There are wide applications of lumbers and maximum use is in various construction projects. We will discuss a few points about lumber which is important for you to know before you ever try to buy them.
Lumbers are usually of two different types:
- Softwood
Softwoods are obtained from few different trees like fir, pine, cedar and spruce etc. Softwoods will be so soft that you can also make an impression by using your figure nail too. Besides that, it can easily absorb moisture.
Usually, softwoods are affordable as the trees from which they are obtained will grow very quickly. Those who prefer to do DIY project will always prefer to use softwood.
Different grades and classifications
Following are few different types of softwoods:
- Yard lumber
Most of the applications of such yard lumber is for ordinary construction of building projects. The gradings of such yard lumber are usually done based on visual inspection.
Inspector will simply look at the appearance of the lumber and provide a certain grade.
- Structural lumber
Most of the structural lumber are having standard width and thickness. Though these two parameters are fixed, the length of the lumber can vary. Carpenters will usually take certain length of the structural lumber based on his application.
- Hardwood
Normally trees from where Hardwood cut stock come will take much longer to grow and therefore hardwood is usually a bit expensive. In the construction of furniture, flooring purpose and any other fine wood projects, hardwoods are preferred.
If you try to buy hardwood then you will not get them at standard width but they are available at standard thickness. The available thicknesses are usually ½”, 5/8”, ¾”, 1”, 1 ¼”, 1 ½”, 2”, 3’ and 4” etc.
As compared to softwood the grading and classification of hardwood is much simpler. There are certain national grading systems used for hardwoods.
There are 4 different grades available for hardwoods and the grade is usually decided by the surface of the wooden board.
- FAS grade
Among all the varieties, this is considered to be the best quality of hardwood which is usually 6” wide and having 8 – 16 feet length. About 83.3% of the surface will be clear.
- No. 1 grade common
These boards are 3” width and 66.6% clear without blemishes.
- No. 2 grade common
These are also minimum 3” width having 50% clear surface.
- No. 3 grade common
These are also 3”in width having 33.3% clear surface.
There are many different types of hardwoods available based on your application.
