The 2x4x8 in spruce-pine-fir (SPF) is the most-used framing stud on Quebec residential job sites. Despite its name, a 2x4 actually measures 1 1/2 in by 3 1/2 in (38 mm by 89 mm), and the 8 means 8 feet long. The nominal dimension is the size of the wood before planing and drying.

Kiln-dried spruce means the wood was run through a kiln to bring its moisture content down, often below 19 percent. Well-dried wood moves less once installed: less warping, less shrinkage, straighter walls. Most 2x4x8s sold in hardware stores are grade No. 2 and better or stud, which is fine for framing.

Do not confuse it with treated 2x4 (tinted brown or green). The kiln-dried spruce 2x4x8 is for interior and sheltered structural use: walls, partitions, top plates, studs set 16 inches on centre. For anything touching the ground or left outdoors (patio, exterior structure), you need treated wood, which costs more.

From one retailer to the next, the same 2x4x8 often varies by more than a dollar a piece. Over 50 or 100 studs, the gap quickly becomes tens of dollars. The price follows the lumber market, the season (higher in spring and summer) and the weekly flyers. Buy when several stores are low at the same time, and rely on the observation date shown above.

Bâtir à Rabais compares the price of construction materials across 28 Quebec retailers. You look up a product, we show you the price range, and once you are signed in, the exact price at each retailer.

With a plan, you build your full project list and we calculate your cheapest buying plan, store by store. You know exactly what to buy, where, and how much you are saving.

It started as a project by two guys from here, Simon and Alexandre, to help Quebec self-builders and renovators keep more money in their pockets.