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When you buy lumber, there are a number of questions that can arise. In Stayton, OR, Freres Building Supply is the trusted local seller of lumber as well as many other essential building materials such as drywall, roofing supplies, and more. They have been providing expert one-on-one lumber advice and sales to their satisfied customers since 1943.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when you order lumber:

  • building materialsThe Call-out

    The proper way to call out a piece of lumber is thickness by width by length.

    As you may already know, a 2x4 does not measure 2in x 4in.  Almost every type of dimensional lumber is called out by a nominal size.  The word nominal means existing in name only, which is why a 2x4 measures 1.5in x 3.5in.  This is true when we are talking about S4S lumber, which means “surfaced on 4 sides”. So once a 2x4 is planed smooth we are left with a net size of 1.5in x 3.5in.  On the other hand, the term rough cut describes a piece of lumber that has not been surfaced

    1x or “one by”  is a nominal thickness for a board that measures 3/4" thick.

    5/4” or “five-quarter”  is a nominal thickness for a board that measures 1” thick.

    2x or “two by”  is a nominal thickness for a board that measures 1.5” thick.

  • Lumber Lengths: Freres Building Supply stocks lumber in 2-foot increments typically starting at 8-feet and up to 24-feet. If you ask for an odd length or a shorter piece than your lumber yard stocks, they may not have it available. Keeping track of inventory is arguably the biggest challenge of any lumber yard. Any help with making stocking and selling easier is greatly appreciated by your local building supply company.

  • Green or KD? Lumber in its natural form is called “green” meaning it has a certain level of moisture content. As green lumber dries out over time you can see it might start to change shape. If you have a project where you need a stable piece of lumber that is not going to move over time, you should request kiln-dried  lumber. This is also the case if you need to paint or stain your lumber right away. 

  • Treated or Non-Treated? Lumber that is brown or green in color with cut marks all over it is referred to as pressure treated lumber.  This lumber has been treated with chemicals to prevent rotting. Any lumber that is touching the ground needs to be brown-treated. Any post that goes in the ground permanently should be green-treated (such as a pole building).

  • Species: For the average homeowner, it can be very difficult to know what type of lumber will be needed for a given project. The guys at Freres will ask you all the right questions to help determine not just what you need, but what you can afford as well. Below is a quick summary of what species you will find at Freres Building Supply, and which works best for each type of project:

  1. Douglas Fir: The best framing lumber around. Be careful when you compare prices at the big box stores because you may be buying inferior hem-fir or white wood. 
  2. Cedar: Decking, railing, fencing, garden boxes, siding & premium exterior trim. Freres keeps both knotty & clear.
  3. Spruce: Affordable exterior trim. This is what you will find on most residential houses around the windows and doors.
  4. Pine: Interior trim, tongue & groove boards for walls & ceilings, shelving & miscellaneous hobby projects.
  5. Hemlock: Stain-grade interior trim & moulding. 
  6. Composites: MDF or “Medium Density Fiberboard” is used in many houses for interior trim. It is very light, pre-primed and extremely affordable. Composite decking, such as Trex, Azek & Dekorators, is gaining popularity as of late but comes with a bigger price tag compared to a traditional cedar deck.  
  • If you want to purchase lumber or other building materials and you also value exceptional customer service, rely on Freres Building Supply in Stayton. They offer free material estimates and in-town delivery, and they will be glad to discuss your building supply needs when you call (503) 769-2879. Learn more about their inventory and sales on their informative website.
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