Lumber is an essential part of most home construction or renovation jobs, big or small. Paying close attention to the different types of wood available can help you decide what to use for your particular project. Freres Building Supply has been the preferred source of building materials in the Stayton, OR, area since 1943. They are dedicated to providing you with quality products and sound advice to make your home improvement project a success. Below are some of their most important tips to keep in mind when choosing lumber.

3 Tips on Buying Lumber

1. Hardwood or Softwood

Hardwood is denser and is known to last for several years. It requires more labor to harvest and is therefore more expensive compared to other types of lumber. Softwoods, on the other hand, are more abundant and come from trees that grow at a much faster pace, which makes them less expensive and easier to acquire. Choosing between the two can significantly affect the cost of your project, so you need to determine exactly what you need. Hardwood tends to split when you drive a nail into it, so it’s rarely used in construction. Its price and lack of versatility now limit it to being used mostly for flooring, furniture, and decorative pieces.  

2. Size

Lumber is often measured in board feet (bd. ft.), one of which is equal to a piece of wood that’s 12 inches long, 12 inches wide, and one inch thick, or 144 cubic inches. To get the board foot measurement, multiply the three measurements and divide the product by 144. Finding the exact measurements you need reduces wastage, which, in turn, minimizes your costs.

3. Grading

Wood that’s used to build boxes will have a different grading compared to lumber for home construction. If you’re planning a fixture addition, such as doors or molding, you can do away with non-structural pieces of wood from the shop. If you are using the lumber for a bigger project, it’s advisable to go for factory-graded ones that are thicker, sturdier, and can carry more weight.

If you need further assistance choosing the perfect lumber for your home improvement project, don’t hesitate to consult an expert. Get in touch with Freres Building Supply by calling (503) 769-2879. You may also visit their website to learn more about their expansive inventory of fencing, composite decking, and other home construction materials.