One of the biggest advantages we have as a fence company is access to suppliers that typically don’t sell to individual homeowners. These suppliers give us more consistent lumber quality and often better pricing because we buy in bulk. But that doesn’t mean a DIYer can’t snag high-quality fence materials from Home Depot or Lowe’s. You just need to know a few strategies to make it happen.

1. Understand the Default Lumber Stock

Walk through the normal lumber section at a big-box store, and you’ll see stacks of pickets. Here’s what most people don’t realize: those open stacks often include leftovers from other customers. Some might be perfectly fine, but others could be rejects from someone’s earlier selection. If you only need a handful of pickets for a small repair, it’s perfectly fine to sort through the pile and grab the boards that look solid. However, if you need enough pickets for an entire fence replacement, there’s a more reliable way to get better materials.

2. Order by the Bunk

Rather than picking individual boards from the store shelves, ask for a full “bunk” of pickets. A bunk is essentially a bundled or palletized set of boards straight from the mill—untouched by other shoppers. Each bunk holds a specific number of pickets, which varies depending on their width. Thicker, wider pickets come in smaller quantities per bunk, while narrower ones come in larger bundles.Why this matters:

You’ll get boards in the original packaging—less likely to be warped, split, or damaged.
Bundles are easier to load onto a trailer or truck since they’re typically wrapped and strapped down.

3. Call Ahead for Pickup

When you know which pickets you want:

Call Home Depot or Lowe’s a couple of hours (or more) before you plan to arrive.
Request a bunk of the specific picket dimensions you need.
Let them know when you’ll be coming, and ask if they can have it ready for loading.

This pre-arrangement saves you from waiting around in-store while they prep and pull the materials.

4. Use Only What You Need—Return the Rest

One major benefit of ordering a full bunk from Home Depot or Lowe’s is their return policy. Let’s say you’re not 100% sure how many pickets your fence project requires. It’s still smart to buy the full bunk because:

Easier transport & storage: You’ll have all the pickets you could possibly need in one load.
No stress about running out: Nothing halts progress faster than being short a few boards.
Return extras for a full refund: If you have leftover boards, simply bring them back. They’ll unload them for you and refund the unused quantity.

This approach helps ensure your fence gets pristine, mill-fresh lumber without worrying that you’re overspending or stuck with unused material.

5. Check Your Boards Anyway

Even when you’ve ordered a bunk, it’s still wise to do a quick quality check. Give a glance for any major splits or knots—especially around the edges. While most bundles will be in great condition, it’s better to spot any issues right away and arrange for an exchange if necessary.

Why It’s Worth the Effort

Higher Quality: Bundled pickets tend to be in better shape than loose ones that have been pawed through.
Convenience & Time Savings: You avoid digging through partially damaged boards in the store, and you’ll have the perfect number of pickets on hand.
Flexibility: The return policy at big-box stores gives you the freedom to buy more than you need upfront.

Final Thoughts

Just because you don’t have direct access to specialty suppliers doesn’t mean you’re locked into lower-grade fence boards. By ordering full bunks, calling ahead, and taking advantage of the return policy, you can get top-notch materials for your DIY fence project. It’s a simple strategy we recommend to any homeowner looking to save money without sacrificing quality.

Secrets to Getting High-Quality Materials at Home Depot & Lowe’s