Understanding Basic Types of Lumber

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" Understanding Basic Types of Lumber
By: DoItYourself Staff

Western Lumber


Known for its ease of workmanship and nailing as well as strength and dimensional stability.
Western lumber includes more than 15 commercially important Western softwood species.
Most common species are Douglas fir and Hem-fir.
Can be classified as High Quality Appearance, General Purpose Board or Radius-Edged Patio Decking Grade.
The Western Wood Products Association (WWPA) has a rigorous inspection and quality control process. Lumber with the WWPA logo indicates the lumber has passed that quality control process.
Lumber with only the “WWPA Rules” stamp indicates the lumber has been graded according to the WWPA rules, but not been inspected by WWPA.


Redwood


Most redwood sold is heartwood and sapwood grade. Each type comes in several grades, from a fine finish appearance to a rougher, less attractive finish.
Heartwood contains natural barriers to termites and decay and is suited for applications that come into contact with the ground.
Sapwood contains cream-colored streaks. It should not be used in contact with the ground.
Architectural redwood is the strongest redwood. It is normally kiln-dried and used for structural and finish applications.
Garden redwood comprises lower grades that are not kiln-dried and are commonly used for decks, fences and other outdoor garden uses.


Southern Pine


Has high strength, resistance to wear and holds fasteners well. It is often used in homes and other structures.
Descriptions for this type of wood range from 1 through 4.
No. 1 has the highest quality and best appearance.
No. 2 is characterized by tight knots and is generally free of holes.
No. 3 is good, serviceable sheathing, usable for many applications without waste.
No. 4 contains usable portions at least 24” long.


Treated Lumber


Lumber treated to resist weather, termites and fungus.
Treatment involves chemical preservatives forced deep into the cells in the wood under pressure.
Wood used for decks and other outdoor consumer use is generally treated with an inorganic chemical. In 2004, the EPA outlawed the use of arsenic as a method of treating wood. ACQ and copper azole are the current popular chemicals used.
Treated wood still absorbs water, and the treatment is not considered waterproof, but rather decay-proof.
Wood species typically used include Ponderosa pine, Lodgepole pine, Douglas fir, Hem-fir and Southern yellow pine.
Remind customers to wear respiratory protection when cutting treated lumber.


Pine Shelving


Lumber 1” thick and of varying widths and lengths.
Most consumer inventories range from 1” x 1” to 1” x 12”, up to 12’ long.
From 1” x 1” to 1” x 6”, increments increase by 1”. Then, lengths increase in 2” increments from 1” x 8” to 1” x 10” and 1” x 12”.
Most consumer sales will be in 4’ and 6’ lengths.
No. 4 grade pine is commonly called “garage shelving”. Many consumers use it for basements and garages where looks are not important.


Courtesy of NRHA.org.....I would also acknowledge the website of this material http://www.doityourself.com/stry/typesoflumber#.UKd0a-SR88o"



Thanks a lot for the sources of this article and the DO IT YOURSELF STAFF for sharing with readers this very informative article. Hope this will render information to all readers especially those who are considering of making any construction soon.

In every activity that we have in relation to construction or house repair, what is essential is to have quality or standard in the materials that we will use. The longer that we will enjoy our house or whatsoever, the more satisfied we are in our project. Notwithstanding the amount spend in the construction or the repair, the quality of the materials and the output plays a major role before anything else. Though it will always go with budget in hand, it is the lasting element of the matter at hand that needs to be given weight.

The idea of constructing something is always productive. Just be sure to make things easy by preparing everything needed in whatever you will be doing.