Lifting and moving MDF/Plywood panels

Abby6006 · 6 Sep 2021

I'd like to buy some MDF and Plywood 2.4x1.2m panels for various projects around the home. I just have a Corsa so I'm not driving them home.

How do you all go about lifting and moving these panels? Best I can tell they'd range from 30-60kg dependant on thickness. The weight is one thing but obviously the panels are big and unwieldy. Plus it's just me and I'm a woman and not known for my physical prowess. I sort of wanted to keep full size panels so I can use them as needed.

Do you have any tips for handling these or do you just get them cut do dimension when buying? Or maybe you are stronger than you look?!

Deleted member 174758 · 6 Sep 2021

I'm a six footer (plus a wee bit) and a 50kg sheet of 18mm MR-MDF is no fun on your own, even if you do it for a living like me (and whilst I'm no Hercules, I am equally no six stone weakling). If you need full sheets get a friend to help you if you can, it is far easier, or possibly hire a man/woman and van for an hour.

Whilst some DIY places can cut them I find the accuracy is often poor. Go to a timber merchant, preferably a smaller place which has it's own joinery or machine shop and you should expect far better accuracy. You may also be able to save money by taking a cutting list as they may well.be able to do some of your cuts from their own part sheet stock at a saving. I still have a couple of places near me that work like that

I prefer to cut my own, but sometimes it is more convenient to pay for the service (at 50p a cut from one of my guys), especially if it is accurate

Abby6006 · 7 Sep 2021

JobAndKnock said:
I prefer to cut my own

Thanks JobAndKnock, yes me too. My local merchant is pretty good with their cuts but I do prefer doing it myself and spending the time (more important for plywood as opposed to MDF really). Plus if a corner gets dinged with a full sheet, no big deal I can cut around it. A ding on an already cut sheet when delivered is awkward to argue about.

I guess I'll just need to get better at planning ahead well in advance. Wish I owned a van but even then I still can't lift them alone!

Nozzle · 7 Sep 2021

You need some roof bars and a set of racheting load straps. Mount the board such that it won't bend with the considerable wind resistance at speed (use a length of timber as a "strongback"). Thread the load strap over load, under the end of the roofbar, across the car, under the other end of roof bar then back over the load again. Trap the loose end of the strap in the car door seal, with a single twist to stop it vibrating in the wind.

After you've driven a mile or so, get out and check the load is still secure (the bouncing around shakes out the load and any previous tension might be lost)

Nozzle

Harry Bloomfield · 7 Sep 2021

Most of the DIY emporiums offer some sort of delivery service, either free or cheap, using a man and a van.

^woody^ · 7 Sep 2021

I have used one of these for years to move boards up to 18mm

RandomGrinch · 7 Sep 2021

Harry Bloomfield said:
Most of the DIY emporiums offer some sort of delivery service, either free or cheap, using a man and a van.

Plus One for home delivery.
I have found a combination of Travis Perkins and Wickes (now de-merged!) surprisingly good value.
Especially with Wickes, I find it possible to get the big building merchant stuff and the small DIY stuff on the same order and free delivery over £75.

Harry Bloomfield · 8 Sep 2021

RandomGrinch said:
Plus One for home delivery.
I have found a combination of Travis Perkins and Wickes (now de-merged!) surprisingly good value.
Especially with Wickes, I find it possible to get the big building merchant stuff and the small DIY stuff on the same order and free delivery over £75.

We have a rather good general hardware shop, with a building materials yard within half a mile, with another building materials yard not much further. Ask them nicely and they will deliver for free the heavier items.

Abby6006 · 8 Sep 2021

For delivery do they unload it onto your property or do you have to do it? Would they bring it into your garage?

A van might but a lorry wouldn't get up my driveway - I wouldn't be strong enough to lift a panel up the drive, never mind say 10 of them. Not sure if they plonk a pallet within sniffing distance and drive off or they would deliver it like the postie would.

RandomGrinch · 8 Sep 2021

Abby6006 said:
For delivery do they unload it onto your property or do you have to do it? Would they bring it into your garage?

You can normally add notes to the delivery information, but you can't guarantee you get a van delivery, or an amenable driver!
I've found drivers can be persuaded with cool drinks, Ice creams, or an ear to listen to their problems!

...but don't even try with a multidrop driver!

Also, there is nearly always a way of moving things without the need for brute force. Using the right tools and some thought will usually get the job done. I.e. you could think about a board dolly:
https://www.racking.com/product/board-panel-dolly-1076
Something could easily be cobbled up from scraps?

Abby6006 · 8 Sep 2021

Thanks RandomGrinch, that's a good idea, never thought to look for something like that. My driveway is on a hill so I was dreaming up some kind of panel dragging winch system, something like this could really work though.

RandomGrinch · 8 Sep 2021

Abby6006 said:
Thanks RandomGrinch, that's a good idea, never thought to look for something like that. My driveway is on a hill so I was dreaming up some kind of panel dragging winch system, something like this could really work though.

Alternatively, if you were storing the boards in an upright rack in the garage, just put some (braked) castors on the rack!
Along these lines?
...but heavier to handle up the hill.

Deleted member 174758 · 8 Sep 2021

My experience with timber yards and builders merchants is that they aren't too keen on driving onto your property - some because the vehicle too big/heavy (10 to 24 tonners are often used) which means a kerbside delivery. In general with the larger merchants the driver won't unload, either, he'll just unstrap the load and you do the rest (he's not insured if he puts his back out or injured himself - he's a driver, not a labourer they'll say). Those aren't an issue in my environment as I can generally scare up a body or two to give me a hand unloading.

Some yards, especially smaller ones run a small (3.5 tonne) vehicle and are more willing to give you a hand, but they may or may not come onto your property - after all, who pays if their vehicle cracks your flags or busts a manhole cover?

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Lifting and moving MDF/Plywood panels

Abby6006

Deleted member 174758

Abby6006

Nozzle

Harry Bloomfield

^woody^

RandomGrinch

Harry Bloomfield

Abby6006

RandomGrinch

Abby6006

RandomGrinch

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Deleted member 174758

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