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Choosing the Right Lumber for Your Project

08/17/2011
Choosing the Right Lumber for Your Project

Are you planning an outdoor project to renovate the style of your backyard? Choosing the right lumber can be an overwhelming task. When beginning your new backyard addition, take the time to research the various types of lumber and their benefits. Whether you’re building a fence or constructing a deck, consider the advantages of using the following types of lumber:

Hardwoods

Choosing hardwood for deck building has become a popular alternative in California. Hardwoods such as Ipe and Mangaris are typically used for upscale decks and docks, due to their quality and durability. Compared to softwood, hardwood contains richer timber fibers. And although it can be slightly more expensive than softwood, hardwood is a strong material with a natural resistance to insect and pest damage.

Western Red Cedar

Western Red Cedar is a quality lumber choice for both decking and fencing. This type of lumber provides any deck with a beautiful finish that will attract the attention of your neighbors. Aside from its aesthetic benefits, Western Red Cedar also contains its own preservative oils, which help it to serve as the perfect base for protective coatings. Western Red Cedar is an ideal choice for decking, as it stays flat, remains straight, and resists checking. For fencing, this type of cedar is both cost-effective and easy to install

Pressure-Treated Wood

Pressure-treated wood is an inexpensive and durable alternative for deck building. Manufacturers use chemical preservatives to make pressure-treated wood more durable and less susceptible to rotting, water damage, and termites. Pressure-treated wood is commonly used for decking understructure, but is also used for utility poles or other ground-contact applications.

To help you determine what type of lumber is right for your decking or outdoor project, consult the experts at J & W Lumber. We offer a wide variety of timber, quality products, and professional services, so call us today at (760) 741-8776.

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Marcus
Marcus
6 years ago

I totally agree with you in that it is always important to consult with an expert when looking for the best type of wood for your needs. It makes sense to think that doing this can help you get the quality you need for the type of project you are planning on using wood for. My brother was talking about how he wanted to make a cedar deck, so I wanted to look at providers for him.

Jordan Feil
Jordan Feil
6 years ago
Reply to  Marcus

Good afternoon Marcus,

If your brother and you are looking for a Western Red Cedar provider you might just be in luck – we are one of the biggest suppliers of the material in San Diego. Our sales team has around the clock access to some of the finest cedar decking around. If you fill out a form on the site and let us know what you need we would be happy to give it a look.

Thank you for stopping by!