Perhaps you need building materials to craft a children’s playhouse and swingset, or an insulated dog house for the family pet. Maybe you’re involved in a larger residential construction project. The type of lumber you need to ensure long-lasting results depends entirely on your circumstances. Learn about your lumber choices below to assist your buying decision.

How to Choose the Right Lumber

Pick Hardwood or Softwood

Lumber falls into two basic categories: hardwood and softwood. Hardwoods are generally denser than softwoods and include species like oak, walnut, poplar, hickory, maple, and mahogany. Softwoods include pine, fir, spruce, larch, and cedar. Hardwoods are more expensive, but are less susceptible to dents, scratches, and fires. They’re often used in flooring, furniture woodworking, and cabinetry projects. Many softwoods are still perfectly hardy and can be used in windows and doors, as well as structures like detached sheds and fencing. 

Plywood comes in hard and softwood varies for construction use, as do appearance boards that are used as building materials for indoor furniture, decor, and craft projects. Structural lumber, which is often used in commercial and residential frame construction, also comes in hard and softwood varies.

Decide Between Treated & Untreated

In addition to deciding between hard and softwoods, you also must determine if your project benefits from treated or untreated lumber. Treated lumber, such as pressure-treated wood for decks and fences, features chemicals repulsive to termites and other pests. The chemicals also help the wood withstand the elements better than untreated varieties. The latter is subsequently better for indoor use, assuming the termite threat is low. Keep in mind that if you wish to paint pressure-treated lumber yourself, you must wait until it fully dries, which can take months. Appearance boards come in untreated, painted, and stained versions, including reclaimed and barn wood for sustainable building projects.

Understand Layered Veneer & Composite

If you’re building house frames, columns, or beams, you may need structural composite lumber — a group of woods that can include veneer paneling — or glue laminated timber. Both take thin sheets or strands of wood and adhere them with adhesives or glue, but glue laminated timber is kiln-treated for additional durability. Both are well-suited to outdoor or indoor projects; however, exterior plywood must be coated with resin-based waterproof glue to prevent moisture-related rot.

Find the wood building materials you need for project success at Montgomery’s Building Supplies, the family-owned company specializing in top-quality projects since 1898. The Warsaw, NY-based hardware store known for exceptional customer service provides building materials for projects of all sizes, and strives to keep prices affordable. Call (585) 786-2510 today with inquires or review their offerings online.