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.
