Lumber Yard Near Me
While box stores such as Home Depot and Lowes have stolen the thunder from many a local lumber yards, there is still something to be said for visiting a yard and picking out your own lumber for a project. Whether you’re looking to add a deck on to your home or finally build that tree house, a lumber yard offers a great wealth of options and pricing to help you complete your project today.
Ready to find a lumber yard near you? Simply browse lumber yard near me on the map below and find a list of lumber yards in your local area today! Need a bit more information on lumber and lumber yards? How about the difference between hardwoods and softwoods? Read on for facts, trivia, and more!
Lumber Yard Near Me – Find it on the Map
Lumber Yard Near Me – Lumber Yard Trivia
Which states produce the most lumber?
Lumbering is a major part of the American economy, but not every state is capable of producing the type of lumber used commercially or for building. Which states actually produce the most lumber? Consider this as you search lumber yard near me. According to statistics, in the United States, Maine initially took the lead in production when logging first became popular. As the industry spread and took off, the forests in the western half of the United States acquired increasing importance and soon Oregon, Washington, and California became leading producers in lumber. Still, Maine is often deemed the top lumber producer in the United States. How does your state stack up against these lumber producing giants? Do you live in one of the top lumber producing states in the US or is your state famous for something else. Sound off below and represent your state!
A lumber yard is a great place to buy lumber for large scale projects
When did logging begin in the United States?
Logging has roots as far back as the early settlers who first claimed American land hundreds of years ago. Lumber and logging has always been a part of American history and the development of logging was instrumental in growing the original colonies and eventually the states. So when did logging begin in the United States? Consider this as you search lumber yard near me. Logging first became popular in the early 1600s. Since that time, the lumber industry has and will always continue to be a staple for life and in the past was essential for surviving, building homes, staying warm, and even making money. Want to know the reason you hear about the heroic folklore lumberjack Paul Bunyan and his famed blue ox Babe? That’s because Bunyan came to represent the hard work and labor involved in the logging industry and the American spirit that personifies those involved in the industry. Lumber is still a massive industry in the United States and abroad to this day. After all, we’ll always have a need to build infrastructure, homes, and even improvements.
Lumber Yard Near Me – Lumber Yard Facts
Hardwoods vs. Softwoods
Before visiting the lumber yard or searching lumber yard near me, you’ll want to know the difference between hardwoods and softwoods. Not all are suitable for certain projects and you’ll need to choose the right wood for your needs. The terms “hardwood” and “softwood” are very deceiving, ad there are types of each which can actually defy their names’ implications. Hardwoods are actually derived from deciduous trees and include woods such as mahogany, oak, birch, and walnut. Softwoods tend to come from evergreen conifer trees, including pine, cedar, fir, and spruce. Generally flooring comes from hardwoods as do many types of furniture. Pine and cedar can also be used for woodworking projects or furniture, but tend not to be as well suited due to their softness.
Hardwood Grades
Just there are different types of woods, there are different types of wood grades. Hardwood grades and softwood grades are different, yet you’ll want to know both as you search lumber yard near me. The National Hardware Lumber Association has actually established standards for grading lumber that are based on the exact number of defects on a single board. The highest grade of hardwood is FAS (firsts and seconds), followed by lower designations that include, Select, No. 1 common, and No. 2 common. Remember, when buying lumber, know the type of wood you’ll need for the project at hand.
Softwood Grades
As you search lumber yard near me, you’ll also want to be aware of softwood grades. Softwoods are actually split into categories and graded according to lumber standards. Dimensional or “construction” lumber is graded on strength, while “appearance” and lumber used as remanufactured lumber are boards that provide the raw material for other products. The two primary grades are Finish, followed by Select. Each correspond with letters A, B, C, and D as sub-grades. The further down the alphabet you go, the more defects exist in the woods. Now that you know lumber grades and types, you can choose the best lumber for your next project.
