Types of Dimensional Wood

Hardwood Lumber

• Hardwood lumber or timber sheds their leaves every year, defining them as a "deciduous" species. The most popular species for native hardwood in commercial and domestic construction includes ash, walnut, cherry, oak, maple and birch. Nearly all dimensional hardwoods are sold at specialty lumber supply outlets, unavailable to the public through department store or home centers, with the exception of red oak. Hardwood lumber can be cut in the same dimensions as softwood varieties, and sells in the lineal foot.

Hardwood Lumber Dimensions

• When sold at specialty outlets, hardwood dimensional lumber is viewed in quarter-inch measurements, when stocked in a rough state. The thinnest stock ranges from 1 to 4 inches. Hardwood dimensional wood is often unmilled and left in various random lengths, widths and thicknesses, requiring customized cutting upon ordering. The hardwoods are typically sold by board foot sizes, which defines a piece that measures 1 inch thick by 1 square foot. A piece that surpasses 1 inch in thickness requires a multiplication of the square footage by the increased thickness.

Hardwood Physical Characteristics

• As the name implies, hardwood lumber possesses a denser quality than softwoods. Hardwoods require very sharp cutting tools, such as those used in turning and planning applications. Pilot holes must be drilled through hardwoods, to accept thin screw-bolts and screws. Hardwood is heavier, making it more difficult to transport, raise and frame for projects. Open-grained hardwoods, such as ash and oak, have porous and dense grains, which increase the visual appeal of the grain structures when stained. Closed grained hardwoods have unusual color variations, and are often painted over to cover such inconsistencies.

Softwood Lumber

• Softwood lumber, derived from cone-bearing coniferous or evergreen trees, include pine (white and yellow), hemlock, fir, cedar, redwood and spruce. These species do well for the home construction industry. Redwood and cedar have lasting qualities in outdoor projects, such as gazebos, pool decking and railing, outdoor furniture and shed construction. Softwoods absorb and lose water within their more porous grains, making them less stable than hardwoods. Pine lumber excels when used for indoor furniture, such as the country style of Early American. Softwood lumber can be readily obtained from most department store and home center sources.

Softwood Lumber Dimensions

• Softwoods are sold in standard widths seen in the most common housing construction plans and applications. For instance, a 1 by 4 piece will tabulate accurately to 3/4 inch thick by 3 1/2 inches wide. The price depends upon the lineal foot and the increases in the width of the board. Softwoods come in laminated or glued panels used for shelving and countertops, and in 12 to 24 inch widths and lengths ranging from 2 to 8 feet. Softwood lumber framing pieces are most common in 2-by-4, 2-by-6 and 4-by-4 sizes.

Softwood Lumber Grades

• Softwoods come in two grades: select, and the number 2 common. The number 2 common grade has the most knots and grain swirls on the board face, making it suitable for a rough look, such as that used in wall paneling and floorboards. The select grade has less knots, with a tighter grain sequence, making it more appropriate for fine furniture, such as dining room sets, cupboards, chairs, end tables and the like. Softwoods often require a wood conditioner before staining.

Softwood Physical Characteristics

• Softwoods, as the name implies, have a more porous grain structure than that of hardwoods. They remain easy to work with, using the most common shop and hand tools. Softwoods can be easily penetrated with self-tapping type screws and thin screw-bolts, not requiring pilot holes. They also accept metal stapling easier because of their soft surface nature. Softwoods weigh less than hardwoods, allowing for easier transport, raising, cutting and fitting.