Not all lumber is the same. If you’re about to installing a new deck, fence, patio cover or another lumber-intensive project, then you’re probably wondering what type of lumber to use. While there are certainly many different types of wood to consider, knowing what type of lumber to use when will help make sure your project comes out right and last a long time. Read on to discover where each species of lumber works best:
Redwood
Redwood is a particularly strong type of lumber that has a beautiful reddish-brown color. Primarily grown in California and known for its evenly-textured, straight grain, redwood is a highly desirable lumber. Although it is very strong, redwood is a flexible lumber that is easy to work with. Redwood lumber is ideally suited for outdoor applications like decking, fencing, exterior trim, and all components of a patio cover.
Cedar
If you’re looking for a light commercial softwood with high density, then cedar may be your best choice. There are a number of different kinds of cedar, but they are generally all very workable and look great when finished with a stain or protective sealant. This lumber is native to the Pacific coast, and can be used for an assortment of building needs from large projects like decking to small ones like building a simple garden box.
Douglas Fir
Another popular lumber species is Douglas fir. This type of lumber is extremely stable and strong, which makes it good for large construction projects such as home building or fencing. It has a great strength-to-weight ratio, meaning that this lumber is relatively low-weight for how durable it is. Douglas fir lumber is well-known for its ability to withstand natural disasters like earthquakes and strong winds.
If these types of lumber sound like they’re right for you, then come inspect the lumber selection at J & W Lumber. With six locations throughout Southern California, we’re sure to have the right kind of lumber to fit your outdoor building needs. For details, visit J & W Lumber online or call (760) 270-9761.