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Knowing Your Lumber

06/07/2011
Knowing Your Lumber

When it comes to lumber, there is a lot to know.  You must consider its different uses and applications, how to buy it, the various grades, and whether it is pretreated or not.  So, it is important to be aware of which type of lumber will best suit your needs and last for a long time to come. Let’s take a closer look at the wonderful world of lumber and what it means to you.

Redwood Lumber

Aside from being absolutely beautiful, redwood lumber is the perfect choice for outdoor usage, such as a patio.  Part of the reason for this is the wood’s natural resistance to insects, mold, mildew, and decay.  This means your patio will be more beautiful for a longer period of time if you choose redwood lumber.

Rough Doug Fir

This lumber is very stiff and durable, making it a good choice for your indoor or outdoor needs.  What makes this wood interesting is that it’s not actually a true fir; rather, it acquired its name from the two men who identified the wood in 1791.  Due to its durability, this is a great wood choice for your structural needs.

Western Red Cedar

Cedar compliments any architectural design and can be stained or left unfinished and still provide beautiful warms colors with a richly textured grain.  Cedar can be used within many different applications, and has great acoustical insulation for even your largest rooms.  The wonderful scent that comes with cedar also help resist moisture and are toxic to decay-causing fungi and insects and preserve the wood to give it long lasting appeal.

Grade Stamps

When you buy your lumber, oftentimes you’ll be dealing with grade stamps which indicate the different qualities of the lumber.  These grades help you understand the size, species, mill, certification, condition of seasoning, and the overall quality.  If you have questions about grade stamps, then you can always ask your lumber supplier about which wood and grade stamp will work best for your project.

At J & W Lumber, we have been serving Southern California since 1957 and take pride in providing you with the lumber you need, from redwood to rough doug fir and much more.  If you have a question about how lumber can revitalize your home’s appearance, visit our website or visit a location nearest you.

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