Lumber which is typically known as Timber is simply a wood that is used for building & construction, paper production, furniture making, flooring, art work, wood toy etc. It is generally supplied rough & unfinished. Choosing the right wood is not an easy task. This requires some knowledge from professional and careful evaluation. Timber is available in wide range of quality and appearance depending on the type of tree it has been taken from. Therefore, they vary in their price, usage and strength.
Lumber is cut to standardized length, width and depth as per the requirement. This standardized lumber is called as Dimensional lumber or finished lumber. Such dimensional lumber is available up to 24 ft. Lumber is pre cut and made available in various dimensions so that it can be readily used and saves time as well. As per dimensions, it can be cut either into board or square timber. Dimensional lumber is also classified as per the nature of the lumber that is soft wood lumber and hard wood lumber. Soft wood lumber is commonly used for construction purposes whereas hard wood lumber is used for furniture making.
Lumber is quite durable under the proper conditions. However, it is prone to some imperfections. These imperfections are also called as defects. Defects are caused at different stages of lumber processing & storing. The most commonly occurring defects during processing are marks, signs, depressions etc on the surface of processed lumber. Hence, processing calls for a careful approach as it affects the pricing of lumber. Another defect is caused by fungus attack. Lumber generally has a moisture content of 25 % and if the weather conditions are warm, fungus attack becomes easy. It reduces the shelf life of the lumber. Lumber is also attacked by beetles and ants. Thus, it becomes important that lumber should be stored under appropriate conditions to increase the shelf life.
Lumber industry has become a big industry these days. One can find lot of brands offering various types of lumber suiting one's requirement. It is vital to know your requirement well and an understanding of the products offered by various brands before you place an order. Lumber pricing is one hot aspect which also affects our buying decision along with features and uses of lumber. You must evaluate the prices offered by various vendors, negotiate on the rates by asking certain discounts and then place an order. Numerous companies offer an option of buying lumber on line. This channel helps reduce the time involved. You must go through the company's website and do a need analysis, look for better prices and product and then place an order. Online facility speeds up the entire process of identifying stocks, buying and delivery of the stocks. You can not only buy the lumber but also can place the order of a particular design in which you are looking it for. Finished products are also featured on line and in case if your requirement is to buy a finished product; you may directly do so through such on line offerings. However, it is very important to do your home work well in terms of your requirement, budget, quality, lumber pricing etc before you zero upon a supplier.
