What’s treated lumber?

Treated lumber is wood infused with chemicals to prevent decay and increase durability. It is commonly used in construction, fences, and other structures exposed to harsh weather and insects. Treated wood is available in various sizes and can be cut with regular saws. It costs more than untreated wood but requires less maintenance. Sometimes referred […]

Cedar Lumber: What is it?

Cedar lumber is a natural, high-quality building material that is resistant to water damage, insect infestation, and warping. It is commonly used for outdoor structures and comes in various shapes and sizes. Cedar has a distinct fragrance and is visually appealing, but may require treatment after several years. Pressure treated lumber is an alternative, but […]

What’s Douglas Fir Lumber?

Douglas fir is a strong and durable softwood used in construction, furniture, and even aircraft. It is popular for its ability to withstand the elements and is often recycled in the architectural industry for its antique appearance. Douglas fir lumber is considered one of the best woods for projects ranging from furniture to home construction. […]

What’s Redwood Lumber?

Redwood lumber is a popular building material due to its natural resistance to pests and distinctive color. It is graded by quality and can be reclaimed from old growth trees or damaged trees. When selecting redwood lumber, people should look for straight boards with no signs of warping or twisting. Redwood lumber is lumber cut […]

What’s White Pine Lumber?

White pine lumber, derived from eastern white pine, is a durable and popular wood used for centuries in construction, furniture, and shipbuilding. It comes in graded and common classifications and is known for its strength, durability, and lack of knots. White pine lumber is a popular type of wood that is derived from eastern white […]

Softwood Lumber: What is it?

Softwood lumber is graded based on use, size, and finish. Softwoods like pine and fir are used for construction and come in sizes between 2-16 inches thick. Nominal dimensions differ from actual dimensions. In the US, lumber is graded based on whether it’s planed or untreated. Russia is the world’s leading timber exporter. In American […]

What’s Spruce Lumber?

Spruce lumber is a strong and light wood obtained from over 30 types of Picea trees. It’s refined into uniform boards using saws and shapers, and can be treated for durability. Spruce is ideal for light, load-bearing situations, such as in wooden airplanes and boat building. It’s also used for furniture, musical instruments, and home […]

What’s rough sawn lumber?

Rough sawn lumber is unfinished wood that must be dried, planed, and seasoned by the recipient. It is less expensive and allows for more control during refinishing. It is larger than finished lumber due to shrinkage. Lumber yards label their products carefully. Mishandling or choosing the wrong lumber can be costly. Rough sawn lumber is […]

What’s Hemlock Lumber?

Hemlock timber is a high-quality lumber suitable for woodworking and framing. It has a uniform tone and appearance, but low resin makes it less weather-resistant. Hemlock lumber can be shaped easily and takes paints and stains well. Costs vary by grade, and buyers should inspect the lumber upon delivery. Hemlock timber is produced from trees […]

Best kiln dried lumber: how to choose?

Choosing the right kiln-dried lumber can be difficult due to the variety of trees available. Kiln drying allows for moisture control, and both softwood and hardwood can be used. Consider the level of dryness needed, the type of wood, and the specific project requirements. Kiln-dried lumber is used for many purposes, but the variety of […]

Best cheap lumber: how to choose?

To find cheap lumber, consider the project and its requirements. Lumber yards and commercial carpenters offer low-cost dimensional lumber, but it may have defects. Other sources include old furniture, decommissioning projects, and construction sites. Softwoods like pine are typically less expensive, while reclaimed wood can be used for rustic projects. Check local laws before purchasing […]

What’s Maple Lumber?

Maple lumber comes from the Acer genus, with sugar maple being the most common. Hard and soft maple lumber is available, with hard maple being highly desirable for woodworking projects due to its strength and unique grain patterns. Soft maple is used for industrial applications and consumer items. Maple lumber is wood that comes from […]

What’s Fire Retardant Lumber?

Fireproof lumber is treated wood used in construction to reduce the incidence of loss of property and life from fires. It is treated with fire retardant chemicals, but cannot be used arbitrarily and must go through a system of approval due to potential health effects. The effectiveness of fireproofing lumber depends on the treatment used […]

Red Cedar Lumber: What is it?

Red cedar lumber is strong, flexible, and easy to cut. It contains a natural preservative that repels insects and can resist shrinking and swelling. It has a light woody fragrance and can be purchased at a lower cost than other building products. Red cedar lumber generally comes from any of many red cedar varieties. These […]

What’s Mahogany Lumber?

Mahogany is a popular hardwood used for furniture, boats, and musical instruments. It is known for its durability, warm tones, and rich color. Mahogany dries quickly and is stable, but can be difficult to work with due to its hardness. Swietenia mahagoni was the most commonly used variety, but is now rare. Swietenia macrophylla and […]

What’s a lumber yard?

Lumberyards sell wood for construction and other purposes, mostly dimensional pine lumber. The wood is processed in a sawmill to produce uniform size and moisture content. Lumberyards also sell tools and equipment, but the job can be dangerous. Most lumber yards cater to building contractors, with some specializing in hardwoods for flooring. A lumberyard is […]

Skip to content