About Lumber

Lumber is wood used for projects, usually carpentry work or construction. There are two common types of lumber that can be found in lumberyards, but each type has certain advantages over the other depending on the material. Certain things must be considered when choosing lumber for the finished project to turn out right.

Types of Lumber

Hardwood lumber includes oak, maple, cherry, birch, walnut, poplar, and ash. These types come from deciduous trees. The only woods that are generally carried in lumberyards are poplar and red oak. In order to purchase the others, you may have to search for a specialty store. Harder woods can be difficult to work with and require sharp tools. 

Softwood lumber includes pine, fir, spruce, hemlock, cedar, and redwood. These are commonly used in construction projects and easier to work with than hardwoods. They are also less expensive, and about 90 percent of the wood in lumber yards is softwood.

Uses

Hardwood is often used for constructing furniture, wood floors, and even some cooking utensils because of its sturdiness. Hardwood is also great for campfires because it burns longer than softwood. Softwood is the common wood used by people. It is often used as the structure for buildings, furniture, producing paper, and printing.

Defects to Look For

Wood can become damaged due to several factors.  These consist of insects such as beetles, termites, and carpenter ants that eat away the wood. When converted to commercial form it can develop chip marks and torn grain. Fungi can attack the wood when the moisture is above 25%, gets to a certain warmth, and when air is present. Natural forces like abnormal growth can also cause of defects.