There are a variety of hardwood and softwood options available for crafting and building. However, each has unique characteristics that determine what they’re best suited for. Here are some of the more popular lumber options and what to use them for. 

What Types of Lumber Are Available?

1. Oak

Most traditional wood furniture and flooring made in the United States are created from oak. This hardwood is incredibly durable. Since there are so many varieties of these trees, you can get this in a range of colors, including white, red, and deep brown. Keep in mind that the option you choose will darken over time as the wood ages and is exposed to oxygen.

2. Pine

Carpenters love working with this material. It is a softwood, but is strong and shock-resistant, which makes it ideal for furniture and window frames. Unlike many other types of wood, it won’t shrink or swell due to humidity or water spills. It also tends to be less expensive and require less maintenance than many hardwoods. People also love the dark, round grains that appear on top of this white or yellowish wood. 

3. Walnut

Both common and black walnut trees produce hard, dense timber that has an attractively tight grain and smooth finish. Depending on the tree species, the wood can range from a creamy white to a dark chocolate color.

These characteristics make it the ideal material for furniture and hand-carved items, like bowls. It’s also one of the best hardwoods for creating veneers, the thin slices of wood you can glue on top of particleboard or medium-density fiberboard. 

Whether you are building new cabinets or a deck, Freres Building Supply in Stayton, OR, has the lumber and plywood you need to successfully complete the project. Since 1943, this business has provided quality building materials and dependable services to Willamette Valley and the Pacific Northwest. Their team has over 100 years of combined industry experience and will help you choose the best option for your needs. Visit their website to learn more about their lumber, or call (503) 769-2879 to ask about their inventory.