times the width. Add up the square footages and add 10% for defecting and cutting allowance. If you have a lot of windows and/or doors you might want to figure their square footages and deduct them from the total.
2. How do I purchase?
You can reach a salesperson Mon thru Fri 7:30am to 4:15pm at 251-296-2556. You can also submit an inquiry online at www.southernwoodspecialties.com/estimate/
3. Do ya’ll take credit cards?
Yes! We accept all major credit cards. However, we add a 3% charge for using cards, so you can avoid that fee by using cash or check. When using a card to pay for orders in excess of $1,000 over the phone we require you send us a photo of the actual card and your photo ID.
4. Do ya’ll ship?
Yes! We hire shipping done. The minimum charge is $450 so most local folks just bring a trailer and pick up here in Flomaton, AL. We do not charge sales tax when shipping outside of AL so that savings can help offset some of the shipping charges. Most products ship out in 2-3 business days. Customers are responsible for unloading.
5a. What are the shipping options? - HOTSHOT
Our most common shipping option is a “hotshot” (pickup truck with a gooseneck trailer). They can haul several packs of lumber, sometimes up to 20,000 lbs. Their rate is usually around $4.25 per mile with a $450 minimum.
5b. What are the shipping options? - LTL COMMON CARRIER
For shipping 1-2 packs over longer distances it’s best to ship via “LTL Common Carrier” (van trucks that ship terminal to terminal before delivering). Because of the extra handling, we crate the packs to protect your product. Typically, the packs cannot exceed 3,000 lbs each or be longer than 12’. Transit time may be several days and it is difficult to pinpoint the delivery date/time.
5c. What are the shipping options? - BIG TRUCK
For larger quantities, up to 48,000 lbs, a “big truck” (semi-tractor-trailer truck) is used. These trucks are 70+ feet long, so make sure you have room for the truck to access the delivery area.
6. How will I know when my order will arrive?
Your salesperson will notify you when your order leaves our facility. HOTSHOT or BIG TRUCK drivers will give you a call while in transit to let you know what time to expect them. Or, if we shipped via LTL COMMON CARRIOR then their dispatcher will notify you a day in advance of delivery.
7. Will the driver unload the material?
No. Customer is responsible for unloading in a timely manner. You will either need several people on the site to hand unload or have a forklift or other equipment for unloading. Best to have gloves, tin snips, and adequate space ready to store the product. This will help ensure the delivery does as smoothly as possible.
8. Do ya’ll sell regular untreated framing lumber?
No. We sell specialty patterns, rough cut lumber, and some pressure treated lumber.
9. Is there a minimum order?
If we are shipping the order then we often use 500 sq ft or 1 pack as the minimum order size. There is no minimum order size if you come pick it up in Flomaton, AL.
10. Can I return wood?
No, we do not do returns. All sales are final.
11. Can I “pick through” the wood?
No. Products we represent as “select” already have pcs with holes, splits, and other defects pulled out for the most part. Products represented as #2 are expected to have some of those defects. Always order a little extra and plan to do some trimming. Products lists as “outs”, “shop”, or “downfall” are all expected to have a good many defects.
12. Do I need to prepay when placing an order?
There is no need to prepay when you are ordering regular stock items that you are going to pickup yourself. We require at least 50% prepayment for any special orders. And, of course, anything being shipped must be paid in full before shipping.