All these post on Pinterest refer to HD and Lowe's making cuts!

It must be a store decision. I am not sure about Home Depot, but our Lowe's will cut pretty much any size. Perhaps some stores are larger than others or have more staff available?

I agree with Michele. All depends on the store staff. All about customer service.

The stores in my area charge for every cut no matter how small. I just use the local lumberyard instead, they charge too, but it is less and for me, less hassle as every time I go to HD or Lowes there is a long wait, the guy is on break or lunch - one excuse after another. It does depend on the area and store. The ones where my girlfriend lives, they hardly ever charge you, are happy to help you and a pleasure to shop there.

I would suggest speaking to the HD and Lowe's managers you shop at and suggesting a limited number of free cuts would be wonderful customer relations. My HD and Lowes know me since I'm always working on some kind of project. I make it a point to get to know the staff in the sections I use, ask intelligent questions, and compliment them in writing with the boss. Friendliness goes a long way toward getting the occasional freebie.

This question wasn't about the cost. I have no problem paying the .25 cent per cut or whatever. It was about the fact they won't rip anything smaller than 18 inches at any of our stores, Lowe's or HD, and that is way too large for faux planking. Thanks