A completed project—no matter what size or type it is—is only as good as the materials that you used to build it. When browsing for lumber for your project, you’ll find several choices, which can be overwhelming. Below is a brief guide to help you narrow down your choices so you can shop like an experienced contractor and select the right wood for your needs. 

A Guide to Selecting the Right Lumber

Select Wood Finish, Type, & Durability 

First, you’ll need to determine whether you want a softwood or a hardwood. Softwoods tend to be cheaper than hardwoods since they grow quicker. This is often used in construction such as for building a deck or framing a home. If you purchase a softwood such as pine, cedar, or spruce, just choose a pressure-treated wood so it can withstand the elements. Hardwood is used for finer decorative projects such as cabinetry, floorboards, and furniture.

You’ll also have many options for the grade, which tells you the quality, or how much usable material is in a board. The grading rules are set by the National Hardwood Lumber Association. The highest quality is FAS, which is best for fine projects such as furniture or cabinets. 

Select the Right Size 

The unit of measurement for lumber is a board foot. This unit of measurement is one foot long, one foot wide, and one inch thick. If you take the volume of the board (width in inches x length in feet x thickness in inches) and divide it by 12, you’ll have the size of the unit in board feet. As for thickness, the inches are measured in quarters. A one-inch board, for example, is 4/4.

The experienced team at Freres Building Supply can help you choose the best lumber for your project in Marion County, OR. They have provided the Willamette Valley community with high-quality building materials, from insulation to fencing, for more than 70 years. They take special orders and provide free in-town delivery for your convenience. Visit their website to browse lumber options. Call (503) 769-2879 to get a quote for your lumber.