What is Lumber?

Selecting the right lumber for your project can be a challenging task. Even though the terms wood and lumber are typically used synonymously, lumber is the cost-effective available material made from wood that is commonly cut in conventional sizes and increments. By equipping yourself with some fundamental knowledge prior to your escapade to the lumber yard, you are going to be able to ask better questions and make informed decisions.

Around ninety percent of the wood you are going to find in the lumber yard is going to be softwood. These common woods like fir, spruce and pine are usually used for building homes. They are also suitable for a lot of utilitarian projects like cabinet making, basic furniture and paintable undertakings.

Hardwoods are typically used in projects in which the beauty of the natural wood is featured, like stained furniture, features for architectural buildings, musical instruments and flooring for homes and businesses. Hardwood trees are going to take a lot longer to grow than softwoods, which is the reason hardwood lumber is significantly more costly than softwood.

Wood is a natural material; therefore, no two pieces are going to be identical, and defects are going to be occasionally present. Thoroughly go over boards for twisting, cracking, bowing, knotting, cupping and warping.

Lumber Measurements and Grade

Typically lumber in big box home improvement stores are going to be sold in linear feet, which means it is being measured for sale only by length. Lumber available for sale in lumber yards, however, is going to be measured by board feet, that is the board length multiplied by board thickness and board length. It is a good idea to note that typical board sizes such as 2X4’s are in reality smaller (1 ½ X3 ½) following the milling and planing process which makes the boards available for sale is finished.

Lumber is additionally graded based on planned usage and its quality. Higher graded lumber is going to have fewer defects and is going to cost more. Lumber prices can increase considerably from one grade to the next. It’s not required to purchase a higher grade than vital for your project.

Having knowledge of these lumber basics, your next escapade to the lumber yard endeavor is going to be a much more enjoyable and worthwhile experience.

Woodworking Supplies Mesa by Timber Woodworking

Timber Woodworking offers hardwoods in Mesa, Arizona. We specialize in woodworking tools, equipment, and supplies for commercial woodworking cabinet shops or furniture manufacturers as well as the home shop hobbyist. Contact us today, or call if you should have any questions.