We are all familiar with construction materials like sand, gravel, steel and concrete that are required in everyday life. However, there is something we don’t see very often and that is lumber. You probably recognize woodworking machinery like a table saw or a drill press, or even saws and drills, but apart from that, you may not know much about the lumber. Here are some of the other things you should know about lumber.
What is Construction Lumber? Construction lumber is the main component in the building process. Basically, wood is processed into planks and beams, a part of the construction process. Lumber primarily is used for construction purposes but also has other applications as well. Some of the common types of lumber are softwood, hardwood, softwood/hardwood, and softwood/medium density fiberboard (MDF) construction lumber. In addition, some special types of lumber are used in certain industries, including the automotive industry, the building industry, and cabinetry applications.
Why Is Construction Lumber Used in Construction? One of the most obvious uses of lumber comes right from the very beginning of the construction process itself – flooring. Flooring is one of the most essential elements of construction because it determines the aesthetic appeal of the construction itself and therefore greatly affects the perceived value of the property. Hardwood flooring is typically preferred over carpet or linoleum because of its durability, and because hardwood is natural, you can be sure that it doesn’t have any negative side effects. As with any other flooring, regular maintenance is required in order to prolong its lifespan.
What’s Special About Split Lumbers? Split lumber is used extensively in construction. This type of lumber differs from whole logs because it has been divided during processing. The splits are usually present in the outer face or core of the logs. For instance, while wood beams may be completely straight, they can be split so that their joints are doubly reinforced. This ensures that the beams retain the same strength while being pretreated to resist damage from moisture and splinters.
Where Can I Get Construction Lumber? Construction lumber comes from all sorts of places. While the traditional source of construction lumber is lumber mills in the lumber country, it’s also available from your local home improvement stores and from the Internet. You’ll often find discounted lumber online, which makes it easy to get the lumber that you need at a good price. And even if you don’t live anywhere near a lumber mill or home improvement store, there are lots of specialty lumberyards that specialize in quality construction lumber for your home or business.
What’s the Difference Between Different Graded lumber? The difference between the grade (or types) of lumber is often significant. Some types of lumber, such as redwood or cedar, are naturally straight. Others, like pine or spruce, are slightly wavy. Regardless of the grade, these two types of wood are the most commonly used in construction projects.
Paneling is the Answer: Choosing paneling for construction projects can be a big decision. If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, it’s a good idea to ask a professional what plywood or paneling is best for your project. A qualified expert will know the pros and cons of different options, and he or she can help you figure out which material is right for your needs. In many cases, paneling can be purchased in unfinished forms that you can then install yourself. For busy individuals, this can be a great way to cut down on installation costs, while also increasing the final look of your finished product.
The Power of Weatherization: Did you know that wood can actually be an effective deterrent against decay and weather damage? Wood is full of natural oils that resist decay and warping, so if your building construction projects are in areas with frequent changes in temperature from season to season, consider wood as your primary building material. Even if your home is in a mild or stable climate, your wood flooring and furniture will last longer than typical particleboard or Veneer options. Your home will continue to look good for years to come, even in conditions that would normally attack other lumber materials.