How to Identify Rough Cut Lumber

Rough-cut lumber is simply wood that has been cut into boards and left unfinished. Because the making of rough-cut lumber takes less effort, it is cheaper than finished lumber. Being able to tell the difference between “ rough cut” and finished wood is a simple task. There are several note worthy characteristics anyone can use to tell them apart.

• Check the ends of the lumber. Unlike finished lumber, rough-cut lumber has not gone through the same sanding or other manufacturing processes. The ends of rough-cut lumber will be uneven, angled, less smooth and other imperfections.


• Check the surface. Rough-cut lumber has not gone through all the same processes as finished lumber. The surface of rough-cut lumber will be rougher and often have splinters or bits of shaving and other imperfections. Finished lumber is sanded smooth


• Check the thickness. Finished lumber has been sanded smooth; this removed several of the top layers. Rough lumber on the other hand has not, and so it will be slightly thicker.


• Check for warping. High moisture in rough-cut lumber will cause them to warp (severely in some cases). Finished wood has undergone more treatment, and had much of it's trapped moister removed, minimizing the chance of warps. Rough-cut lumber has not and as a result will often warp slightly.