If you’re working on a home improvement project or getting into woodworking, the type of wood you select can make a major impact on the final product. As you peruse the internet or visit your local lumber yard, you may notice several options and see discussions about old- and new-growth wood. Here’s a guide to what these terms mean and the benefits of each. 

Old-Growth Wood

Old-growth wood comes from virgin timber grown in the woods over hundreds of years. These trees grew large and strong thanks to plenty of access to sunlight and water, along with competition from nearby trees that forced the roots to search for optimal nutrients in the soil. These conditions create a tight grain that makes the wood especially hard and dense. This makes it an ideal choice for projects where you don’t want to see any shifts or movement over time, like door and window frames.

However, old-growth wood is in short supply, since these trees take a long time to grow and are not generally available for timber harvesters. Often, old-growth wood that is commercially available comes from reclaimed sources like old homes and building projects that have been disassembled. 

New-Growth Wood

New-growth wood comes from tree farms that are planted specifically for harvesting lumber. Farmers generally plant pine trees, since they can fully mature and provide a reliable wood source in just 15 to 20 years. The growth rings are a bit more spaced out in this form of wood, making it a bit softer and more pliable. However, the material is still strong enough to use on a variety of woodworking and home improvement projects, from furniture to millwork. New-growth wood can also be sealed or stained to reduce the impact of rot, moisture, and insects. 

Since new-growth wood is still being produced today, it is more economical and available in a wide array of sizes and dimensions. It also reduces the need for wood from virgin forests, allowing large trees to continue to thrive in the natural environment. 

If you’re looking for lumber for a woodworking or home improvement project, head to Butler County Lumber Company in Hamilton, OH. The lumber yard offers an array of products for everything from siding to windows. The knowledgeable team can even help you select the products that best suit your needs. Visit the lumber yard’s website to browse options, or call (513) 896-6660 to speak with a team member.