The term "lumber" is quite general, and the type you require for your project depends on multiple factors, such as whether the job is indoor or outdoor. Lumber comes in many varieties, including pressure-treated and structural options to help you avoid production complications. Before visiting your local hardware store and scooping up the first piece of wood you find, educate yourself on the types of lumber available.

Lumber 101: Which Type Do You Need?

Yard

Yard—or common—lumber is used for both utility and construction purposes. It comes in several grades to help you make the right decision, including No. 1 Common, the highest-quality yard lumber featuring only a few small, tight knots. No. 2 features larger knots and is often utilized during shelving and paneling projects, while No. 3 is much more blemished and suitable for boxes, crates, and fences.

Structural

Structural lumber uses the standard thickness and width dimensions, such as the classic two-by-four and four-by-four. It is available in seven categories, including light framing lumber that is no more than 2 to 4 inches thick and 4 inches wide, and posts and timbers that are 5 inches by 5 inches. Structural joints and planks are 2 to 4 inches thick and 6 inches wide or wider to accommodate your project needs.

Shop & Factory Lumber

Shop and factory lumber are options for “non-structural” applications, such as doors, boxes, and ladders. Grading is directly linked to how the lumber is used; for example, lumber utilized for doors is not going to feature the same grading as wood for pencils or boxes.

Discuss your upcoming project with the friendly team at Marchant Building Center to obtain the lumber you need. The Mountain Home, AR, hardware store has proudly served the area since 1960 and remains a premier source for building supplies. Call (870) 425-3168 to learn more about installation services and available products or visit the website. Like the hardware store on Facebook for more great tips.