Planning Your Next Project? What To Consider When Choosing The Lumber
If you're tackling a home improvement project that requires lumber, you need to know what to look for. A lot of thought should go into the purchase of the lumber you're going to use, especially for a home improvement project. If you've never purchased lumber before, you may need some help. Here are four simple tips that will help you choose the right lumber for your home improvement project.
Consider Structural Grade
When it comes to choosing lumber for a home improvement project, the first thing you need to do is consider the actual purpose. Whenever you purchase lumber, you need to ensure that it makes the grade. You might not realize this, but lumber should be selected based on the particular grade. Each grade is used for specific purposes. If you choose the wrong grade, you might not run into trouble with building permits and zoning codes. This is especially true if the lumber will be used for a remodeling project or an outdoor deck.
Consider the Location
If you're getting ready to purchase lumber for your home improvement project, you need to consider the location — specifically, exterior or exterior. Depending on where you'll be building, you may need to consider environmental factors. For instance, if you're planning an outdoor project, the lumber you choose will need to hold up to extreme heat and cold, as well as moisture. If you choose the wrong lumber for your exterior projects, you could end up with significant problems, including weather damage.
Consider Options
When you're ready to choose the lumber for your next project, don't forget to consider all of the options. This is especially important where wood types are concerned. Some of the options to consider include wood type, and hardness. Hardwoods, such as oak or mahogany, are good for furniture projects. Softwoods, such as pine and redwood, are great for outdoor decks and fences. Before you buy your lumber, make sure you know whether you'll need hardwood or softwood.
Consider Finish
Finally, if you're in the market for lumber for your next home project, you'll want to think about the finish. If you're building a fence, you can use lumber that has a rough finish. You can also choose a rough finish if the lumber will be used to provide a hidden framework. But, if your lumber will be exposed, you want to choose a smoother finish for your project.
