The Essential Guide to Buying Better Lumber
Lumber is an essential material for many building projects, but it’s not as straightforward as you might think. There are myriad lumber options available, all with their own unique qualities. So if you’re planning on purchasing any lumber for home or building projects, it’s important to carefully consider what type fits best for your needs before jumping into a purchase. Here’s a guide to help you make the best decisions.
The Main Types of Lumber to Consider
Lumber Grades Explained
Each piece of lumber available for purchase should have a stamp on it that tells you the species of wood as well as the grade. The characteristics like species and size mainly come down to your own personal preference and the needs of your specific project. However, you should consider grade very carefully, as it relates to the quality of the wood. This can have a major impact on the strength and appearance of the wood.
No. 1 Common
The highest quality grade of pressure-treated lumber available is No. 1 common, or 1COM. These are boards that are especially strong because they contain only a few small knots and no splits that are as long as the width of the board. This type of wood works well in projects where both strength and appearance are important, such as decks or any type of project with exposed wood.
No. 2 Common
No. 2 common lumber, or 2COM, is still strong, but can contain more knots and slightly larger splits than those in the No. 1 common category. Products that fit into this grade are best suited for projects where appearance isn’t as much of an issue. They can be used for framing or more behind-the-scenes building projects.
If you’re looking to purchase lumber for your next building project, look no further than Marchant Building Center in Mountain Home, AR. The hardware store sells a variety of building materials, from doors and windows to shingles and siding. The company also has a new mailing address, 1815 South College St., thanks to a recent street name change. Call (870) 425-3168 or contact the team online to learn more.
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