Framing lumber refers to the grade of lumber that is used in the process of framing a house. Similarly, structural wood is another name for framing lumber. Because of its technological features, it is well suited for usage in circumstances requiring extensive spans.
Lumber And Its Applications
Lumber is the term used to describe trees that have been cut down but have not been further processed. Most people see lumber cut to uniform dimensions and sold commercially for use in buildings. In Canada and the United States, timber is often called lumber.
In addition to its use in general construction, timber may also be put to a variety of other everyday purposes, such as the construction of pallets, the fabrication of crates and boxes, the use of lumber in landscaping, the construction of boats and ships, building docks and bridges, as well as the use of weather-resistant lumber in parks and recreational areas.
Categories Of Lumber
There are two significant categories of lumber:
Hardwood
The bark of trees is used to make hardwood lumber. Many kinds of hardwood exist, including oak, mahogany, ash, maple, hickory, teak, birch, walnut, and mahogany. Flooring, cabinets, and cabinets all make use of hardwood.
Softwood
Coniferous trees are the source of lumber known as softwood. The categories of pine, fir, spruce, cedar, and redwood are considered softwoods. The moisture is quickly absorbed by softwood. It’s only used in residential buildings. The cost of softwood is far lower than that of hardwood.
Characteristics Of Lumber
- One of the lumber’s most distinguishing features is how the wood’s grain stands out.
- The majority of uses for lumber involve the construction industry.
- The requisite density of the lumber woods must be met for them to be utilized as beams.
- Lumber grains are necessary for the aesthetically pleasing look of wood.
Numerous Varieties Of Lumber
In addition to the grades described so far, various species of lumber may be purchased in a wide range of pre-cut configurations to fulfill the requirements of multiple applications.
Furring
Furring timber is used for finishing touches on drywall and paneling, as well as for edging and other finishing touches. It is unfinished timber with compact dimensions, which makes it ideal for use in areas with limited space.
Finished Lumber
Along with its usage in furring, this sort of wood is suitable for use in paneling and trim, but it is also ideal for use in decking, siding, and furniture. In addition, because the timber has been sanded and treated, it has a higher degree of visual appeal.
Tongue and Groove
The tongue planks slide into the matching slots in the groove planks of tongue and groove timber, creating a close fit between the two types of planks. This lumber may be used for various purposes, including paneling, artistic treatments, flooring, subflooring, and siding.
Shiplap
Shiplap is paneling that may be assembled similarly to tongue and groove. But, on the other hand, the arrangement is not the same. Iinstead, each plank has an edge that either slides below or rests on top of the edge of an adjacent plank.
Glue Laminate
Glue laminate is a popular option for rafters, beams, and joists because it is obtained by piling dimensional lumber (flat) and laminating until they cohere into one functional component.
Micro-laminate
Micro-laminate is produced like glue laminate, comprising separate pieces of veneer that have been bonded together. Therefore, the typical uses of glue laminate also apply to this material.
Importance Of Framing Lumber
Construction Simplicity
Beams, joists, and studs made of wood may all be cut on-site to the desired dimensions; however, heavy machinery is not necessary for this construction.
Construction At A Rapid Pace
Some of the components, including the frame, may be prefabricated, allowing for better control over the features and reducing the required time required for construction.
Viability
In contrast, to the concrete and steel used in constructing other structures, trees are a renewable resource that may be found in plenty across the continent of North America.
Benefits Of Carbon Capture
Trees take in carbon from the environment during their life cycle, but when they die and decay, they release all that stored carbon back into the ground and the air. However, if a home is built out of wood, the carbon produced during its construction is sequestered for at least the duration the structure stays standing.
Insulation
Wood has low thermal conductivity compared to other materials such as glass, concrete, and steel. This means that wood is better at keeping the heat in, providing more energy efficiency.
Enhanced Levels Of Air Quality
According to several studies, the air quality in buildings constructed out of wood is superior, with less hazardous emissions, compared to the air quality in buildings built out of other materials.
Conclusion
Excelsior Lumber Company can assist you in deciding on the kind of framing material most suited for the project you are working on. Our experts can evaluate your design goals and provide recommendations for frame solutions that are economical.
In case you have decided on lumber framin g your entire house, our team will work with your architect and other necessary disciplines to develop a design that is compatible with your structure. Contact us for a free quote today!
