Cypress lumber is made from various cypress trees and is available at lumber yards or from specialist companies. It has a fine grain and is suitable for construction due to its natural resistance to pests and decay. It can be treated or left untreated for weathering. Reclaimed cypress lumber is also available. Cypress lumber is […]
Red oak lumber is a strong and easily acquired wood material for building and furniture making. It requires careful maintenance and is not rot-proof or water-resistant. Northern red oak is harder and better for framing, while southern red oak is softer and more easily manipulated. Red oak is a slowly renewable resource, and quality lumber […]
Different types of fence lumber are available for building wooden fences, with hardwoods being the most durable but expensive. Cedar is a popular choice due to its durability and aesthetics, while composite materials offer improved resistance to damage. Posts and panels are the two main types of fence lumber used in construction. When building a […]
Cherry lumber is popular for fine furniture and flooring due to its reddish-brown color and durability. American cherry grows in the eastern US, while other varieties are grown in Mexico and South America. The wood is popular for paneling, veneers, and decorative projects. Brazilian cherry has interlocking grains and is used for medicinal purposes. Cherry […]
Birch lumber is derived from various North American birch tree species, with a uniform texture and dense wood. It is easy to treat but prone to decay and insect infestation. Birch is commonly used for indoor projects due to its low cost and can also be used for furniture, toys, paper, and toothpicks. Birch trees […]
Bulk lumber is sold to resellers at a lower price than retail, allowing them to sell at competitive prices. Wholesale timber is often prime quality and can be used for various applications, with graded options available. Different types of wood can be sold as bulk lumber, including treated lumber and odd-numbered sections. Bulk lumber is […]
Holly timber is a hardwood with a tight grain, used in fine woodworking, musical instrument making, and furniture. It is expensive due to limited supplies and careful handling required. Holly lumber is vulnerable to insects and fungi and can shrink or swell in different conditions. When inspecting lumber, look for clear, even color and no […]
Pecan lumber is a durable and beautiful wood used for furniture, flooring, and crafts. It has a striking grain pattern and is harder to find than other hardwoods. Pecan wood is often used for table tops and picture frames, and can be purchased as raw wood or veneer. The pecan tree also produces an edible […]
Plastic lumber is a man-made material made from recycled plastic or composite materials. It’s low maintenance, environmentally friendly, and strong, making it ideal for outdoor settings and heavy wear and tear structures. It’s available in various colors and is in demand for industrial and institutional applications. Plastic lumber is a type of man-made “wood” planks […]
Exotic timber is difficult to define as it varies by location. It refers to timber acquired from non-native sources. Examples include South American woods like Bolivian rosewood and African exotics like Sandlewood from Tanzania. The Far East and other regions also produce exotic timber. Exotic timber is a somewhat difficult term to define as timber […]
Sized lumber, also known as dimensional lumber, is standardized in width and height but can vary in length. Standardized measurements vary by country, and the numbers used to refer to the sizes are slightly larger than the actual sizes. Softwoods and hardwoods are available, and chemically treated versions can resist insects and rot. Wet lumber […]
Ebony wood is highly prized for its unique appearance and quality of grain, but controversy surrounds its harvesting from tropical rainforests. The US restricts the import of raw ebony wood, while international regulations under CITES aim to regulate the trade but raise prices and encourage illegal logging. Ebony lumber is a type of decorative and […]
Walnut lumber is a popular choice for construction, cabinets, and flooring due to its durability and sheen. There are two varieties: black and common/white. The drying process affects the color, with kiln-dried being darker and more expensive. Walnut is preferred by furniture makers, gun makers, and luthiers. The term lumber refers to wood in any […]
Bamboo lumber is made from the bamboo plant, a renewable resource that is environmentally friendly. It can be used for various building projects, but is expensive and not suitable for humid climates. Harvesting must be done properly to ensure maximum strength and prevent damage. Unlike other types of lumber which are made from various types […]
Felled trees are turned into logs through bucking, then transported to a sawmill to be processed into lumber. Logs are sorted, graded, and debarked before being cut into planks. The planks are then edged, trimmed, graded again, and dried before being sold as lumber. Felled trees are turned into logs at the same point they […]
Pine lumber is a softwood that is commonly used for flooring, furniture, and construction. Pine trees are abundant and grow faster than deciduous trees, making them a more renewable resource. Different types of pine have various uses, such as Southern yellow pine for flooring and red cedar for outdoor furniture. Pine lumber is pine that […]
Lumber kilns dry green wood for immediate use, with steam heating being the most common method. Some models use mist systems or directional fans, and renewable energy can be used. Companies invest in wood treatment technology to affect their products and may receive incentives for green practices. A lumber kiln is a type of kiln […]
Rosewood is a dense hardwood found in tropical regions, especially Brazil. It comes from the Dalbergia genus and is known for its dark color and streaking. It is used for flooring, furniture, sculptures, and musical instruments. Rosewood is hard, heavy, and has a sweet, floral scent. It is resistant to fungi and lasts a long […]
Choosing rough sawn lumber requires preparation and consideration of carpentry skills and tools. Hardwoods are more durable but expensive, while softwoods warp easily. Drying and shaping the wood properly is crucial, and purchasing larger pieces is recommended. Lumber yards grade the wood based on its condition, so consider project types before purchasing. The important thing […]
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