Here’s what you need to know if you’ve ever stood in the lumber aisle, staring at a stack of 4×8 plywood sheets, wondering how on earth you’re getting them home in your minivan — you have more options than you think.

A lot of homeowners put off projects simply because they don’t own a pickup truck. But Garrett Poshusta of The Grit and Polish, who has hauled plywood using just about every method short of a horse and wagon, puts it plainly: it’s possible, it just takes a bit more time, effort, and in some cases, money. Here are six solid ways to make it work.

Have the Store Cut It First

Big retailers will cut plywood to your dimensions right there in the aisle. Most locations only do single straight cuts, not complex multi-directional cuts, but Poshusta notes that during slower business hours, you may have luck getting multiple straight cuts done. A sheet that’s been reduced to manageable pieces fits in a lot more vehicles and makes the whole job easier before you even pull into your driveway.

Use Roof Racks

If your SUV or crossover has roof racks, you’ve already got a workable solution. Strap the plywood flat on top and you’re in business — but do it right. Bring a partner to help lift the sheets into place. Slide two 2×4s underneath as support rails, and use ratchet straps to lock everything down. Skip the rope and cam buckle straps, which can work loose as you drive. Stick to secondary roads and skip the highway to keep speeds reasonable and your load stable.

Order Delivery

If you’re buying multiple sheets or picking up other lumber at the same time, delivery deserves a serious look. Home centers typically charge $75 to $125 for delivery. Local lumberyards, on the other hand, often charge considerably less — and their stock tends to be higher quality. When you can’t hand-pick each sheet yourself, that matters. If a Saturday morning project is on the schedule, place the order mid-week and have it waiting at the curb.

Rent a Trailer

Got a hitch on your vehicle? Rent a trailer. No hitch? Consider having one installed — even smaller sedans have some towing capacity and can be fitted with a hitch for a reasonable cost. Once you have the trailer hooked up, load your plywood flat and secure it with a latch strap or two. It’s one of the most flexible options because you can take your time loading at the store without worrying about a rental clock ticking.

Rent a Truck

Home centers like Home Depot and Lowe’s rent trucks by the hour or by the day. Figure around $75 for an hour and fifteen minutes, or roughly $120 plus gas for a full day. The catch is you can’t reserve one in advance, so get there early, especially on weekends when every other DIYer in town has the same idea.

Know Your Plywood Weight

Before you commit to any of these options, think about what you’re actually hauling. Plywood weight varies more than most people expect. A quarter-inch sheet runs 20 to 25 pounds — manageable for one person. Half-inch sheets land between 30 and 50 pounds. Three-quarter-inch sheets, which are common for flooring and cabinetry, can hit 45 to 90 pounds depending on species and core material. Hardwoods like birch run heavier than softwoods, and MDF core panels are heavier than wood veneer cores. Knowing the weight before you load up helps you pick the right transport method and the right number of helpers.

As someone who walks these streets and talks to the neighbors tackling weekend projects, I can tell you the lack of a truck shouldn’t be the reason a good project sits undone. Plan ahead, pick the right method for your haul, and get to work. That new garden shed, built-in bookcase, or subfloor repair isn’t going to build itself.